About Sidwell Friends School
Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.”
Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years.
Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028.
Position Overview
Sidwell Friends School seeks a dynamic, innovative graphic designer to serve as the senior designer in the School’s Office of Communications. The position calls for a hands-on, deadline-driven professional who can manage multiple concurrent projects in collaboration with internal partners, including fundraising, admissions, athletics, and more. The successful candidate must be able to produce creative print and digital designs of high standards that meet the tactical and strategic goals set forth for each project.
This role requires a strategic thinker and problem solver who can see projects through from concept to execution. The ideal candidate must manage relationships with care to ensure that project goals are clear at the outset, that creative proposals and concepts are persuasively explained, and that colleagues understand and buy-in to the final approach.
Experience across digital and print platforms, a keen eye for clean, sophisticated, and effective design and information graphics, a strong understanding of design trends, and exceptional organizational and time-management skills are essential.
The senior designer will report to the Chief Communications Officer.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and see through to production all print materials, including brochures, direct-mail pieces, invitations, signage, and the School magazine. Work closely with print vendors to select paper and finishes that best align with the project.
- Produce graphics and design treatments for newsletters, emails, and various elements of the School’s website, which is undergoing a redesign and will launch in the fall of 2026.
- Manage timelines and internal review and approval processes to ensure on-time delivery.
- Design the School’s award-winning magazine (three 80-page issues per year) in collaboration with the editor.
- Continue to iteratively develop the school’s visual identity and brand guidelines to ensure that Sidwell Friends presents itself in a consistent fashion while expanding the school’s design palette.
- Work with and support other departments so that they can successfully apply the school’s visual and brand guidelines.
- Assign and supervise freelance designers and photographers when necessary.
- Seek to continuously improve internal processes and vendor management.
- Help to manage project costs by suggesting equivalent or better approaches or solutions that might create cost savings.
- Stay informed of industry trends by participating in professional development opportunities and engaging with relevant professional organizations.
Required Skills & Experience
- At least five years of professional design experience and a deep understanding of all technical aspects of seeing projects through from concept to completion and preparation of files for print and digital use.
- A bachelor’s degree or MFA in graphic design, art, communications, or a related field
- High level of creativity and vision with a commitment to excellence. A design style and sensibility that matches the high standards of the school.
- Strong deadline-driven project-management and time-management skills
- Experience designing magazines or other large creative publications is a plus
- Expertise in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Bridge, Photoshop, and other creative professional software such as Canva or Figman
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- An appreciation for working for a mission-driven organization
- Experience working in education is a definite plus
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the creative direction of Sidwell Friends School and make a lasting impact on its communications and marketing strategy. If you are passionate about design, branding, and storytelling in an educational setting, we encourage you to apply.
Salary & Benefits
Sidwell Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and long-term financial security. Benefits include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; school-paid life and long-term disability insurance; wellness programs; and flexible spending accounts.
Sidwell contributes 7% of gross salary to a 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employee contribution, along with generous paid time off including school breaks, federal holidays, personal days, and paid family leave. Additional benefits include free lunch and parking, public transportation support, access to campus facilities, childcare and summer program discounts, and other community-focused resources.
Salary: $70,000-$110,000 per year. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications
To Apply
To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter and resume, through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website.
Diversity Statement
Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"
