Summary of the Graphic Designer job at virginiamoca

POSITION: Graphic Designer 

TYPE: Full-time, Salaried 

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

DEPARTMENT: Marketing 

REPORTS TO: Director of Marketing 

SUMMARY 

The Graphic Designer is responsible for creating visual communications that support Virginia MOCA's exhibitions, public programs, fundraising initiatives, events, membership efforts, and institutional branding. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, this position serves as the museum's primary in-house design resource and collaborates with staff across departments to produce high-quality print and digital materials that engage visitors, members, donors, sponsors, and the broader community. 

The ideal candidate combines strong design skills, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible and compelling visual communications. This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the visual identity and visitor experience of Virginia MOCA’s new museum, bringing creativity and consistency to the ways audiences encounter contemporary art. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Design & Brand Management 

• Design and produce print and digital materials that support exhibitions, programs, membership, fundraising initiatives, events, visitor engagement, and museum operations. 

• Maintain Virginia MOCA's visual identity and develop creative solutions that support the museum's mission, programs, and initiatives. 

• Prepare production-ready files for print vendors and digital distribution. 

Exhibition, Educational & Community Engagement Materials 

• Collaborate with Exhibitions and Education staff to develop exhibition graphics, wall text layouts, gallery signage, interpretive materials, educational resources, and promotional assets 

• Create materials that support school tours, workshops, lectures, family programs, camps, and community engagement initiatives. 

• Translate exhibition themes and complex ideas into visually engaging, accessible, and audience-centered designs. 

Fundraising, Membership & Event Design 

• Design materials that support fundraising campaigns, membership initiatives, donor stewardship, sponsorships, grant proposals, capital campaigns, and corporate partnerships. 

• Create branding, invitations, presentations, signage, environmental graphics, and promotional materials for museum programs, special events, and the Boardwalk Art Show. 

Visitor Experience & Operations 

• Develop and update wayfinding signage, visitor information graphics, facility signage, and operational communications. 

• Coordinate production specifications, vendor relationships, installation logistics, and branded templates that support museum operations. 

Project Management & Collaboration 

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy. 

• Collaborate with staff across departments and external vendors to deliver effective design solutions. 

• Maintain organized digital files, templates, archives, and project documentation. 

• Stay informed about design trends, accessibility standards, and emerging technologies relevant to the museum field. 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 

• Five or more years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in a museum, nonprofit, arts, cultural, or agency environment. 

• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in print and digital design. 

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat. 

• Understanding of print production processes, typography, layout, color management, and environmental graphics. 

• Experience designing exhibition graphics, interpretive materials, and large-format environmental signage preferred. 

• Familiarity with accessibility standards for digital and print communications preferred. 

• Experience with Canva, Figma, motion graphics, video editing, photography, illustration, email marketing platforms, or web content management systems is a plus. 

• Creativity and visual storytelling. 

• Attention to detail. 

• Strong collaboration and communication skills. 

• Project management and organizational skills. 

• Adaptability and problem-solving abilities. 

• Audience-centered thinking and an appreciation for museums, arts, culture, and public engagement. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Primarily office-based with occasional work in gallery and event spaces. 

• May require occasional evening or weekend hours for exhibition openings, special events, or installation deadlines. 

• Ability to occasionally lift and transport presentation, exhibition, or signage materials. 

COMPENSATION 

Salary Range:  $60,000/year

Virginia MOCA strives to foster an inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with disabilities, and others who have been marginalized in the arts and cultural sector, to apply. 

No phone calls or walk-ins, please. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. 

Applicants should submit a resume and portfolio demonstrating relevant design experience.

Virginia MOCA Benefits Summary

• PTO
• Sick Days
• 10 paid Holidays
• 2 Floating Holidays
• Health (Sentara) – Virginia MOCA pays 70% of Individual’s premium
• Dental (Delta Dental) – at employee’s expense
• Vision (Delta Vision) – at employee’s expense
• FSA
• Basic Life Insurance (Principal) – fully paid by Virginia MOCA
• Short-term disability (Principal) – fully paid by Virginia MOCA
• Long-term disability (Principal) – fully paid by Virginia MOCA
• 401K

Virginia MOCA is committed to maintaining a competitive compensation and benefits package for our employees. This package is updated periodically and is subject to change.