Head of Graphic Design (Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship Available) at The British Museum

Location: United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time (41 hours per week)
Salary: £56,195 per annum
Visa Sponsorship: UK Skilled Worker Visa Available
Application Deadline: 12pm (midday) on 13 June 2025

Elevate Visual Storytelling at One of the World’s Most Prestigious Institutions

Are you an experienced design leader with a passion for heritage, culture, and innovative visual communication? The British Museum is seeking a visionary Head of Graphic Design to guide creative direction, maintain brand consistency, and oversee high-profile gallery, exhibition, and marketing projects. With access to one of the world’s most extensive collections of prints, drawings, and cultural artifacts, you’ll collaborate closely with curators, marketers, and multidisciplinary teams to bring compelling narratives to life through design.

This is a rare opportunity to apply your expertise in print, digital, and environmental graphics within a global institution dedicated to preserving and sharing human history. We offer a competitive salary, a robust benefits package, and Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.

About The British Museum: A Legacy of Cultural Preservation and Innovation

Founded in 1753, the British Museum is an internationally renowned public institution that houses over two million years of human history and culture. From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies and the Sutton-Hoo treasures, our galleries showcase iconic objects that illustrate the depth and breadth of human creativity.

The Museum’s comprehensive collections include:

Ancient artifacts such as the Lewis Chessmen and Assyrian reliefs
Over 600 years of prints and drawings, featuring works by Albrecht Dürer, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt
World cultures represented through objects, textiles, and audiovisual installations

As a cultural leader, we strive to make knowledge accessible to all. Our dynamic exhibitions and digital initiatives reach millions of visitors globally, both onsite and online. The Head of Graphic Design will play a crucial role in creating innovative visual experiences that engage diverse audiences.

Role Overview: Lead Creative Excellence in Graphic Design

As Head of Graphic Design, you will provide strategic and creative leadership across all graphic design projects. You will manage a talented team of designers and collaborate with stakeholders across curatorial, marketing, exhibitions, and interpretation to develop designs that support the Museum’s mission.

Your remit will include:

Overseeing design concepts and execution for gallery displays, temporary exhibitions, signage, wayfinding, marketing collateral, and print publications
Ensuring cohesive brand identity and visual language across all touchpoints
Leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary design team, fostering professional growth and innovation
Coordinating with external agencies, contractors, and in-house teams to deliver high-quality outputs on time and budget
Acting as the escalation point for creative direction, technical feasibility, and design problem-solving

This role may also extend to broader design oversight, including 3D exhibitions, lighting schemes, audio-visual elements, and other interpretive experiences.

Core Responsibilities: From Concept to Completion

Delivering exceptional visual communication at the British Museum requires a balance of creative vision, meticulous project management, and collaborative problem-solving. Your responsibilities will encompass:

Strategic Design Leadership

Develop and articulate a clear design vision aligned with the Museum’s goals, including engagement, accessibility, and brand integrity
Establish design guidelines, brand standards, and best practices to ensure consistency across all mediums
Champion innovative approaches to graphic design, experimenting with new technologies, materials, and techniques
Advocate for design as a critical tool in shaping visitor experiences and conveying curatorial narratives

Team Management and Development

Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of graphic designers, freelancers, and interns
Conduct regular performance reviews, identify training needs, and support professional development through workshops, courses, and mentoring
Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that encourages creativity, experimentation, and open communication
Allocate resources effectively, balancing project demands with team capacity and individual skill sets

Project Oversight and Quality Control

Oversee the full project lifecycle from design brief to delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards
Collaborate with the Head of Design and Interpretation to refine briefs, set objectives, and define success metrics for each project
Manage vendor relationships with print suppliers, sign-makers, digital agencies, and specialist contractors to deliver superior results
Review and approve design drafts, providing clear feedback and direction to achieve the highest visual impact

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with curators, exhibition managers, and marketing leads to understand curatorial objectives and interpretive strategies
Facilitate design workshops and brainstorming sessions to generate creative concepts and solve design challenges
Present design proposals to senior leadership and project stakeholders, securing buy-in and support
Communicate project progress effectively, escalating risks and issues to ensure proactive resolution

Technical and Operational Expertise

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma) and emerging graphic technologies
Oversee technical specifications for print production, digital asset management, and large-scale fabrication
Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., color contrast, typography legibility, tactile graphics) for visually impaired audiences
Implement sustainable design practices, selecting eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste

Ideal Candidate Profile: Skills, Experience, and Qualities

We’re looking for a seasoned design professional who combines artistic flair with strategic thinking, operational rigor, and a deep appreciation for cultural heritage.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field
A portfolio showcasing a breadth of experience in print, digital, and environmental graphics, particularly within museum, cultural, or exhibition contexts
Minimum of 7 years of professional graphic design experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or managerial role
Demonstrable track record of leading design teams and managing complex, multidisciplinary projects

Essential Skills

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Sketch, Figma, and other design tools
Strong conceptual skills with the ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visuals
Excellent project management capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
Clear and persuasive communication skills, both verbal and written, for engaging with diverse stakeholders
Expertise in brand management, ensuring consistency across print, web, and environmental graphics

Desirable Experience

Experience designing for museum exhibitions, galleries, or cultural heritage sites
Familiarity with wayfinding systems, signage design, and interpretive graphics
Knowledge of digital display technologies, motion graphics, and interactive media
Experience working with external agencies, print vendors, and third-party contractors

Personal Attributes

A visionary leader who inspires creativity and fosters a culture of excellence
Empathetic listener with strong emotional intelligence to understand stakeholder needs
Adaptive, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
A collaborative team player who builds trust and encourages open dialogue
Passion for the arts, history, and education, with a genuine desire to make culture accessible to all

How Graphic Design Shapes the Visitor Experience

Graphic design plays a vital role in how visitors engage with collections, interpret exhibits, and connect with cultural stories. As Head of Graphic Design, you’ll:

Enhance Exhibit Readability and Accessibility

Implement clear typography, intuitive layouts, and high-contrast color schemes to guide visitors through displays
Design informational panels, labels, and captions that illuminate object significance without overwhelming readers
Ensure all materials meet accessibility guidelines, using tactile elements and large-format prints when needed

Elevate Brand and Marketing Collateral

Develop visually cohesive marketing campaigns, from social media graphics to printed brochures and posters
Create compelling digital assets for the Museum’s website, e-newsletters, and virtual exhibitions
Collaborate with the marketing team to maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity

Innovate Gallery Environments

Partner with the Head of 3D Design and exhibition teams to integrate graphic elements with architectural and lighting designs
Explore cutting-edge materials and techniques, such as laser-cut signage, backlit displays, and projection mapping
Balance historical authenticity with modern aesthetics, preserving the integrity of artifacts while engaging contemporary audiences

Working Environment: Collaborative and Flexible

At the British Museum, we value innovation, diversity, and work-life balance. Our team enjoys:

Hybrid Work Model

Flexibility to work remotely while maintaining strong collaboration with onsite colleagues
Regular team meetings, design critiques, and cross-department workshops hosted in our state-of-the-art design studios
Opportunities to work on-site within gallery spaces, experiencing exhibits first-hand and gathering insights

Professional Development

Access to internal training programs, workshops, and conferences focused on design, leadership, and cultural heritage
Mentorship from senior leaders in design, curation, and museum operations
Funding for external courses, creative residencies, and professional certifications

Inclusive Culture

A diverse workforce representing multiple backgrounds, perspectives, and creative approaches
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) supporting LGBTQ+, Black, Asian, ethnic minority, and disabled staff networks
Regular town halls, diversity forums, and feedback sessions ensuring everyone’s voice is heard

Competitive Benefits Package: Supporting Your Wellbeing and Growth

We offer a comprehensive package designed to ensure you’re supported, both personally and professionally:

