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The Graphic Designer is responsible for partnering with departments across Houston Zoo to develop unique and effective visual solutions that support a wide range of communication needs. This role requires 3–5 years of intermediate professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in both print and digital design. Projects include a diverse mix of printed materials, digital assets, and environmental signage. The Graphic Designer collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to conceptualize, design, and deliver high-quality creative assets that align with brand standards and support marketing and organizational initiatives.

This is an on-site position

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Executes creative tasks from start to finish conceptualizing, designing, and producing art for a wide range of media including print, digital, marking collateral, multipage layout, illustration, exhibit elements, displays, signage, souvenir items, etc.
• Consults with staff to identify their graphic needs, budget constraints, and reasonable deadlines for the project; serves as a liaison between the client and printers/publishers and fabricators of signage.
• Coordinates the printing or signage production process, writes reproduction specifications, selects ink, paper, and print quality; prepares files for production, and inspects proofs for accuracy.
• Operates within Houston Zoo’s current workflow and brand aesthetic to communicate our brand identity and messaging effectively.
• Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work.
• Obtains quotes and develops budgets for projects, manages project timelines to ensure completion of project and production.
• Responsible for coordinating with internal stakeholders in finalizing projects, such as Facilities and Animal Teams for installations.
• Develops and implements guidelines and standards for project completion.
• Collaborates with other designers, photographers, web developers, project managers, printers, copywriters, and marketing specialists to brainstorm and develop creative concepts.
• Translates conceptual ideas into visually appealing designs that align with brand guidelines and project specifications.
• Participates in and contributes to weekly team meetings.
• Orders supplies and materials for graphic design and production.
• Coordinates maintenance of graphics production equipment.
• Coordinates translation of graphics materials into other languages, as needed.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• 3 + years professional experience in the field of graphic design and production
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic communications, graphic design, or related field
• Ability to create and produce graphic materials using a range of media, methods, techniques, computer programs, and equipment.
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community
• Knowledge of printing and/or reproduction processes and techniques.
• In-house design experience
• Motion Graphics experience
• Environmental or exhibit design experience

About Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.