Media & Design Specialist

Position Type: Term-limited independent contractor engagement  

Works with: Brand Storyteller 

Contract term: November 2026 –January 2027 

Work environment: Primarily remote, with on-site coverage of designated programs and events as defined in the scope of work. 

Compensation: $25/hour for approximately 20 hours a week 

Engagement Overview 

Musicopia is seeking a Media & Design Specialist to help strengthen and scale our visual communications systems. 

The primary focus for this opportunity is the development of reusable branded templates, visual standards, and creative systems that allow staff and interns to efficiently create consistent, high-quality communications materials across the organization. 

Working closely with the Brand Storyteller, the specialist will help ensure consistent implementation of Musicopia's visual identity across materials such as newsletters, social media materials, sponsorship materials, event collateral, reports, presentations, business stationery, and other organizational communications. 

In addition to design work, the specialist may support select photography and videography projects to help build a library of high-quality visual assets that can be used across communications, fundraising, marketing, and storytelling efforts. 

Graphic design expertise is our highest priority. Photography and video skills are highly valued, but we do not expect candidates to be equally experienced in every medium. We welcome applicants whose strengths are deeper in design, photography, videography, or a combination of disciplines. 

This is a project-based independent contractor opportunity with flexible scheduling, clear priorities, and defined deliverables. 

Scope of Work 

Graphic design, primary emphasis 

• Create professional, audience-focused, reusable templates for newsletters, e-blasts, program brochures, reports, sponsorship decks, and other communications materials. 
• Design polished campaign assets and adapt approved creative across appropriate formats and channels. 
• Provide editable source files, templates, specifications, and final files in agreed formats. 
• Apply Musicopia brand standards while creating clear, accessible, and visually consistent materials. 

Photography and video 

• Provide professional coverage of designated priority programs and events, including edited photography, short-form video, and other deliverables defined in the scope of work. 
• Independently capture and edit professional photographs and videos in agreed final formats. 
• Produce selected polished photos, videos, or digital assets that support Musicopia storytelling and communications. 

Asset delivery and collaboration 

• Deliver well-organized, clearly named, edited, and rights-ready asset packages, including source files when required by the agreement. 
• Work closely with the Brand Storyteller, who will provide creative briefs, brand standards, priorities, and final approval. 
• Meet agreed milestones, communicate promptly about scope or scheduling issues, and incorporate consolidated feedback within the terms of the engagement. 

What We Are Looking For 

• A strong portfolio demonstrating professional graphic design (primary focus) 
• Photography and/or videography capabilities that can support program and event storytelling (secondary focus).  
• Ability to translate a creative brief into practical, audience-focused deliverables. 
• Strong organization, file-management practices, attention to detail, and independent project delivery. 
• Ability to work respectfully in youth, school, arts, and community settings and to follow Musicopia processes related to consent and usage information. PA Criminal History Check, State Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI background check are all required to do on-site work. Musicopia cannot reimburse expenses related to obtaining these clearances. 
• Interest in music, dance, nonprofit communications, and/or K-12 arts education is a plus. 

What Musicopia Offers 

• The opportunity to apply professional creative skills in support of a worthwhile nonprofit arts education mission. 
• Meaningful assignments connected to music, dance, young people, and communities across the region. 
• Clear creative briefs, brand standards, priorities, and consolidated review from the Brand Storyteller. 
• A varied portfolio of mission-driven design and media work, with opportunities to create reusable systems as well as polished campaign and program assets. 
• A collaborative working relationship with an organization committed to equitable access to the arts, cultural and human diversity, mutual respect, well-being, belonging, and safe spaces for self-expression. 

Mission and Background 

Musicopia's mission is to inspire, educate, and connect children, youth, and their extended communities through collaborative music and dance experiences. Musicopia envisions shaping and empowering the next generation through equitable access to the arts: cultivating lifelong creative expression, confidence, collaboration, multicultural understanding, and joy. 

This will be guided and informed by our belief in and commitment to our values, which are to: 

• Provide pathways to the arts 
• Inspire learning through the arts 
• Champion cultural and human diversity 
• Promote the development of self-efficacy 
• Create environments of mutual respect, well-being, and belonging
• Support participants in finding safe spaces for self-expression 
• ​Enrich the communities in which our participants live and thrive 

As of January 1, 2026, Musicopia and long-time affiliate Musicopia Dance (formerly Dancing Classrooms Philly) merged with Musicopia Inc as the surviving entity. This strategic merger brings to the forefront the importance of dance to youth development, while continuing to champion the power of music. 

Learn more about Musicopia's work and impact at www.musicopia.org.