Graphic Designer

Job no: 492939
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Elgin, IL
Experience Level: Mid-Level
Categories: Marketing & Communications
Role: Graphic Designer

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday 8AM - 5PM

Rate of Pay:

$41,662

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

The graphic designer responds to the established goals set for a piece of communication (or a series of related pieces, possibly in multiple media) to visually organize, design and brand a persuasive, targeted print or electronic piece, within the constraints of limited budget and tight schedule.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or university in visual communications or directly related field with 3 years experience and a strong portfolio or associate degree with 5 years of experience in print/electronic design and a strong portfolio; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
2. Advanced creative, visualization and problem-solving skills.
3. Advanced knowledge of typography, color and design theory; ability to advocate for and educate about good design.
4. Working knowledge of Mac operating system and applications.
5. Advanced proficiency in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat).
6. Mastery of photo-editing, digital file-processing, image-manipulation, and image optimization techniques for print, as well as electronic file formats.
7. Working knowledge of computer networking systems and Windows operating systems; fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
8. Working knowledge of spec-writing, pre-press (pre-flight), print production and file-transfer techniques and software.
9. Ability to prepare for repeating, cyclical assignments without direction.
10. Working knowledge of postal regulations, as applicable to direct mail design.
11. Ability to balance attention to detail with big-picture priority-setting and time-management.
12. Dedication to customer service while working for multiple clients with the ability to interpret stakeholder requests and effectively present concepts.
13. Excellent oral and written communication skills and human-relations skills.
14. Commitment to collaborative process; comfortable with and able to act on feedback from multiple sources while retaining own expertise.
15. Ability to work effectively with others under complex, deadline-driven circumstances; must be able to learn and keep-up-to-date shared project-management software.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Working knowledge of HTML/CSS
2. Knowledge of design for electronic application.
3. Basic knowledge of coding for electronic application plus front-end web-development techniques
4. Ability to art-direct a photo shoot, including unique lighting and composition considerations, and to coordinate students, faculty, VIPs, props and locations.

Essential Duties:

1. Working within an established brand environment, design a multitude of print and digital materials to persuasively communicate the college’s strategic priorities, attract students to the college, and promote a wide variety to activities and college goals.
2. Partner closely with leadership, teammates, and clients to implement appropriate design techniques, fine-tune design, advocate for best practices, and serve as brand steward.
3. Partner with photographer to assist with photo shoots, individually select stock images, and/or create illustrations for use in designs.
3. Analyze the goals and parameters of projects; research related design considerations; maintain visual identity and brand standards to protect the college image and attract students.
4. Determine specifications for bids to printers, making sure design deadline can be met and project is cost effective; pre-flight digital files for printing; deliver final digital files that meet industry standards; in both cases, working to manage or reduce costs without reduction in quality.
5. Keep current databases, archives, and electronic filing system of jobs. Use expert training to approve proofs from printer; attend press checks off campus if needed; collaborate with printers to trouble-shoot technical problems. Ensure printed material meets postal regulations.
6. Participate in department-wide communication, collaboration, and growth activities.

Other Duties:

1. Perform other job related duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.
2. Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Physical Demands:

Light (up to 25 lbs occasionally or 10 lbs frequently)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

Elgin Community College Support Staff of Elgin Community College Association (SSECCA) members that apply by 08/14/2019 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.

In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Advertised: August 7, 2019 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: