The National Aquarium · Maryland · posted today
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 The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet. How to Apply Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.
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