Graphic Designer

The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s best-loved visitor attractions, as well as a leading science research centre and commercial event space. We use the unique collection of more than 80 million objects that we look after and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today.

Join the NHM Design Studio and play a crucial role in shaping design outputs across print, digital and spatial interfaces. Implementing our visual identity, you will build on our brand strategy which seeks to address the challenges of the planetary crisis and contribute to our vision to create advocates for the planet. As a graphic designer you will closely collaborate with other designers to translate this vision using brand assets to develop appropriate expressions that reinforce the Museum as driving force at the intersections of science, culture, creativity and art at local, national and international level. You will be researching, sketching, and rolling out design ideas and execute them for the broad range of projects and audiences.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Take responsibility for design projects from briefing, research and concept, through to execution.
• Critically reflect on project briefs, specifications, and content required.
• Work with internal Museum stakeholders to develop their requirements and provide briefing information and feedback.
• Prepare presentations and mock-ups for internal review and pitching to clients.
• Deliver your projects by agreeing schedules and budgets with the Graphic Design Manager / Studio Manager, ensuring that all work is completed on time and within budget.
• Obtain quotes when working with printers and external suppliers.
• Maintain good file management practices, according to studio processes.
• Contribute to the creative, aesthetic and cultural standards of the studio.
• Review and audit existing Museum brand applications.
• Create and maintain a professional network at the Museum to effectively promote best practice design and brand principles.
• Where possible carry out any other tasks as reasonably required by line manager in line with NHM mission, vision and values.

What we’re looking for

• Relevant practical experience.
• Degree or equivalent, in graphic design or relevant subject.
• Keen interest in graphic design and up to date knowledge of current trends.
• Excellent typographic skills, comfortable in both digital and print media.
• llustration or animation skills desirable.
• Creative problem solver with the skill to use design thinking to tackle competing objectives in intelligent and beautiful ways.
• Critical thinker with the ability to challenge briefs and get the most out of projects.
• Collaborative practitioner with excellent people skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Passion for brand identity.
• Knowledge of accessibility design principles.
• Ability to develop ideas and present them in a clear and engaging way.
• Being able to plan and deliver a diverse workload against competing deadlines.
• Interest in how museums and public sector organisations work.
• Passion for sustainable working practices.

Key information

Salary: £32,732 per annum, grade 5

Hours: Full time, 36 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026