Principal FunctionThe Design Specialist produces marketing materials for print and digital platforms under the supervision of the Graphic Designer. This entry-level role translates design direction into high-quality deliverables that support Conner Prairie's marketing and communications objectives.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDuties include, but are not limited to:
Design Production
- Produces print and digital materials, such as event collateral, brochures, flyers, digital display graphics, email templates, and visitor signage, under the direction of the Graphic Designer.
- Executes design concepts and layout revisions in line with Conner Prairie's brand standards and the Graphic Designer's vision.
- Prepares and packages files for print production, ensuring all specifications are met before submitting to vendors.
- Assists with coordinating and installing signage and displays as directed.
- Supports exhibition and in-gallery graphic needs in collaboration with the Graphic Designer and other staff.
Social Media & Digital Graphics
- Creates platform-formatted graphics for Instagram, Facebook, and other active channels, including feed posts, Stories, and Reels covers.
- Designs digital event flyers and promotional graphics for social distribution, adaptable for email and web use.
- Produces video support assets such as title cards, lower thirds, end cards, and graphic overlays for Reels and YouTube content.
- Designs thumbnails and cover images for video content across platforms.
- Develops and maintains branded templates for recurring content types such as event promos, program announcements, and seasonal campaigns.
- Resizes and adapts design assets for use across digital platforms and varying format requirements.
- Assists with basic photo editing and image retouching for marketing purposes.
Collaboration & Operations
- Collaborates with MarCom team members and other departments to fulfill design requests promptly.
- Maintains organized working files and assists with managing the digital asset library.
- Communicates proactively regarding project status, timelines, and production issues.
- Participates in team meetings and contributes ideas that support the department's creative output.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Education and/or ExperienceAssociate's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and demonstrated design experience will be considered.
QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
CompetenciesTo perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping ones emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
- Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
- Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
- Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Quality/Quantity - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to promote and improve quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity and works quickly.
- Safety/Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
- Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and events on time; Follows instructions; Responds to management's direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.
Job-Related CompetenciesTo perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
- Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
- Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
- Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
Education and/or ExperienceAssociate's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and demonstrated design experience will be considered.
Other Skills and Abilities - Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
- Skilled in typography, color theory, and layout composition.
- Familiar with social media graphic formats and platform requirements.
- Ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines with strong attention to detail.
- Strong collaboration and clear communication skills.
- A portfolio demonstrating creative range across print and digital work is required.
- Familiarity with motion graphics or short-form video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects) preferred.
- Experience with email marketing design platforms such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact preferred.
- Familiarity with project management software such as ClickUp preferred.
- Interest in history, cultural institutions, or informal education environments preferred.
- Basic understanding of ADA accessibility standards for print and digital design preferred.
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently will stand; walk; and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee occasionally will climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).
Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is exposed to working in wet or humid conditions (non-weather), and outdoor weather conditions. The employee will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, near fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, and work with explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
Conner Prairie is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. This position will be required to work beyond these hours and when open for special events.
