Independent Contractor Graphic Design Jobs in Michigan

Marquee Arts is a Michigan based non-profit organization committed to keeping community inspiration alive through the preservation and programming of historic theaters. Curators of film, theater and live entertainment, we proudly oversee the operations, upkeep, and artistic direction of the Michigan and State theaters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Marquee Arts is the founding entity for Michigan's Cinetopia Film Festival and curator of the Not Just For Kids performance series. Rooted in Michigan's artistic history, the organization is committed to producing state of the art creative programming, unparalleled in diversity, quality and scope.

The Michigan & State Theaters are seeking a highly creative, concept-driven Graphic Design Manager to shape visual campaigns for films, live performances, festivals, fundraising, and cultural events.

This is a design-first role for someone who can transform an idea, film, artist, or event into original creative that makes people stop and look. One week you might create a campaign for a cult film screening; the next, design a poster for a nationally touring artist or develop the look for an immersive theater event.

Exceptional typography, composition, visual hierarchy, image manipulation, and cross-platform design skills are essential.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Graphic Design & Creative Direction

• Conceptualize and design original visual campaigns for films, live events, festivals, fundraising, membership, and community programming.
• Create high-quality posters, advertisements, print collateral, digital assets, signage, merchandise, and in-venue creative.
• Translate the personality and audience of each program into a distinctive visual identity, from sophisticated and cinematic to bold, playful, experimental, or unexpected.
• Demonstrate exceptional use of typography, layout, composition, color, visual hierarchy, and imagery.
• Develop key art and campaign systems that translate effectively across print, digital, advertising, and physical spaces.
• Bring fresh ideas and creative approaches to the marketing team while working effectively with artist, studio, sponsor, intern, and partner assets.

Print Design & Production

• Design professional, print-ready materials including posters, advertisements, programs, direct mail, signage, brochures, and fundraising collateral.
• Prepare production-ready files with a strong understanding of color spaces, bleeds, resolution, typography, file packaging, and print specifications.
• Coordinate with printers, publications, and vendors and maintain quality control through final production.

Campaign Execution

• Collaborate with various departments to turn campaign strategy and programming ideas into compelling visual creative.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept through final delivery while meeting deadlines.
• Adapt creative across print, digital, email, advertising, social media, and in-venue platforms.

Brand Stewardship

• Maintain and strengthen the visual identities of the Michigan Theater, State Theatre, Cinetopia Film Festival, and organizational programs.
• Apply brand standards thoughtfully while allowing individual campaigns to have their own distinctive visual language.
• Maintain organized design files, templates, photography, logos, and creative assets.

Analytics & Audience Engagement

• Track and report on campaign performance, engagement metrics, and ROI using available tools (e.g., Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, CRM reports).
• Analyze ticket sales data and market trends to inform targeting and message strategy.
• Conduct audience surveys and gather community feedback to continually refine messaging and positioning.

Additional Duties

• Participate in cross-departmental strategy meetings to align marketing efforts.
• Assist in email marketing content creation and automation strategies.
• Contribute to merchandise and concessions promotions through digital and print marketing.
• Attend after-hours events, including weekends, for event coverage/photography/videography.

Supervisory Responsibility This position may oversee marketing contractors, vendors, interns, or content creators as needed.

Work Environment The work is primarily indoors within a theater building(s) and may have some exposure to fumes, odor, dust, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This role requires walking and standing for extended periods of time. This role also regularly requires reaching, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing stairs. Extended computer use is required, including the use of graphic design software and digital platforms. The employee may be required to lift and/or move items that weigh up to 50 pounds. The ability to attend and document events, including capturing photos and videos will be required.

Travel Limited local travel is expected for events, outreach, and community engagement.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible marketing or communications experience.
• Proficiency in marketing platforms and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, CRM software).
• Strong writing, editing, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead integrated campaigns and work cross-functionally within a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.
• Strong decision-making skills, organizational and time management skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and execute marketing plans with minimal supervision.
• Experience designing for arts organizations, entertainment, film, music, festivals, performing arts, cultural institutions, hospitality, events, or lifestyle brands is especially welcome.

We are especially interested in designers whose portfolios demonstrate:

• Exceptional typography, layout, composition, color, and visual hierarchy
• Strong poster, advertising, and print design
• Original creative concepts and sophisticated visual problem-solving
• Ability to create distinct visual identities for different events and audiences across multiple formats
• A willingness to experiment and push beyond predictable or template-driven design

Preferred Education and Experience

• A passion for the arts, particularly film and live performance.
• Experience in nonprofit, cultural, or arts-focused environments.
• Familiarity with local media landscape and regional community engagement.

Compensation & Benefits Package

• Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 annually
• Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match, Paid Time-Off Package, Employee Assistance Program, Parking Reimbursement Program, Free Movie Admission and Concessions Discount

Application Process: A portfolio demonstrating strong, original professional graphic design work is required for consideration.