Background

Dia Art Foundation was established in 1974 for the purpose of collecting, commissioning, and presenting major works of art made in the 1960s onward. Today it consists of eight permanent sites across the United States and Germany, as well as three changing exhibition spaces in New York State: Dia Chelsea in New York City, Dia Beacon in the Hudson Valley, and Dia Bridgehampton in Long Island. Dia is taken from the Greek word for “through” and conveys the foundation’s role as a facilitator of meaningful artistic experiences that can be encountered in single and repeated visits.

Position Summary

The starting rate for this position is $23 per hour. Consideration of a starting rate above $23 per hour, but not to exceed $26 per hour, will be reviewed at time of offer based on level of experience and qualifications of the candidate.

The Design and Production Assistant is responsible for supporting the Senior Graphic Designer in producing high-quality, printed and digital didactic and marketing materials that maintain Dia’s graphic identity. Working with a variety of internal staff and under the direction of the Senior Graphic Designer, the Assistant will use Adobe Creative Suite to produce materials that meet scheduling, budgetary, and other logistical constraints. They are responsible for assisting with design, coordinating work with printers and other vendors, and managing print production (including color corrections, reviewing blue lines, and attending press checks). They must be able to work collaboratively with staff and embrace accountability.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the Senior Graphic Designer, develop and produce high-quality economical designs for a wide range of printed and digital materials including invitations, evites, exhibition brochures, gallery laminates, floor plans, advertisements, postcards, development materials, signage (wayfinding, exhibition, and building), video graphics and credits, and letterhead, and adhere to Dia’s design guidelines
• Use a variety of design software, specifically Adobe Creative Suite
• Able to maintain and enforce production schedules with departments across the institution; prioritize and meet tight deadlines
• Able to interpret design feedback and creatively resolve design issues
• Work with other departments and editors in the Publications department to enter rounds of text and image corrections
• Obtain pricing from printers and update project managers about budgets
• Communicate and work effectively with external vendors to produce final artwork
• Color-correct proofs and, as needed, oversee offset and digital printing
• Ensure quality-control standards are met
• Work closely with Curatorial and Communications Departments to ensure a unified, engaging graphic identity for all materials

General/Other Responsibilities and Duties

• Understand Dia’s artist-centric mission and implement design solutions that respect artworks and artists’ intentions

Education, Certifications, Experience:  

• 2 years of practical related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience; a BA is a plus
• Museum, arts organization, or art publication experience is a plus
• Knowledge of contemporary art and art history is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign
• Good design skills and sensibility
• Good people skills; able to thrive under pressure
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Scheduling skills
• Demonstrate initiative and ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team with all levels of the organization
• Knowledge of computer databases and MS Office software

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• This is a part-time (16-24 hours per week) position based at Dia Art Foundation’s New York City offices in Chelsea.
• Work is performed in an office environment; typically, prolonged periods of sitting and use of computers and standard office equipment is required to accomplish work objectives

Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID among our employees, Dia Art Foundation requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, religious belief, or pregnancy. 

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application linked here and attaching a resume and letter of interest.

Part-time employees are eligible for paid sick days, paid time off in lieu of holidays worked, and participation in the 401(k) savings program with company match. Employees have the opportunity to learn about the collections through presentations by curators, artists, writers, and historians. Staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace.