Graphic Designer

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Posting Date: November 2026

Job Department: Marketing

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site/Hybrid

Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a Graphic Designer to support the National Aquarium’s marketing and campus needs through print, digital, experiential, and environmental graphic design. Working with Marketing, internal clients, subject matter experts, and external vendors, the Designer creates publications, advertising, digital content, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, wayfinding, and operational signage. The role translates approved content and project goals into clear, engaging designs that reflect the Aquarium’s brand and support accessible guest experiences. Based in Marketing and reporting to the Design Manager, this individual contributor coordinates assigned design work from concept through production and installation.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Essential responsibilities include:

· Develop and apply a rich understanding of the Aquarium's mission, with a thoughtful application of brand aesthetic and guidelines.

· Maintain a consistent brand look and feel for all aspects of design while still evolving designs in ways that are fresh, new, and on trend.

· Conceptualize and design print and digital, cross-channel marketing pieces as well as projects for the National Aquarium’s campus needs, including but not limited to: social media graphics; illustrations; infographics; presentations; print media such as brochures, posters, and flyers; in-building support such as graphics for on-site experiences, exhibits, and operational signage.

· Contribute to the growth of digital campaign tactics by researching and implementing new trends and strategies.

· Design environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, and wayfinding that integrate Aquarium brand and operational standards with guest needs and the physical setting.

· Actively participate in creative brainstorming across all creative disciplines.

· Communicate creative concepts to stakeholders, articulate creation rationale clearly and effectively.

· Maintain organized design assets, production files, and campus signage documentation to support consistent use, updates, and replacement.

· Collaborate with VP of Planning & Design, Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, and other subject matter experts to translate approved interpretive content into clear, engaging visual designs.

· Prepare production-ready artwork and specifications for large-format graphics and signage, including dimensions, materials, finishes, and installation requirements.

· Coordinate with printers, fabricators, and installers to review proofs and samples, confirm design quality, and support installation within approved schedules and budgets.

· Develop mockups and prototypes to evaluate readability, placement, accessibility, and guest understanding before production.

· Respond to assigned campus graphic and signage requests through the established work-order process, coordinate requirements and deadlines with internal clients, and flag priority conflicts to the Design Manager.

· Assess existing graphics and signage and prepare updates or replacements for damaged, outdated, or degraded materials in coordination with relevant teams.

· Support company mission.

· Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

· Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Arts, Graphic Design, or another design-related field or equivalent experience.

· 3-4 years of relevant professional design experience, including environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, or wayfinding.

· Strong layout and design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) required.

· Knowledge of animation, motion graphics, After Effects, data visualization, and production processes preferred.

· Knowledge of environmental graphic design, wayfinding principles, and the relationship between graphics, interpretive content, and physical spaces.

· Working knowledge of large-format printing, graphic fabrication, materials, finishes, and installation considerations.

· Ability to apply accessibility, legibility, and visitor-centered design principles to on-site graphics and signage.

· Ability to create scaled mockups and production documentation and coordinate technical requirements with fabricators and installers.

· Acute attention to detail, accuracy, creativity, and self-motivation are needed.

· Ability to take constructive input and adjust designs as needed to accomplish project goals.

· Capable of juggling multiple projects and thriving in both independent and team-based work environments.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate creative ideas effectively.

· Familiarity with project management software.

· Portfolio required with submission, including examples of print, digital, and environmental or exhibit graphic design.

· Experience in a cultural attraction, experiential marketing, or agency role a plus.

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Salary range ($45,000-$55,699 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.