Graphics Design Supervisor

The Chester County Planning Commission seeks a Graphics Design Supervisor to support CCPC in the advancement of sound and innovative planning efforts throughout Chester County. The Graphic Arts Supervisor manages project workflow, scheduling and staffing, quality control, and provides creative direction to graphic specialists to produce high quality and innovative graphic products (e.g., reports, brochures, flyers, web pages, illustrations, infographics, graphs/charts, photography, audio visual presentations, and large displays). This position coordinates with planning staff to develop graphic design ideas and assists the Design and Technology Director to ensure the completion of all graphic products.

• Distribute project assignments to staff.  
• Meet with client and staff to evaluate project needs, suggest improvements, and determine best staff assignment.
• Meet with assigned staff member(s) and consult with staff throughout the project, as needed.
• Provide creative direction to staff and make artistic suggestions and changes to projects, as needed.
• Maintain short-term and long-term project schedules.
• Coordinate schedules and graphic needs that range from simple one-page flyers to complex, multiple page documents.
• Proof staffs’ work for accuracy and thoroughness.
• Handle the purchasing process (i.e., write RFQ’s, meet with vendors, purchase all graphic services and supplies).
• Schedule, organize and conduct graphics staff meetings.
• Assist in staff development (assign self-training and staff co-worker training, consult staff and schedule outside training, and select in-house training materials).
• Delegate routine tasks to staff (purchasing, archiving, troubleshooting, filing, organizing supplies, etc.). 
• Prepare and report project status schedules and share information at weekly management meetings. Develop and communicate annual performance expectations, interim reviews, year-end evaluations for supervised staff and support staffs’ goals when making assignments.
• Coordinate and implement budget preparation and maintenance (i.e., determine software, hardware, training, and other needs of graphics staff).
• Monitor division spending with current budget.
• Conduct research and development, explore new technologies, make technological recommendations, and evaluate work done by similar organizations.
• Provide guidance and direct graphics staff involvement in the design and maintenance of department websites.
• Regularly coordinate the activities and workflows of the Graphics Section with the Design and Technology Director.
• Provide graphics support to other County Departments.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• Associate’s degree in graphic arts or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in concept development, consulting, page layout, drawing, photo and video editing, color correction, file preparation, on-line publishing, multimedia, and other mediums.
• Demonstrated command of graphic design principles: balance/symmetry, rhythm/repetition, proximity, alignment, contrast, and white space. Color expertise in values, hues and shades.
• General understanding of fiscal planning and budgeting.
• Knowledge of color printer processing and graphics file processing (scanning/editing).
• Math skills for enlargements, reductions and tables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced interpersonal skills.
• Detailed proofreading experience (grammar, maps, charts).
• Working knowledge of professional typesetting functions.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives. 
• General understanding of human resources guidelines.
• Strong customer service experience and skills.
• Professional ethics with an ability to handle confidential matters.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Knowledge of web design and development.
• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Ability to act as visual communication expert to educate project partners.
• Ability to mentor graphic staff by sharing knowledge and experience.
• Able to use sound judgement to manage task assignments and ensure completion.
• Ability to establish priorities and protocols to remain focused on daily operations.
• Accurate and detail oriented with advanced organizational skills.
• Flexibility with last minute requests and balancing team and individual assignments.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10 years of experience in graphic design and/or two years of experience as a creative director.
• Knowledge of land planning and cartography
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Advanced Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer)
• Intermediate to Advanced OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Expert knowledge/experience in the latest Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge).
• Knowledge of Internet procedures (e.g., HTML and industry-standard web design recommendations).
• Strong working knowledge of computer hardware.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit.  Occasionally, the employee will need to bend at the waist or work bent at the waist and drive a vehicle to and from different locations during work hours.   On rare occasions, the employee will need to reach above shoulder height; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; climb stairs; and lift or carry items. 
The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) for proofing detailed artwork, photographs, and maps.
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors) 

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Work will be performed in front of a computer approximately 70% of the time.
• Employee will sit at a desk or table or attend meetings approximately 10% of the time.
• Approximately 20% of the time, employee will walk around the office checking supplies, visiting staff, checking printers and other computer equipment, etc.

Other:

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• A valid driver’s license may be required.
• This position will require more web development duties.

Salary : $53,009