Graphic Designer - Bay Nature Magazine

Bay Nature Institute is a nonprofit, independent media organization devoted to environmental journalism covering the San Francisco Bay Area. We publish the quarterly Bay Nature magazine, produce live field visits, and conduct educational seminars that connect the people of the San Francisco Bay Area to our natural world and motivate them to solve problems with nature in mind. With more than 7,000 active members, Bay Nature is a community of learning and engagement.

The Graphic Designer is a member of the Editorial Team who designs Bay Nature magazine and oversees our approach to visual storytelling. The position grows Bay Nature’s membership by presenting a cohesive brand that communicates the value of our programs.

The Graphic Designer is a contractor reporting to the Editor in Chief. An excellent candidate will possess high energy and an entrepreneurial spirit with strong creative and project management skills.

I. Magazine Design

● Design Bay Nature magazine, including the commissioning of cover illustration or photo, the development, coordination, and execution of visual treatments for editorial features, and the conception and design of creative projects that support magazine departments using InDesign and InCopy.

● Email Bay Nature magazine quarterly photo bulletin and manage inbound submissions sent to the photo bulletin email account using Gmail and Google Drive.

● Execute Bay Nature magazine visual needs—research, acquisition, and invoicing—and maintain and track in AirTable in coordination with the Editorial Team.

● Work with Ad Director to organize, design, and layout ads in Bay Nature magazine.

II. Management & Administration

● Manage a brand library and style guide that includes guidelines for logos, typefaces, icons, colors, and other imagery supporting Bay Nature’s programs, including Bay Nature magazine, Bay Nature Hikes, Bay Nature Talks, and the Local Hero Awards.

● Manage a print and digital house ad library supporting various campaigns.

● Research and acquire permissions of high resolution images, illustrations, maps, and other graphic content for publication, in coordination with the Editorial Team.

● Attend weekly editorial meetings and participate with Editorial Team in discussions to determine editorial calendar and conceptualize content for each quarter.

III. Organizational Design

● On a time available basis, create and manage templates and assets for print and digital communications, including newsletters, announcements, renewal letters, social media posts, envelopes, and invitations.

● On a time available basis, create and manage additional organizational design projects as defined in collaboration with the Editor in Chief and Publisher.

This is a remote independent contractor position that requires periodic visits to the Bay Nature office in Berkeley. The position’s quarterly fee structure is comprised of three parts:

1. Magazine Design: A per page design fee based on the size of Bay Nature magazine;

2. Management & Administration: A base management and administration fee; and,

3. Organizational Design: An hourly fee for ad hoc design projects.

Based on Bay Nature Institute’s current design needs, the quarterly contract fee is estimated at between $10,000 and $12,000. Contractor must supply and maintain all hardware and software required for the position. The position will be governed by a standard engagement agreement.

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To apply, please send by August 29:

● Your resume

● A thoughtful cover letter that describes:

● Your interest in Bay Nature Institute

● Why you are well-suited for this role

● A link to a portfolio of your design work

to [email protected]. Please put Graphic Designer in the subject line.

No phone calls please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.

Bay Nature Institute is an equal opportunity employer.