Graphic Designer at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Graphic Designer

Job Profile Title

Designer, Publications Senior

Job Description Summary

The Graphic Designer plays a key role in ICA Philadelphia’s Communications Department, helping shape the museum’s visual identity and supporting its mission through creative design work. This position is responsible for producing a wide range of visual assets – both print and digital – that ensure ICA’s brand is consistently represented across all channels. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Content, the Graphic Designer will work closely with internal teams to develop high-quality design solutions for exhibitions, events, marketing, and other initiatives.

This role involves designing print materials like posters, brochures, and exhibition collateral, as well as digital content for ICA’s website, social media, and email campaigns. The Graphic Designer will ensure that all materials reflect ICA’s brand values and strategic goals, helping elevate the museum’s presence and public image.

Supporting ICA’s commitment to inclusivity and equity, this position requires a graphic designer who works collaboratively, values diverse perspectives, and actively contributes to a creative and inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong design sensibility, an eye for detail, and a passion for contemporary art.

The Graphic Designer must be a thoughtful, and clear communicator, have a strong attention to detail, an ability to organize and manage multiple projects, and a desire to work collaboratively while contributing to total team culture and effort.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Design & Visual Identity

• Lead the creation of high-quality, original design work for a variety of print and digital materials that align with ICA’s mission, brand, and strategic objectives. This includes: 
  • Print:  Designing exhibition collateral, program guides, posters, flyers, invitations, signage, brochures, and more. 
  • Digital: Creating graphics for ICA’s website, social media, email campaigns, digital ads, and online platforms. 
• Ensure the ICA brand is consistently represented across all materials, from high-profile exhibitions to day-to-day communications. 
• Develop unique, on-brand, relevant design identities for each exhibition, programs, events and other projects as requested.
• Work closely with internal teams, including curatorial, education, and development, to create design solutions that support the museum’s exhibitions, events, and programs. 
• Provide creative direction and art direction for special design projects, ensuring they meet artistic and functional requirements. 

Project Management & Production

• Manage the full design process from concept through completion, ensuring projects meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. 
• Collaborate with vendors, including printers, fabricators, and digital specialists, to ensure the seamless production of print and digital materials. 
• Oversee and review the production process, ensuring designs are executed with precision and maintaining ICA’s high standards.

Website and Digital Presence 

• Play an active role in maintaining and enhancing ICA Philadelphia’s online presence, ensuring the museum’s website is up-to-date, visually engaging, and reflective of ICA’s latest exhibitions and initiatives. 
• Create digital content for email campaigns, social media, and the museum’s digital platforms, ensuring all materials are visually consistent with ICA’s brand and effectively communicate the museum’s mission. 
• Contribute to the development of innovative design strategies for ICA’s digital communications, working to increase engagement and audience reach. 

Collaboration & Communication

• Support and collaborate with the Director of Communications and Content, and other key stakeholders, to ensure that design work aligns with strategic communication goals and helps elevate ICA’s brand presence. 
• Participate in brainstorming and creative sessions to generate fresh design ideas and solutions that align with ICA’s goals and objectives. 
• Collaborate effectively across departments to ensure design materials are aligned with exhibition narratives, educational goals, and institutional initiatives. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in graphic design, ideally in a cultural, museum, or arts-related environment.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), with experience in both print and digital design.
• Experience with website design, preferably with WordPress, and an understanding of digital content creation and layout best practices.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong design sensibility, and an ability to conceptualize and execute creative solutions in a variety of styles and formats.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with internal teams, external vendors, and stakeholders.
• Experience working with external vendors, such as printers and fabricators, is highly desirable.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of HTML/CSS and experience with responsive website design is a plus.
• Familiarity with video editing tools such as Adobe Premiere and an interest in motion graphics is desirable.
• A passion for contemporary art and a strong understanding of the visual identity needs of an arts institution.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to design challenges, with a focus on innovation and creativity.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Institute of Contemporary Art

Pay Range

$64,500.00 - $80,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay