Graphic Designer and Illustrator

Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks in a creative role that supports our mission across the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, The Wilds, Safari Golf Club, and the Columbus Center for Wildlife Conservation. As a Graphic Designer and Illustrator, you’ll help shape engaging, mission-driven content that connects with our guests and communities.

Designs publications and promotional materials for the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP)—including the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club—and ensures all content is delivered in a creative, polished, and professional format.

Creative Design & Production

• Designs publications and promotional materials for the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks (CZFP)—including the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club—and ensures all content is delivered in a creative, polished, and professional format.
• Produces publications and promotional materials including but not limited to: Beastly Banner magazine, e-newsletter, Impact Report, special events materials, map and field conservation materials which involve creative writing, editing, layout and design, organizing bid process for printing, choosing photographs, selecting colors and papers for each publication.
• Occasionally places print orders and ensure all pre-press requirements are met.
• Assist with copywriting with graphics requests/publications (subject headers/titles, captions, social media graphics, etc.) as needed.

Project & Agency Coordination

• Oversees outside design firm and marketing agency with project management/design on requests submitted.
• Provides support for website content and management as needed.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external clients to fulfill graphic design requests.

Standards & Workflow

• Maintains workflow, including logging statuses of requests.
• Monitors graphic standards, ensuring all communication pieces meet the CZFP’s quality and visual standards.

Team & Mission Support

• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Serves as a collaborative team member and supports the Communications team with additional collective assistance as needed.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate’s degree in communication, graphic design or related field required. Four years of paid experience may substitute for a degree.
• One year of publication/promotional design experience required.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MAC and design software including Adobe Suite, Photoshop and Illustrator, Indesign and Acrobat Pro Creative Cloud.
• Some illustration experience required.
• Pre-press knowledge required.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to identify cost-effective and conservation-minded strategies required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing is required.
• The ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner without direct supervision is required.
• The ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all CZFP team members and contacts regarding company business required.

Operational Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license, and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the CZFP’s workplace policy including but not limited to, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.