Graphic Designer

In only its 42nd season the Kansas City Symphony (KCS) has already become one of Americas most vibrant major orchestras quickly gaining national and international recognition. The Symphony is entering its second season with world renowned conductor and composer Matthias Pintscher as its Music Director and the positive energy and buzz around this orchestra is intensely optimistic and forward-moving.

Continuously creating live music experiences in Helzberg Hall at the prestigious Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts the Symphony serves Kansas Citys metro population of more than 2.2 million people and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors across a huge swath of the Midwest as well. The Symphonys 80 full-time musicians perform in diverse and dynamic musical experiences in orchestral and chamber formats each season. The Symphony also serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City enriching the communitys cultural landscape.

While the Kansas City Symphony ranks among leading American orchestras it also stands out as one of the most agile. The lean operation of just over 30 full-time staff enables the organization to be fast and nimble with the excitement of a startup but the polish stature connections and resources of a major cultural institution. Its $25M annual operating budget is fueled by the strongest ticket sales per capita in the sector along with healthy annual contributions and a $135M endowment provided by Kansas Citys exceptional civic culture of philanthropy. A wide range of programming spans every genre from classical and concert opera to rock film with live orchestra and all manner of contemporary artists. The orchestra aspires to do more and to be more for all the people of Kansas City and surrounding regions and the growth trajectory is exciting rapid and palpable.

Nothing signifies this rapid ascent more than the orchestras debut on the world stage in 2024. While other orchestras are pulling back from global commitments the Kansas City Symphony is boldly stepping forward having accepted invitations to be presented in Europes top concert halls including Amsterdams Concertgebouw the Berlin Philharmonie and the stunning new Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. The orchestras sold-out performances in 2024 triggered immediate re-invitations and the orchestra is developing funding and plans to support a return to be presented once more by all of these venues in 2026.

Position Overview

The Graphic Designer is an individual contributor responsible for developing and executing design and creative content within the Kansas City Symphonys Marketing and Sales team. Reporting to the Creative Director the Graphic Designer collaborates closely with team members to deliver world-class marketing to complement KCSs world-class product on stage. This is not a typical non-profit marketing role. KCS has national and global aspirations so we are applying commercial best practices to build a Marketing and Sales team that can operate with quality at that scale.

The ideal candidate has 2 years of experience in marketing design and is excited to grow within a fast-moving high-output team. Youre comfortable taking direction asking smart questions and turning feedback into stronger work quickly. You bring strong production craft solid design fundamentals and the kind of reliability that helps a small team move fast. At the end of the day getting it right matters more to you than being right. If this rings true wed love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Workflow

• Manage assigned design projects from brief to final delivery producing high-quality work on time and within established budgets and SLAs. Own your workflow and timelines flagging risks early and keeping projects moving.
• Own day-to-day design production for priority marketing campaigns (email social digital ads print collateral and event/signage needs). Support larger channel initiatives (OOH radio/TV app) as needed in partnership with vendors and internal leads.
• Typical deliverables include:
  • Email headers and modular email graphics
  • Paid social and display ad sets
  • Concert key art adaptations and toolkits
  • Posters postcards program ads and lobby/event signage
  • Simple motion graphics for social (animated type loops end cards)
• Work in partnership with Marketing team to ensure brand consistency across all marketing channels.
• Collaboration
• Collaborate effectively with key internal partners such as CEO Music Director Production Development Education musicians etc.
• Work effectively with key external partners such as agencies consultants vendors etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators

• On-time delivery of assigned assets against agreed timelines.
• Craft quality: brand consistency typography layout and production accuracy.
• Responsiveness to feedback and speed of iteration.
• Contribution to reusable templates/toolkits that improve team efficiency.
• Positive collaboration feedback from internal partners and vendors.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in high-performing marketing organizations preferably in weekly/daily cadence industries such as live entertainment sports hospitality/travel or eCommerce. Experience with cultural and non-profit organizations is beneficial but not required.
• Proven track record in reliably executing graphic design work to achieve revenue targets. Demonstrated ability to self-optimize assigned tasks.
• Clear professional communication skills with comfort presenting work in internal reviews and incorporating feedback. Familiarity with marketing analytics and performance management is a plus.
• Expertise in collaborating across functions (sales artistic ops finance technology etc.) to deliver exceptional work.
• Bachelors degree (or equivalent) is required.
• Expertise with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign Illustrator Photoshop). After Effects experience is a plus particularly basic motion graphics for social (animated type simple loops title/end cards).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and marketing tools is required. Example tools include: Facebook/Instagram Canva and/or others as needed.

Core Competencies

• Self-motivated problem-solving with a bias for action.
• A knack for simplifying the complex and organizing the unorganized.
• A growth mindset thirst for learning and drive for continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication skills both written and verbal adept at inspiring teams and advancing relationships.
• Superior organizational and financial management skills with keen attention to detail.
• A spirit to serve: the customer the KCS mission your teammates and yourself. This is your engine for excellence.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility. Due to our performance schedule weekend and evening work will sometimes be required.
• Ability to operate in a standard office environment on location at the KCS offices.

Compensation and Benefits

• Target base salary range is $50-60k commensurate with candidate experience
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Exceptional healthcare coverage with broad medical dental and vision benefits
• Generous vacation and PTO
• Relocation support to Kansas City

The Kansas City Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression age national origin marital status disability or veteran status.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a portfolio link or PDF (612 samples). Portfolios should ideally include multi-channel campaign work resized/versioned assets and at least one example of simple motion graphics.

Candidates should submit a resume and (optional) cover letter addressed to Ross Lowinske Creative Director articulating why you are interested in this specific role.

Applications will be accepted through March 6 2026. Interviews are expected to commence via Zoom on a rolling basis. Finalist interviews will be conducted in person in Kansas City.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Anna Robinson Senior Search Consultant

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers