Freelance Graphic Designer

About the Opportunity

The California Museum is seeking a reliable freelance graphic designer to join our extended team on an as-needed basis. As our events, exhibits, and campaigns continue to grow, we have found need for a creative partner who can execute quality work while our in-house designer focuses on flagship projects.

This is a remote, 1099 independent contractor position with no guaranteed hours. Work is project-based and assigned as needs arise.

Eligible applicants must complete all required registrations and obtain any permits required to conduct business within the City and County of Sacramento, California.

What You’ll Work On

You’ll primarily support the marketing and communications team by creating promotional materials for museum events, public programs, and one-off campaigns and projects. Requested deliverables may include:

• Flyers and print collateral to promote events
• Digital graphics (ie web and newsletter banners)
• Social media graphics
• Digital and print ads
• Event signage
• Miscellaneous marketing materials as needed (tabling materials, promotional handouts, etc.)
• Style guides for larger scale branding projects

What We’re Looking For

• A dependable designer who takes deadlines seriously—turnarounds may be 1 or 2 weeks
• Strong ability to work within brand guidelines and provided direction while bringing your own creative thinking to each project
• Clear and responsive communication; we need to be able to count on you and get in contact with you
• Ability to follow a creative brief and follow clear instructions
• Willingness to research to effectively design with attention to cultural sensitivities surrounding content of programs
• Responsive and open to feedback and edits
• Experience designing for print and digital formats
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• A portfolio that demonstrates range across marketing and promotional materials

Nice to Have

• Experience working with nonprofits, museums, or cultural institutions
• Familiarity with social media platform specs and best practices
• Illustration experience a plus
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)

How It Works

Projects are assigned on an as-needed basis, with a clear brief, any available brand assets, and a timeline provided upfront. You’ll work independently to deliver production-ready files. Your point of contact will be the Communications & Marketing Director at the California Museum, who will review your work; a round of feedback and revisions is expected before final approval on each project. Final file type and format will vary by project and will be specified at the onset of the project.

To Apply

Please send your resume, portfolio and a brief note about your availability and rates to jobs@californiamuseum.org. No cover letter required — just show us your work. Please make the email subject line: “Freelance Graphic Designer Application”

California Museum Employment Policy:

The California Museum is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and equity. We are an equal opportunity contractor, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for contract without regard to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ability/disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:  

The California Museum—home of the California Hall of Fame—focuses on the state’s rich history, its diversity and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history.