We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Four museums on three continents, united by the power of groundbreaking art to connect us to ourselves and to each other. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced, celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art, they initiated the creative risk-taking that is today synonymous with “Guggenheim” throughout the world. Across the globe, each Guggenheim stands not just as a backdrop for visionary art but as masterpieces in and of themselves to experience.
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Guggenheim New York is seeking a Senior Director, Brand Design. Working independently, under the guidance of the Deputy Director, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, the Senior Director, Brand Design will lead the strategic direction, creative vision and execution of the Guggenheim brand identity in support of institutional objectives and activities. Leading a team of graphic and digital designers, the Senior Director, Brand Design will set design standards for digital, printed and environmental graphics across museum channels and touchpoints and oversee all graphic and digital design projects for Guggenheim New York from concept through delivery. In close collaboration with colleagues at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Guggenheim Bilbao, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Senior Director, Brand Design will refine and ensure consistent application of the Guggenheim’s visual identity across its international constellation of museums. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands-on design expertise, driving innovation and excellence for all graphic and digital design initiatives.
This position oversees a staff of three full-time designers plus interns and third-party agencies as needed.
SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- 15+ years of experience in a creative leadership role
- Dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial mindset
- Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy that aligns with organizational goals and supports overall brand vision
- Expert knowledge of digital and graphic design, brand development and management, environmental graphics, and printing and production processes
- Ability to lead stakeholders and teams to design decisions that balance creativity with the need to advance organizational goals
- Demonstrated experience designing for a range of physical environments and spaces
- Highly developed aesthetic, design and visual storytelling skills
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creative and strategic thinking across digital and graphic design projects
- Ability to provide clear creative direction and timely and actionable feedback
- Excellent problem-solving and written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong organizational and project-management skills and ability to prioritize work and distribute resources
- Precise attention to detail with ability to manage multiple projects in highly complex, fast-paced environment
- Highly skilled at cross-functional collaboration with multiple departments and with staff at all levels of the organization
- A passion for arts and culture; knowledge of the NYC cultural environment preferred; knowledge of modern and contemporary art a plus
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Orientation to proactivity, using independent judgment and initiative
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design tools
- Deep industry knowledge and contacts
- B.A./ M.A. in Graphic Design, Digital Design, Fine Arts or a related field
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Act as senior member of Global Public Affairs and Communications team, working with Senior Director, Marketing and Senior Director, Communications and Public Relations to develop and oversee execution of effective, integrated, multi-platform communications strategies
- Lead Graphic Design team, setting clear goals and priorities aligned with Guggenheim objectives
- Communicate overall design strategy and lead creative direction for visually engaging and innovative design systems and outputs that enhance Guggenheim brand recognition and audience experience across digital platforms (web, mobile, social media, email campaigns, video) and traditional media (print, environmental)
- Build digital design capabilities in-house or with agency support
- Manage and ensure consistency with brand system across Guggenheim constellation including regular communication and workshopping with stakeholders
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive design solutions for museum programs, activities and initiatives
- Ensure designs are user-friendly and optimized for relevant digital, print and environmental applications
- Oversee efficient workflows and processes for design, presentation, sign-off, production, and documentation, ensuring high-quality, on-time and on-budget delivery
- Present design strategies, progress and results to senior leadership and other stakeholders, offering insights and recommendations
- Utilize analytics and user feedback to measure the impact of design work on key metrics (e.g., user engagement, conversion rates, brand awareness)
- Set and monitor project workstreams, budgets and departmental budget
- Mentor, inspire, and manage a team of digital and graphic designers
- Foster a collaborative and creative work environment, encouraging team members to push creative boundaries and achieve excellence
- Implement design best practices and optimize workflows to enhance efficiency without compromising quality
- Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and design tools to continuously improve team capabilities and processes
- Collaborate with external agencies, freelancers and vendors as needed to augment internal capabilities and resources
- Monitor project progress, resolve issues and mitigate risks to ensure successful project outcomes
- Practice Guggenheim values of openness, collaboration, experimentation, and accountability in all work
WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT:
Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties upon request.
EDUCATION:
B.A./ M.A. in Graphic Design, Digital Design, Fine Arts or a related field
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: N/A
REPORTS TO: Deputy Director, Chief Brand and Communications Officer
LOCATION: One Liberty Plaza, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10006
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 Hours per Week - Hybrid, Schedule TBD
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY RANGE: $ 160,000 - $175,000 Annually
The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.
