Aspen Art Museum

Position Title: Graphic Designer

Reports to: CEO and Director

Department: Design/Editorial

Employment Status: At-Will, Full-time

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt

General Purpose Statement

The Graphic Designer works as a part of the Design and Editorial team to design and produce a broad range of print and digital marketing materials for departments across the institution. Is responsible for creating and executing design concepts as well as maintaining visual appearance, usability, and brand continuity. The Designer will also assist with the design and production of publications for Aspen Art Press, the AAM’s publishing initiative. Position works closely with the Editor, Marketing and Special Events Department, and with other staff members on specific projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the CEO and Director to produce marketing materials and publications for the museum.
• Meet with clients from the AAM’s various departments to establish goals and desired outcomes for each project.
• Conceptualize and develop design solutions that clearly convey each project’s message and operate within the museum’s aesthetic and voice.
• Present design concepts to the CEO and Director and museum leadership.
• Work with the Editor and Copywriter on proofing the materials for print.
• Work with vendors to generate project quotes and ensure projects are produced on budget and to the highest standard of quality.
• Manage/prioritize multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.
• Manage the organization and maintenance of the museum’s image server.
• Proficient with content management software and knowledgeable of MailChimp.
• Manage and create design for the AAM’s weekly newsletter.
• Operate vinyl printer and cut vinyl for specific design projects.
  
• Oversee all building signage and make sure materials are up-to-date.
• With Guide Manager, track gallery guide and seasonal guide numbers for future print runs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of AAM and department policies and procedures.
• Independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload; recommend changes.
• Dependability, flexibility, and adaptability in a dynamic event-driven environment.
• Computer skills to complete forms and paperwork and to use email.
• Ability to read, understand, and complete written and verbal requests and work assignments.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently as well as an integral part of the team.
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures.
• Ability to represent the museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism, adhere to museum policies, and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
• Physically, mentally, and emotionally able to perform high-level volume in a fast-pace environment while remaining flexible to ever-changing event particulars.
• Must be able to remain calm in stressful situations and help resolve complaints with tact and courtesy.
• Knowledge of security operations, safety practices in a business environment, and enforcement procedures.
• Ability to anticipate, intervene, and prevent potentially harmful circumstances to artwork.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, product information manuals, and instructions.
• Attention to detail and the ability to stay alert.
• Ability to work on your feet for up to four to eight hours at a time during events.
• Ability to work positively with colleagues, artists, the public, Board of Trustees, donors, and volunteers.

Requirements and Qualifications

• BA in Graphic Design from an accredited college or university plus one to five years professional graphic design experience
• Macintosh proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator software, and strong typography skills.
• Firm grounding in visual design principles and the print design process.
• Working knowledge of interaction design (front-end development experience is a plus).
• Interest in contemporary arts and current cultural trends.
• Attention to detail and the ability to multitask under pressure in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Good communication and organizational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to take direction or to take initiative.
• Ability to represent the museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism, adhere to museum policies, maintain confidentiality, and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

Mental and Physical Abilities, Work Environment

• The ability to manage a deadline-driven workload while remaining flexible, calm, positive, and professional.
• The ability to lift twenty-five pounds of printed materials.
• Ability to sit at a computer station for at least seven to eight hours or more continuously.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with and resolve problems while remaining flexible.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to work positively with colleagues, artists, the public, Board of Trustees, donors, and volunteers.
• Required to use hands and arms to enter data and designs on a computer keyboard, reach, hold, lift, and move objects; talk and hear to effectively serve patrons; and to lift and carry boxes of printed materials and other items.
• May occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and to lift and move between thirty to fifty pounds without assistance.
• Work is mostly indoors, but will also require outdoor exposure when picking up materials from vendors.
• Appropriate staff dress is required at all times. See the Employee Manual for additional dress and grooming requirements.

Hours and Work Schedule

This is a salaried position requiring availability for weekend, day, evening, and holiday shifts. This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and will not receive overtime pay for all hours worked in excess of forty in a seven-day workweek or over twelve hours in a day.

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To apply, please send a letter of interest and a résumé in pdf format via email to: hr@aspenartmuseum.org

or mail to:

Aspen Art Museum
ATTN: Human Resources
637 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611