Digital Designer
The Smithsonian Institution is currently seeking an experienced Lead Digital Designer, as a part of the Smithsonian Enterprises’ Digital Services Group. This role will shape and lay the foundation for the design of digital revenue-generating activities and be integral in the creation of websites and digital creatives for new corporate and revenue generating products. The position will drive the digital editorial design for Smithsonian Media, working collaboratively with the editorial and consumer marketing teams for Smithsonian magazine on the appearance and content of the online publication. In addition, the Lead Digital Designer will work collaboratively with all Smithsonian Enterprises business units, providing digital design strategy and creative to be used for website development.
RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Create, maintain, and oversee the overall design direction and strategy for the Smithsonian magazine website (Smithsonianmag.com), with direct input from key stakeholders to maximize revenue goals and to unify the online and print magazine experiences.
• Communicate creative vision to business leaders and accept and translate feedback into fully functional design prototypes.
• Create, maintain, and oversee the overall design direction and strategy for Smithsonian.com, and work with internal stakeholders to provide guidance and direction on artwork collection and creation used to help populate the website. Somewhat repetitive from above
• Understand and evaluate the impact of designs created and how they impact web analytics. Use data from design decisions to optimize overall online experiences and to grow traffic and revenue.
• Develop A/B experiments that provide clear outcomes of success and drive higher revenue based on design changes.
• Work with the Director, Digital Services & Technology to evaluate the overall strategy of website designs and identify areas for testing and revenue growth.
• Create unit design and branding assets for any for-hire Digital Services projects and work closely with the brand guidelines from Smithsonian Institution to achieve overall uniformity.
• Provide creative direction and assignments to junior designers and freelancers to ensure their work integrates into the overall design strategy.
• Work with the media team to develop and manage new and existing digital assets for interactive native advertising and custom advertising campaigns. Work with New York Marketing team to collect materials used in the creation of digital experiences within the Smithsonian magazine website.
• Keep up to date on design trends and inform leadership on new opportunities for growth.
• Lead all Smithsonian magazine online editorial design requests that support the editorial staff and product.
• Lead design strategy for email for Smithsonian magazine.
• Create marketing assets to be used on websites, email, paid social, and paid search and evaluate the creatives to determine the best ROI.
• Provide support for the online creative for Smithsonian Journeys and their print team assisting in conversion of print materials into digital assets.
Requirements and Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university and/or 5-7 years of related experience training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Invision and Microsoft based applications.
• Fluency in web-based accessibility design standards.
• Strong experience and understand of online web site content management systems and analytics reporting tools.
• Experience driving decisions with A/B testing tools such as Google Optimize to test and provide insights into design decisions and revenue flow patterns.
• Experience with designing websites within content management systems, such as Django CMS, WordPress, Drupal, and Big Commerce.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary to carry out duties in an efficient and effective manner.
• Excellent research, organizational and analytical skills.
• Experience with Asana Project Management Tool.
• Ability to design and maintain world class websites for Smithsonian Enterprises at the highest level.
• Experience directing the work of freelancers and/or junior staff designers.
• Strong presentation and note taking skills.
• Strong understanding of website programming tools, with knowledge of a website’s HTML structure, HTML5, and experience using of web-based content management systems such as Django, Drupal, and WordPress.
• Fluent in Adobe Creative Suite products, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Fluent in designing for and understanding the requirements of UX based accessibility practices, including WCAG 2.0 & 2.1 AA guidelines.
• Strong familiarity with day-to-day website management and the tools utilized in all aspects of web work.
• Able to work both independently and within a team-oriented environment.
Salary range: $65,000 – $75,000 annually, commensurate with employment/education
To apply, please email resume and cover letter (including salary requirements) to SECareers@si.edu
We offer excellent benefits, commuter assistance, and a creative and dynamic work environment. The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Benefits include Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Annual and Sick Leave Accrual, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Program, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Local candidates preferred - Relocation expenses are not paid.
Final candidate selection will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a pre-employment background check and subsequent background investigation for a position classified as Low Risk. Appointment subject to a one-year probationary period. This is not a federal position. Candidates must be U.S. employment eligible without sponsorship. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs.
Effective November 22, 2021, Smithsonian Employees must be fully vaccinated for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, or have an approved Reasonable Accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the Smithsonian Institution, if after November 22. The Smithsonian Institution will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exemption from this requirement upon selection.
