Associate Director of Graphic Design
The Shed · New York City · $95,000–$100,000 (stated in the posting)
About The Shed
The Shed is a cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent non-profit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.
About the Position
The Associate Director of Graphic Design plays a key role in The Shed’s Marketing and Communications team, leading the development and execution of its visual identity across exhibitions, performances, marketing campaigns, editorial content, and the physical environment. Working closely with the Editorial Director, the position helps define and distinguish The Shed’s visual presence within the cultural sector, ensuring that graphic design advances and reflects the institution’s artistic and organizational objectives. The Associate Director of Graphic Design must be an exceptional, independent designer with a broad range of skills who can collaborate with colleagues across the organization and external creative partners.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to
- Lead and produce graphic design for The Shed, including promotional and advertising materials, publications, exhibition graphics, signage, event invitations, membership materials, institutional communications, branded merchandise, email templates, and other projects as required
- Develop and execute art direction for Shed programs, including commissioning and directing photographers, motion designers, illustrators, videographers, and other visual artists
- Contract and manage freelance designers, consultants, and other creative partners as appropriate to project needs
- Manage and evolve the quality, consistency, and integrity of The Shed’s visual identity, ensuring it aligns with institutional objectives and distinguishes The Shed within the cultural sector and beyond
- Identify institutional initiatives requiring graphic design or art direction expertise
- Work collaboratively with the Editorial Director and colleagues across departments to coordinate the development and production of design across channels
- Oversee graphic design for The Shed’s building, including wayfinding and coordination with signage consultants
- Establish project scopes, schedules, budgets, and design requirements with interdepartmental teams and external partners
- Act as liaison with outside vendors, printers, fabricators, consultants, and other production partners
- Represent The Shed in design and art direction discussions with external collaborators and organizations
- Present design work and recommendations to senior staff, internal stakeholders, and external partners
Qualifications and Qualities
- 9+ years of professional experience in a graphic design–related field, preferably within the contemporary performing arts or visual arts
- BFA in graphic design preferred
- Strong teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills, and building/maintaining collaborative relationships
- Excellent judgment and ability to juggle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment
- Strong client-facing communication and project management skills
- Strong typographic ability
- Strong image-making ability
- Strong attention to detail
Technical Skills
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite required, including After Effects animation
- Experience working with spatial elevations
- Experience ensuring quality in preparing files for print production
- Cinema 4D/Blender experience is a plus
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $95k – $100k. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Application Process
Interested candidates should complete an application and submit a résumé and cover letter in a Word or PDF document saved as the candidate's first and last name through our Career Center. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed.
The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.