Graphic Designer
Organization: Austin Symphony Orchestra
Location: 1113 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701
Reports to: Director of Marketing
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $58,000–$68,000, commensurate with experience
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026
About the Austin Symphony Orchestra
The Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a vital part of Austin’s thriving cultural landscape and the city’s most established and enduring performing arts organization. ASO presents more than 90 performances annually across its Masterworks, Pops, family, and education series, serving audiences throughout Texas. As Austin’s role as the Live Music Capital continues to evolve, ASO is investing in its visual brand and audience engagement to match the city’s creative ambitions. This is an exciting time to help shape our evolving visual presence and community impact.
Position Overview
The Graphic Designer is ASO’s visual storyteller and a key creative partner across our organization, translating artistic programming, marketing initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and institutional messaging into compelling visual communications across print, digital, and environmental platforms. This role sits at the intersection of the Marketing and Development teams, supporting ticket sales, subscriptions, donor engagement, and fundraising events. The ideal candidate is a strong typographer and layout designer who thrives on variety, balances creativity with high-volume production needs, and takes genuine pride in work that moves audiences to act.
What You’ll Do
Concert & Campaign Design
Design visual campaigns for ASO’s full programming slate, from full-scale Masterworks and Butler Pops Series campaigns to templated treatments for family, holiday, and special event concerts. Work spans:
- Print and digital advertising: newspapers, magazines, web banners, digital display, and out-of-home (billboards, bus wraps, taxi boards, table tents)
- Email campaigns, direct mail, and digital assets including social media and web graphics
- Posters, lobby and event signage, and six annual full-color in-house concert program advertisements
- Season marketing brochure and order form (ASO’s primary annual publication)
Development & Fundraising Design
A first-class responsibility of this role, the Graphic Designer is the Development department’s dedicated creative partner.
- Annual fund campaigns across direct mail, email, and digital channels
- Donor cultivation, stewardship, and major gift proposal and presentation materials
- Gala and special event collateral: invitations, programs, and event signage (wayfinding, lobby displays, event décor)
- Impact reports and board-facing materials
Brand, Identity & Collaboration
- Uphold ASO brand standards and ensure visual consistency across all platforms and touchpoints
- Partner with the Director of Marketing on creative strategies that support ticket sales, subscriptions, and audience development
- Produce organizational identity materials: business cards, letterhead, and templates
- Manage print and production vendor relationships to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
- Collaborate across Marketing, Development, Education, and Production departments, and assist the CEO with special projects as needed
What You Bring
Experience & Skills
- 3–5 years of professional graphic design experience; background in arts, cultural, or nonprofit organizations preferred; agency experience equally welcome
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field; equivalent professional experience considered
- Portfolio showcasing versatility across print and digital media, with emphasis on campaign development, typography, and brand consistency
- Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); strong working knowledge of email marketing platforms and digital design tools
- Solid understanding of print production processes and vendor management
- Basic motion graphics, video editing, or HTML/CSS a plus
Competencies
- Exceptional visual design skills: typography, color theory, composition, and layout
- Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational discipline
- Self-directed problem-solver who communicates clearly across departments and with external partners
- Outstanding time management and ability to prioritize and advance multiple concurrent projects
- Balances creativity with production demands; receives feedback constructively and delivers refined work
- Ability to translate complex artistic concepts into accessible, compelling visual communication
Preferred
- Interest in or knowledge of orchestral music and the performing arts
- Experience with subscription-based marketing and audience development
- Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising communications
- Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
- Experience managing and mentoring interns or junior designers
Work Environment & Schedule
- Full-time, based at ASO’s offices in Austin; hybrid flexibility available after onboarding
- Standard business hours with evening and weekend concert support required (approximately 12 weekends per year)
- Fast-paced, collaborative environment with seasonal workload peaks: August–October and January–April
Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible work arrangements
- Complimentary concert tickets to enjoy world-class performances
- Professional development support
- A collaborative, mission-driven work culture in Austin’s vibrant arts community
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, current resume, and portfolio (PDF or website link) to careers@austinsymphony.org with “Graphic Designer Application” in the subject line. Your portfolio should showcase diverse design work, including campaign development across multiple media, print and digital materials, brand identity work, and pieces that demonstrate typography and layout excellence.
No phone calls, please. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process. Background checks will be conducted as a condition of employment.
The Austin Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
The mission of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Inc. is to enhance the cultural quality of life for adults and young people of Austin and Central Texas by providing excellence in music performance and educational programs.