ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: Olbrich Botanical Gardens is home to 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a 10,000 square foot tropical conservatory. The outdoor gardens include 10 unique specialty gardens and received the 2022 American Horticultural Society Environmental Award. Indoors, the tropical Bolz Conservatory exhibits an extraordinary collection of exotic plants and orchids complemented by colorful birds and koi. Olbrich is committed to a culture of sustainability and education so that everyone - including future generations - can experience and learn about the fascinating world of plants and gardens.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is operated through a public/private partnership between the City of Madison and the Olbrich Botanical Society (OBS), the non-profit organization that raises over $4.7 million each year to support the daily operation of the Gardens. Together both entities manage a combined operating budget of $7 million and an additional yearly capital improvement budget. OBS helps lead capital campaigns, including its most recent campaign (2020) that raised $6 million to build new greenhouses and the Frautschi Family Learning Center.
INCLUSION COMMITMENT: In pursuit of our mission to enrich lives and inspire harmony with the natural world, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every visitor, volunteer, and staff member is valued and feels they belong. With mindful intent and a dedication to continuous learning, we will work to remove barriers to inclusion through education, organizational improvements, and collaborative partnerships with our diverse community. Together, we celebrate the importance of plants and foster a sustainable, connected world.
The Organization has reviewed this position description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Please note other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or removed at any time. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Organization reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Organization may deem appropriate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Olbrich Botanical Gardens’ first in-house graphic designer will be responsible for producing innovative print and digital design solutions that help bring Olbrich’s story to life and help take Olbrich Botanical Gardens to the next level. The graphic designer will develop engaging visual elements that promote general visitation, membership and development opportunities, programs, exhibits, and events, education, volunteer opportunities, gift shop, and more.
This isn't just about maintaining our look—it's about elevating it. We are looking for a creative pioneer who can translate the natural beauty of our gardens into a cohesive brand experience that resonates with our diverse audiences.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Design – 70%
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Creates visual collateral with a high degree of creativity to promote the Gardens (print and email newsletters, brochures, rack cards, invitations, development & membership materials, posters, advertisements, signs, video elements, website & social media graphics, interpretive plan materials, presentations, etc.).
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Interprets concepts and ideas through compelling graphic art to inspire, inform, and educate guests.
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Empowers staff to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders by creating and maintaining graphic templates for organization-wide use (signs, presentations, promo materials, etc.)
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Develops logos and mini brand identities for special projects and campaigns.
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Proactively looks for opportunities to bring forth new and innovative ideas.
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Creates and manages internal workflows to support organizational graphic and visual needs.
Branding - 10%
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Conveys the Gardens’ brand through visual design.
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Understands the importance of brand integrity and tone; helps refine and adapt graphics standards to allow the brand to grow.
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Maintains the integrity of the Gardens’ branding and acts as a resource for staff regarding brand identity standards and tone.
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Manages the Gardens’ Canva Pro Team (branding elements, templates, user permissions, etc.).
Digital Assets – 10%
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Manages the Gardens’ digital asset management platform.
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Works with the team to properly manage, direct, and capture photography at the Gardens for collateral materials.
Print Production – 5%
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Serves as a liaison for print vendors, manages printing production processes, solicits bids, etc.
Performs Related Work as Assigned – 5%
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Participates in organization-wide event and activities.
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Serves on staff committees as requested.
This job description describes the general nature and scope of responsibilities for this position. Please note other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or removed at any time.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent sensibility for design and typography.
- Proficient with Canva and the current Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat on PC. (Adobe Premiere Pro experience is a plus.)
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Skilled written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to function and contribute as part of a team.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Ability to follow instructions and take constructive feedback.
- High attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workflow while still meeting deadlines.
- Knowledge of print processes and production standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field preferred (or commensurate experience) with a minimum of 2 years’ experience.
- A strong and unique portfolio that showcases design principles, technical skills, and creative problem solving.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to write content and proofread content is a plus.
- Photography and video editing skills are a plus.
- Experience with project management, content management, and/or email communication software is a plus.
- Drawing and/or botanical illustration experience is a plus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment and job specifications listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without accommodations, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Primarily perform work in an office environment.
- Frequently move around the office and access or use computers, office equipment, telephone, and any other pertinent supplies.
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Work with frequent interruption and moderate noise levels.
- Work in an outdoor environment, with all types of weather and/or an indoor, hot, humid environment.
- Work in crowded public spaces.
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after six months of employment.
COVER LETTER: Please attach a PDF cover letter and resume explaining your interest in this position at Olbrich and what you would bring to the role.
WORK SCHEDULE: Regular Full-Time Benefits Eligible (Hourly). Monday-Friday work schedule. Open to hybrid work schedule after the first six months of employment.
BENEFITS: OBS offers a competitive full time employee benefit package including paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and personal sick & wellness time; health (OBS pays 100% of employee’s health premium, 50% for dependents). Dental and vision insurance are optional paid by employee; and basic life and disability insurance paid by OBS with option for additional voluntary paid by employee. Employees also have access to paid parental leave and are eligible to participate in OBS’ retirement plan with a generous employer match after 1000 hours and 6-months of service.
JOB TITLE: Graphic Designer
DEPARTMENT: Marketing and Public Relations
REPORTS TO: Public Relations and Marketing Manager
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Full-time Regular - Hourly Non-exempt
COMPENSATION: $22.40 to $28.03 ($46,600-$58,300 annual)
LOCATION: Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday June 15, 2026
