Company Overview

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), founded in 1920 with composer Ernest Bloch as the founding director, is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance and the only nestled in America's heartland. CIM's campus - in the world-class center of innovation in healthcare, education and arts & culture known as University Circle - offers an incomparable environment for learning, study and artistic development.

CIM's graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members; compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire; and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators and though leaders. More than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni or both. The Institute's diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

All CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM's stellar faculty and the rich curriculum offered by CIM's partner Case Western Reserve University, CIM's Center for Innovative Musicianship (known as CIM²) embraces the school's mission to empower the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential by offering extensive experiential opportunities for students to foster the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into a professional career.

CIM is an integral part of Cleveland's art community, presenting nearly 600 free performances and master classes on campus each year, and hundreds more at locations throughout the region, including Severance Hall, which is widely regarded as one of the world's finest concert halls. Students and faculty engage with partners including The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Institute of Art and other cultural, educational and community organizations to create classical music that is as vibrant and varied as the city of Cleveland. 

Job Summary

The Graphic Designer is responsible for all visual communications, including but not limited to print, online, social media and environmental graphics. This position requires the ability to translate marketing objectives into creative strategies using best practices in design. There is a heavy emphasis on production work, with high expectations for efficiency and accuracy coupled with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The Graphic Designer must possess expert-level knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and other industry standard tools, as well as a proven track record in production management, vendor relations and photo supervision.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume primary responsibility for ensuring that CIM’s visual brand standards are current and maintained throughout all forms of communication and collateral.
• Manage creative projects institute wide, from concept to completion, ensuring consistency with CIM’s established visual brand standard. Ensure timely and efficient completion of all projects, including print and digital publications, brochures, catalogs, postcards, newsletters, magazines, advertisements, flyers, digital images and identity pieces.
• Develop materials that support admissions/enrollment, audience development, fundraising, President’s Office and Women’s Committee, among others.
• Manage relationships with vendors, including quoting, sourcing, production and scheduling, ensuring cost effective and quality results delivered on time.
• Design a variety of spiritwear and merchandise.
• Maintain relationships with freelance photographers, develop shot lists and supervise photo shoots. Organize and maintain the digital photo library.
• Maintain archives of department’s creative projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications or related field.
• Creative background and excellent design sense.
• Minimum 1-3 years design experience.
• Project management experience.
• Excellent computer skills on a Mac platform.
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams).
• Strong knowledge of print production process.
• Digital photography experience a plus.
• Knowledge of classical music a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Organized, process and detailed oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Action-oriented, decisive, quick study with proven ability to accurately analyze information and act
• Ability to interface with diverse audiences, including faculty, students and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Must be able to work with a high level of independence, while also knowing when to seek guidance, assistance and consensus.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Predominantly work in a professional office setting. No ongoing lifting or other special physical activities besides normal needs to occasionally move boxes, supplies and marketing materials.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• Retirement with a matching contribution after one year of service.
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off - vacation, personal, and sick time. In addition, two floating holidays and two weeks paid while the Institute is closed for winter break.
• Tuition discount for employees and dependents.
• Remote work opportunities.

Salary Range: $ 32,0000 to $42,000 annually

The Cleveland Institute of Music embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will create an inclusive climate for students of all races, ethnicities, and genders. We strongly encourage women and underrepresented minorities to apply. CIM is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer; we support and practice non-discrimination in all areas of employment regarding gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or military status.

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