Creative Director

$80,000 - $90,000/Yr

Mingei International Museum - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Diego, CA

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions

About the position

Mingei International Museum, located in San Diego's iconic Balboa Park, is seeking a Creative Director to lead its marketing and design initiatives. Founded in 1978, the Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting folk art, craft, and design from all eras and cultures. The Creative Director will report directly to the Executive Director & CEO and will be responsible for articulating a creative vision that aligns with the Museum's mission of inspiring creativity and cultural engagement. This role requires a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring that all marketing and design solutions are cohesive, impactful, and persuasive. The Creative Director will champion human-centered design across all Museum initiatives, guiding efforts to meet the needs of diverse audiences. In this position, the Creative Director will oversee the Museum's brand identity, ensuring consistency across all communication channels and materials. They will collaborate with senior leadership to define marketing objectives and develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the Museum's visibility. The role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate design and visual storytelling into exhibition development, as well as managing the Museum's Marketing & Design department. The ideal candidate will possess a mastery of design, effective project management skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. The Creative Director will also supervise a team of marketing and design professionals, providing leadership and guidance to foster a culture of creativity and excellence. Responsibilities include managing relationships with external partners, developing department budgets, and representing the Museum at community events. This full-time position requires in-person work at the Museum and offers a salary range of $80,000 - $90,000 per year, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the museum's brand identity, ensuring integrity and consistency across all communication channels, materials and environments.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define marketing objectives, target audiences, and key performance indicators.
• Lead the development of comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance the museum's brand and visibility.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment and integration of brand, visitor-centered design, and marketing initiatives.
• Integrate design and visual storytelling into exhibition development, including labels, didactics, and experiential elements.
• Design and/or oversee development of compelling print and digital communication, including newsletters, emails, brochures, ads, building signage, event promotion, and membership/fundraising materials.
• Coordinate department communication and manage production schedules with print and fabrication vendors.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including advertising agencies, designers, and media outlets.
• Identify and analyze audience demographics and preferences to inform marketing strategies and initiatives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the marketing and design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
• Supervise staff content producer, photographer, and graphic designer, and manage annual graphic design internship program.
• Develop department budgets, demonstrate prudent fiscal management, and contribute to annual and strategic planning.
• Monitor department performance and workload, contributing to measuring progress against goals for the organization.
• Represent the Museum at events and community functions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years experience as a graphic designer or marketing professional.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a creative leadership role, preferably within a cultural institution or nonprofit organization.
• Strong creative point of view and aesthetic sense, demonstrated in a portfolio of work.
• Deep understanding of audience-centered design principles and design-thinking methodologies.
• Well-rounded experience in digital and print design, preferably with way-finding and experiential design practices.
• Familiarity with multi-channel marketing strategies and practices.
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience managing and inspiring a team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
• High proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, familiarity preparing files for production and working with outside vendors and printers.
• Ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day operations.
• Strong project and budget management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Marketing, Fine Arts, or a related field.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with museums or other nonprofits.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and editing in Spanish.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance