MASS MoCA seeks a Sr. Manager, Brand & Graphic Design with a desire to work in a dynamic, mission-driven, museum environment. The Sr. Manager, Brand & Graphic Design reports to the Director of Communications & Content (C+C) to manage all branded graphic design development, production and related budgets. The position engages with key stakeholders throughout the museum (curators, creative producers, advancement, and others) to assess needs, audiences and project timelines. The position is an experienced art director and graphic designer, and manages in-house graphic designers and freelance designers as needed. The position also partners with other senior managers in the Communications & Content department to maintain alignment with marketing campaign objectives, audience development goals and branded content development, while also balancing workflow within the design team. 

This is a newly created position to support a critical and exciting time of MASS MoCA’s growth and positioning within the context of new leadership and recently announced 7-year strategic plan. The successful candidate will enjoy being part of a team that takes a collaborative approach to designing in a fast-paced, highly adaptive environment. The candidate must match a high standard of institutional design and pragmatic know-how and work efficiently. Proven experience managing multiple projects with an eye for design excellence, with diverse working groups and simultaneous deadlines is crucial. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Devise and develop original ideas for marketing, promotional and organizational materials (digital and print) in collaboration with members of the C+C team that enhance MASS MoCA’s brand identity, align and incorporate existing artist assets, and drive audience engagement across various platforms
• Be the first point of contact for all internal stakeholder design requests to the C+C department including visual arts, public programs, The Studios at MASS MoCA, performing arts and advancement to clarify scope, audience and timelines for design projects
• Supervises and manages in-house Designers; supervises and manages their day-to-day duties and performance, makes critical decisions in personnel management including hiring, performance management, scheduling, mentoring, discipline and implementing institutional policies and procedures.  
• Supervises and manages temporary employees or freelance photographers, illustrators, and animators as needed for creative production; Stay up-to-date with available talent for commissioning among photographers, illustrators, typographers and videographers through regularly reviewing their books and showreels
• Oversee and supervise the creative process, from concept development to final execution, ensuring consistency and quality in all design deliverables
• Present ideas to the Director of Communications & Content and key department stakeholders for approval and development, and amend the look as needed through several stages of concepts and executions
• Produce sketches, visual references and storyboards to convey the concept to project teams as needed
• Ensure funder and sponsorship credits are accurate and approved by advancement teams
• Establish and manage project workflow and processes and communicate out to internal stakeholders - proactively communicate timelines and project updates.
• Keep designers, developers, producers and other creatives motivated while managing multiple projects to keep everyone and everything on track
• Oversee design elements for MASS MoCA website and other marketing platforms, as well as wayfinding  

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communication, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 7 years of in-house or agency experience (museum/nonprofit experience preferred)
• Experience managing and supervising staff, with proven leadership in performance management, resource allocation and conflict resolution
• Proficiency in both print (collateral, direct mail, advertising) and digital (web, digital display and social media) content development required
• Confidence and determination to inquire about needed information including the who (audience), what (format) and when (timeline) of each design request
• Art direction and copy editing experience required
• Proven track record of successfully managing a high volume of complex projects within a dynamic organization
• Strong understanding of the creative process, production, and digital file formats
• Photoshop and InDesign fluency required
• Collaborate effectively & efficiently with cross-functional teams and external partners both in person and remotely
• Experience with project management tools to track, organize and share information with communications and content team
• Experience requesting printing quotes and managing production process from concept, through design to final production

Key Attributes:

• Be able to effectively prioritize with strong time management skills
• Highly motivated and hardworking, continuing through until goals are complete
• Ability to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, meet deadlines, and follow-through
• Ability to pair photography with editorial concepts
• Self-motivated, energetic learner
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proofreading
• Experience with Asana a plus
• Extremely well-organized, goal-oriented and high attention to detail
• Proactive, positive, dependable and able to work in a team environment

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods at desk and in front of a computer.  Must be able to wear PPE when necessary. This position may require extended hours, work on weekends, holidays, and for festivals and events.

MASS MoCA strongly encourages employees to be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Minimum starting annual salary: $68,000 (exempt)