Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled Freelance Editorial Graphic Designer to support our Marketing, Communications & Guest Services department. This contract role will collaborate closely with the Creative Services team to design and produce printed concert program books for the 2026-2027 season.
This role plays an important part in shaping the visual and editorial presentation of materials distributed at every performance. The position requires working hours ranging from 60-100 per month depending on production schedules.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a world-class arts organization and help shape the visual storytelling that thousands of concertgoers experience each week.
Key Responsibilities
Design and produce concert program books for the 2026-2027 season (August 2026 - May 2027), including:
- Classical Series
- Pops Series
- Dallas Symphony Presents Series
Translate complex editorial content into engaging, high-quality layouts, including:
- Artist biographies
- Program notes and repertoire information
- Sponsorship and donor listings
- Department updates and feature content
Additional Responsibilities
- Apply and adapt existing creative assets to align with established seasonal design templates and themes
- Ensure strict attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency across all materials
- Manage pagination and layout flow to meet required page counts and print specifications
- Prepare press-ready files following best practices for high-quality print production
- Work efficiently under tight deadlines and respond quickly to revisions and last-minute updates
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders across multiple departments to incorporate feedback
- Implement revisions accurately and thoughtfully while maintaining design integrity
- Conduct thorough quality control, reviewing spacing, alignment, formatting, and adherence to templates before submitting proofs
Requirements
- Proven experience in editorial graphic design, preferably in publishing, performing arts, or nonprofit environments
- Strong portfolio demonstrating layout design, typography, and print production work
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign required; Illustrator and Photoshop preferred)
- Solid understanding of print production processes, including pagination, file setup, and prepress standards
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Experience working with long-form content and high-volume text layouts is highly preferred
- Application submissions must include a portfolio showcasing relevant editorial and print design work
Schedule & Engagement
- Contract role averaging 60-100 hours per month
- Project-based work aligned with concert production schedules
- Flexible working hours, with availability for deadlines and revision cycles required
Salary Description
$50-65 hr