Design Associate

JOB SUMMARY

CTBUH is seeking a creative and enthusiastic Design Associate to join our Marketing and Communications team. This individual will assist the Design Manager with various design tasks and materials needed for CTBUH’s global events, conferences, publications, and other activities across digital and print platforms. This position will play a key role in supporting the team by producing visually compelling designs, ensuring consistency with the CTBUH brand, and collaborating with other members to meet project deadlines. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is eager to learn, grow, and gain hands-on experience in a professional design environment.

JOB DUTIES

• Design creation and execution: Contribute to the development of design concepts, graphics, layouts, presentations, social media, signage, and other outputs for print and digital projects.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Work closely with the Design Manager, cross-departmental teams, and others to brainstorm creative solutions and ensure designs align with project objectives.
• Feedback and refinement: Present designs for review and implement feedback from the Design Manager, team, and staff as necessary to refine and improve designs.
• File and asset management: Organize and maintain design files, ensuring all assets are properly labeled, stored, and accessible for the other team members.
• Trend research and awareness: Stay up to date with design trends, tools, and technologies, with the willingness to bring fresh ideas and inspiration to the team.
• Brand excellence and consistency: Translate branding guidelines into appealing graphics and collateral materials to ensure design coherence and narrative is maintained across all mediums.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a design-related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least 3 years of experience in a design or graphic design role, or relevant internship, with a portfolio demonstrating creative design work across different mediums (digital, print, web).

Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design tools or software.
• Solid understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, composition, and layout.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring high-quality designs that follow brand guidelines and project specifications.
• Ability to take direction on multiple projects, adapt based on feedback, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Organized, resourceful, and performance-driven mindset with a proactive and inclusive approach to problem solving.
• A passion for design and a willingness to learn and grow in the field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in video editing, motion graphics, and animation with programs (such as After Effects and Premiere Pro)
• Familiarity with WordPress, HTML, CSS, and related website development technologies/software
• Knowledge of user experience and user-centered design principles
• Previous experience working in a design agency, corporate setting, or global organizations
• Interest in architecture, urban planning, sustainability, or building industry

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

BENEFITS

• Ability to work on diverse design projects, with the opportunity to bring your creative vision to life while elevating CTBUH’s global impact and mission.
• Gain exposure to an international network, with your work showcased across CTBUH’s platforms.
• Collaborative work environment and engagement with leading professionals in the industry.
• Opportunities for international travel, including CTBUH’s own conferences and select professional development opportunities.
• Competitive benefits package includes: premium health benefits with employer covering 70% of plan costs, up to a 7% retirement account contribution in the first year, 4 weeks of paid time off, annual performance-based bonus eligibility, and optional 2 days per week to work from home.

WORK LOCATION

Chicago Headquarters office, with the option to work from home up to two days per week after an introductory period

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

As assigned

Equal Opportunity Employer

We believe at CTBUH that our work benefits from the diverse perspectives of our staff and the community we serve. We encourage applicants to review our diversity statement at ctbuh.org/edi-committee-statement.

CTBUH provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt (Salaried)

JOB TYPE: Regular / Full-time

SALARY RANGE: $59,000 - $65,000 

TEAM: Marketing and Communications

REPORTS TO: Design Manager

POSTED DATE: April 1, 2025

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants should send cover letter, resume, and three work samples to careers@ctbuh.org.