Leave and Pension

25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 10 years’ service, plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays
Membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, providing long-term retirement security

Health, Wellbeing, and Lifestyle

Private medical insurance, dental coverage, and permanent health insurance
Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions across the UK
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering counseling, mental health resources, and personal support
Interest-free loans for travel (including electric vehicle salary sacrifice), bicycle purchases, and rental deposits

Professional and Personal Development

Opportunities to attend private talks by leading curators, conservation experts, and guest lecturers
Behind-the-scenes access to exhibitions and conservation labs, deepening your design perspective
Subsidized or free tickets to educational events, workshops, and networking opportunities

Discounts and Perks

Staff discounts on gift shop and café purchases
Participation in museum events, screenings, and special members’ preview days
Use of onsite facilities, including cafeteria and wellness spaces

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: A Gateway for International Talent

We are committed to attracting the best global talent. As an approved sponsor, the British Museum can support your Skilled Worker visa application if you meet eligibility criteria. UK visa sponsorship encompasses:

Providing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for eligible candidates
Guidance throughout the visa application process, from initial submission to visa grant
Access to relocation resources, including housing advice and local support networks

Candidates must ensure that this role is listed on the Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations list and meets the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. For detailed eligibility information, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/eligible-occupations

Equality of Opportunity: Valuing Diversity in All Forms

The British Museum celebrates diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. We actively seek applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourage:

People with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those with protected characteristics
Candidates from ethnic minority and underrepresented communities
Individuals returning to the workforce or transitioning careers
Applicants from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds

Our recruitment processes are designed to eliminate bias, including blind shortlisting and diverse interview panels. If you require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us at BMRecruit@britishmuseum.org.

Application Process: Your Pathway to Joining the Team

Ready to use your graphic design expertise to enrich cultural experiences for millions of visitors? Follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Application

Complete the online application via our careers portal before 12pm (midday) on 13 June 2025
Include your CV, a tailored cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit, and three professional references
Submit work samples as six A4 PDFs showcasing a range of projects (print, digital, gallery) that highlight concept, process, and final deliverables. Email samples to BMRecruit@britishmuseum.org (CVs are not accepted as samples)

2. Initial Screening

Applications will be reviewed by the hiring panel for essential skills, experience, and portfolio quality
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial phone or video interview

3. Interview and Practical Task

Selected candidates will be invited to an onsite interview at the British Museum, which may include a design challenge or presentation
You will have the opportunity to meet key stakeholders, tour our design studios, and discuss your portfolio in depth

4. Offer and Onboarding

Successful applicants will receive a formal offer and begin the background check process, including right-to-work verification
Visa sponsorship candidates will receive guidance and support to secure their Skilled Worker visa
New hires will participate in an induction program to familiarize themselves with the Museum’s culture, systems, and safety protocols

Why This Role Matters: Impacting Culture Through Design

As the Head of Graphic Design, you will shape how visitors interact with centuries-old artifacts and contemporary exhibitions alike. Your creative leadership will:

Preserve and Celebrate Heritage

Ensure that design choices respect the historical context of artifacts while making them accessible to modern audiences
Highlight cultural narratives through design, making exhibitions meaningful and engaging for diverse demographics

Inspire and Educate

Use design to tell compelling stories that resonate with scholars, students, and casual visitors
Develop interpretive graphics that enhance learning, spark curiosity, and encourage repeat museum visits

Drive Innovation and Sustainability

Implement sustainable design practices that align with the Museum’s environmental goals
Experiment with new media, digital platforms, and interactive elements to keep the Museum’s visual presence at the cutting edge

Final Words: Join a Legacy of Excellence and Creativity

If you’re a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and a passionate advocate for design, this is your chance to leave a lasting imprint on one of the world’s most celebrated cultural institutions. Bring your vision, your expertise, and your dedication to a role where every design choice contributes to preserving and sharing global heritage.

Apply today to become the Head of Graphic Design at The British Museum and help us continue telling humanity’s story through the power of design.