Description

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative arts potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeless Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museums 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org .

POSITION SUMMARY

The Design Director will lead the design direction of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, bringing to life the brand strategy and visual identity across programs, exhibitions, visitor experience, retail, development, membership, publications, and communications. The Director will oversee visual design direction for internal and external museum communications, liaise closely with the exhibition design team, amplify the role of design across the museum, and explore new ways of engaging our diverse and emerging audiences. The Director will have a vision that translates across physical and digital spaces, building a strong visual identity across the entire museum campus as well as across all digital and print platforms.

The Design Director will have a proven track record of effective communication, innovation, and high-level design problem-solving, ensuring that all products and experiences are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Through the leadership of the visual design efforts, the Director will communicate the museums creative vision to internal and external stakeholders, and help to continually develop, define, and maintain the awareness and understanding of the Lucas Museum brand. The Design Director will interface with every department within the institution in a highly collaborative, service-oriented role. Core responsibilities are managerial as well as production driven to maintain oversight and consistency of the museums brand, visual identity, and collateral.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of External Affairs, the Director will effectively translate organizational vision into departmental design goals. The Design Director serves as a key strategic thought partner who works closely with museum colleagues and external collaborators to develop requirements and goals for all design content, develop and translate the Lucas Museums brand, establish budgets and schedules, and monitor and coordinate progress from concept through production phases. The Design Director will build and lead a high-functioning internal team and identify, coordinate, and direct independent contractors and vendors, including designers, printers, photographers, and videographers to ensure that printed and digital materials meet the museums inclusive and aesthetic standards, and that production/delivery schedules remain on track and within budget parameters.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development and Implementation of Visual Identity

• Translate the Lucas Museums brand into visual communication across digital, print, and online platforms
• Bring new brand to life across all channels and for diverse audiences
• Direct, plan, and implement core creative work consistent with brand strategy: including marketing collateral, advertising, signage, web, digital, video, social media, retail, visitor experience, and wayfinding
• Measure brand awareness and effectiveness continually in advance of and at the launch of the museum in partnership with marketing and communications team
• Manage brand evolution as necessary to adapt to the needs of the museum and its partners

Launch Design Studio at the Lucas Museum

• Once in a lifetime opportunity to build a new design studio for the Lucas Museum, overseeing the visual identity and shaping the brand
• Create the museums approach to the presentation of innovative design online, in the galleries, and in print
• Lead design for all external communications, including printed collateral, invitations, website, email communications, social media, event signage, digital signage, advertising, programming related design, and more
• Drive visual identity and work closely with partners across the museum including Learning and Engagement, Curatorial, and Exhibition Design to shape interpretation and exhibition design look and feel
• Collaborate with the Exhibitions department to develop visual and graphic identities that uniquely express the vision and goals of each exhibition in alignment with the museum's broader brand strategy
• Build design and presentation templates across the museum for promotional materials and brochures serving a diverse set of audiences (visitors, members, donors, educators, artists, and more) to facilitate alignment and efficiency
• Establish design guidelines and standards and encourage/maintain alignment throughout the institution
• Advocate for the role of design and visual communication as a thought leader throughout the organization
• Manage relationships internally and externally, liaising effectively with departments and outside design providers and consultants as needed

Digital, Web, Publications

• Partner to create design identity of all digital assets including website, museum app, interpretive tools, etc.
• Lead design direction for launch of museum website in close concert with external contractors
• Assist with the production of digital content, promote social impact work, educate about the role of narrative art, and amplify the collection to engage future audiences in partnership with Marketing, Communications, Education, Digital Interpretation, and Curatorial departments
• Collaborate closely with the Director, Editorial and Publications to provide design direction for all print and digital publications

Staff and Team Management

• Recruit and manage a diverse, high-quality team of designers, photographers, videographers, and project managers
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives and priorities, and conduct annual performance reviews

Systems Building and Project Management

• Develop a robust project management system to ensure high quality of work and a clear production system
• Develop a creative and efficient work environment reflective of the Lucas Museums values and capturing the creativity and innovation of this department
• Lead and review the work of the design teams for all web, print, and digital marketing collateral
• Be responsible for the overall quality of all creative work and design outcomes in the museum

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Presenting & Communicating Information: Expresses opinions, information, and key points of an argument clearly and fluently; makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience, to their reactions and feedback;able to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of age levels and cultural backgrounds
• Deciding & Initiating Action:Makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve tough choices or considered risks; takes responsibility for actions, projects, and people; takes initiative, acts with confidence, and works under own direction; initiates and generates activity for the department

• Dealing with Ambiguity:Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act with moving targets; isn't upset when things are up in the air; doesn't have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty
• Creating & Innovating : Produces new ideas, approaches, or insights; creates innovative products or designs; produces a range of solutions to problems; seeks opportunities for organizational improvement; devises effective change initiatives
• People Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders; gets firsthand information and uses it for improvements; acts with people in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and gains their trust and respect; problem solves with diverse audiences and stakeholders in mind

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required
• 10-12 years of leadership experience overseeing and implementing design work across a large, complex institution, working cross-functionally including with digital, communications, and marketing teams
• Proven ability to perform all aspects of the design process independently and manage complex projects

• Experience leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams
• Knowledge of museum field
• Experience creating and reviewing graphic design and typography in layout
• Deep experience developing equitable design strategies and working with DEIAB frameworks; multilingual a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and design software Adobe Creative Suite at minimum.
• Familiarity with deployment of graphic assets and brand in web and app environments

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

PEOPLE FIRST
We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

INSPIRED
We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

COLLABORATIVE
We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

BRAVE
We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

ART
Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

COMMUNITY
Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

INCLUSION
Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.