Senior Graphic Designer - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Senior Graphic Designer will work with the Design Manager and Creative Content Manager to create and maintain both traditional and digital deliverables. This position reports to the Graphic Design Supervisor.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provides the concept and design for multiple marketing collateral and interpretive signage.
• Designs changes, corrections, and additions.
• Works closely with the communications team to create engaging layouts.
• Collaborates with internal and external departments.
• Maintains multiple layouts for SDZWA JOURNAL magazine in printed and digital forms.
• Understands publication workflow from design to prepress.
• Directs photo and video shoots.
• Works closely with creative content team.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for a highly collaborative designer who brings a sophisticated visual point of view to editorial storytelling. You have a strong command of editorial typography, grid systems, hierarchy, and pacing, with the ability to balance creative ambition with an established publication system, brand, audience, and production schedule. You're skilled at translating complex stories, scientific information, and subject-matter expertise into clear, compelling visual narratives, while confidently managing publication workflows from concept through completion. You're comfortable both giving and receiving creative feedback, advocating thoughtfully for design decisions, and adapting to the needs of editors and stakeholders.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Experience and example would be four or more years of brand, print, and interactive redesigns
• Design experience for a major publication
  

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree in Graphic Design, or equivalent specialized training
  

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and how to effectively incorporate into page designs
• Create, manage, and fulfill publication workflows
• Meet multiple, overlapping deadlines
• Be proficient in the use Adobe CS programs preferably InDesign
• Use Adobe Digital Publication Suite (Adobe DPS)
• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Work effectively in a diverse team environment
• Travel as needed

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $77,225 -$86,878

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.