About the Walker Design Studio

The Walker presents a world-class program of exhibitions, screenings, performances, and public events from its 19-acre campus, which includes the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the 1971 building by Edward Larrabee Barnes, and a 2005 expansion by Herzog and de Meuron. Unique among American museums, the design studio creates all of the in-house design materials for the Walker, from signage and wayfinding to marketing and exhibition identities. In addition, the studio hosts the annual Insights Design Lecture Series and serves as an incubator for design talent through its influential Design Fellowship.

About the role

Walker Art Center is seeking a Senior Designer to join its award-winning in-house design studio. This pivotal role will work closely with our Design Director in the hands-on creation of exhibition identities, publications, marketing campaigns, digital assets, and print collateral. This position will also work in partnership with the Design Director and Design Studio Manager to insure the timely completion of all studio projects. This is an incredible opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s great arts institutions, and the successful candidate will combine exceptional visual design and typographic skills with intelligence, generosity, and a broad engagement with art, design, and culture.

What you get to do

• Collaborates with curators and marketing in the design of exhibition graphics, wall labels, and advertising in association with Walker gallery exhibitions, including routing proofs, obtaining price quotes, and overseeing production and installation of exhibition graphics
• Works closely with curators in the design of Walker publications and exhibition catalogs, from ideation, editing, and production in InDesign to obtaining print quotes and supervising production on press
• Works with colleagues across all departments to design print materials, including posters, seasonal mailers, and creation of the quarterly Walker Magazine in collaboration with editors and contributors as well as proofing and print production
• Design of marketing campaigns for individual exhibitions and season awareness, including billboards, bus shelters, posters, and print and digital advertisements in close collaboration with the Walker’s Marketing Department and copywriter
• Partnering with Marketing in the creation of digital assets, including features on walkerart.org, social media posts, and video to promote Walker exhibitions and programs
• Work with Vistor Experience and Director of Operations in the design of wayfinding, signage, and systems to help visitors navigate the Walker campus
• Design of Walker brand and identity materials
• Participation in project kick-offs, status meetings, and creative reviews to stay aligned with creative process and ensure adherence to timelines
• Mentor fellow designers and serve as an ambassador for the Walker to the wider design community

What we need in you

• Minimum 5 years of professional design experience required
• A working knowledge of HTML5, CSS, and basic web design is required
• Experience in the creation of design identities for commercial and/or cultural clients preferred
• Familiarity with the design and production of books and publications encouraged
• Must be comfortable with a range of design touch points, from print to digital and motion
• Hands-on approach to the work that is focused on organization and detail orientation
• Demonstrated experience being a generous collaborator
• Demonstrated experience with complex communication in partnership with excellent presentation skills required
• Must have active participation in, and ongoing familiarity with, design discourse
• Must supply a portfolio of work that demonstrates mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk

Job Specifications

• This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $70,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation

The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment

The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline

All positions are open until filled.