Graphic Designer

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, the Graphic Designer is responsible for providing graphic design support to the marketing and communications staff, as well as other DART staff as needed.  This includes the design of promotional and marketing collateral in both print and digital mediums, while also supporting the team in the execution of internal and external facing projects. A successful Graphic Designer will play a valuable role in supporting the organization through designing clear visual communications and bringing creative solutions to the table as the organization undergoes a major network redesign and brand refresh.

Essential Functions of this Position:

• Designs printed marketing materials including, but not limited to: ads, brochures, schedules, maps, presentations, signage, marketing and promotional event support – while meeting production deadlines.
• Designs digital marketing materials including, but not limited to: graphics supporting digital ads, website, app, email and social media.
• Creates designs and layouts using current professional-level graphics and publication software to produce materials to visually inform, educate and promote DART initiatives.
• ·     Updates and maintains branded company templates while following brand guidelines. Ensures consistency across all visual mediums to build a strong brand identity.
• ·     Updates and maintains library of graphic assets, photos and other resources.
• Develops and/or coordinates the development of graphic concept designs, artwork, photography, illustrations and layouts in a wide range of formats that involve public information, community outreach, presentations, and marketing/advertising materials.
• Presents ideas and design solutions in a clear and concise manner while being open to feedback in a collaborative environment.
• Prioritizes, schedules, tracks and ensures the timely completion of graphic projects in consultation with the Creative Project Manager; works closely with Marketing and Communications Department staff at all levels.

Additional Responsibilities of this Position:

• Collaborates with key vendors, including printers, promotional product companies and others to assist with the procurement and completion of projects
• Assists with project budgets and schedules
• Ability to serve on or represent marketing on cross-functional teams
• Attend and support occasional DART events or public meetings as necessary 

Education and/or Experience:

• Four-year degree in Graphic Design or a related field required; three (3) years of relevant experience accepted in lieu of a degree
• Minimum of two (2) years increasingly responsible experience as a graphic designer in an advertising agency or corporate marketing environment
• Demonstrated skill through a strong portfolio with high-quality designs

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of graphic design principles and design applications, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of both print and digital design basics
• Knowledge of branding strategies used in public information and publicity campaigns
• Knowledge of personal computers and understanding of current office software programs for word processing, presentations, email, and spreadsheets
•  Knowledge of photography, illustration, animation or video a plus
• Knowledge of HTML/Drupal a plus   

Skill or Ability to:

• Ability to use and/or create templates, set files up for both print and digital mediums correctly, and work within brand guidelines
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external teams or work autonomously
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively, which includes planning, organizing and prioritizing multiple projects with attention to details
• Ability to maintain workload priorities under pressure of deadlines
• Strong verbal communication to present and discuss concepts and work proactively within a collaborative team environment
• Ability to be a self-starter and responsible for completing assignments in an efficient, cost-effective and professional manner
• Ability to apply common sense, theory and experience to decision making
• Ability to explore and generate different, creative, imaginative or unique approaches and think outside the box to deliver effective design solutions

Physical Demands:

On a normal workday, this position requires:

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and/or walking
• Extensive use of hands, fingers and arms in operations requiring constant handling of paper documents, computing and entering data using a keyboard and operating graphic tools and equipment
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less to distinguish detailed drawing features
• The ability to hear normal verbal conversation with or without corrective devices to communicate with co-workers and customers
• The ability to speak and read the English language clearly and concisely

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily onsite in a general office environment, with some flexibility for work/life balance. Occasional “on-call” and night or weekend hours may be required to staff DART events and public meetings.