Graphic Designer

Please provide a resume, cover letter and portfolio with your submission. Thank you.

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented and passionate Graphic Designer to join our growing team. This role will advance Highland Planning's mission by strengthening our brand presence within the public sector and creating compelling materials that engage communities in planning processes.

As our Graphic Designer, you will develop sophisticated visual solutions that build Highland Planning's reputation with government agencies, municipalities, and public sector organizations. This includes creating proposals, case studies, one-pagers, social media graphics/videos and other marketing materials demonstrating our planning, public engagement, and urban design expertise. Your work will help position Highland Planning as a trusted partner for public sector clients seeking to transform their communities.

Simultaneously, you will design engaging, accessible materials that inspire community participation in our clients' projects. From eye-catching social media campaigns to clear infographics explaining complex planning concepts, your designs will help diverse communities understand and participate in decisions that affect their future. This requires balancing professional design with an approachable, inclusive design that resonates with various stakeholders and demographics.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Business Development Support

• Design marketing collateral, including proposals, sales one-pagers, case studies, and presentation materials
• Develop, create and maintain brand consistency across all company materials and platforms
• Design marketing templates, social media graphics/videos, and other digital content
• Develop infographics and data visualizations that create visually compelling messaging

Client-Facing Project Support

• Create visually engaging public outreach materials, including flyers, postcards, and event signage
• Design project logos, branding, and style guides
• Develop clear and accessible information graphics for planning documents
• Create presentation materials for public meetings and stakeholder engagement
• Design comprehensive planning documents and technical reports that are both beautiful and functional
• Generate maps, diagrams, and other visual aids that communicate complex information clearly

General Design Duties

• Manage multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines
• Collaborate with planners & project managers to understand project needs
• Maintain organized digital asset libraries for Highland Planning
• Stay current with design trends and best practices
• Provide creative solutions for various communication challenges

Who You Are: Leader of Self

· You are endlessly curious about design trends, visual communication, and how aesthetics can advance social good

· You lead by example, consistently delivering high-quality work that makes everything "sparkle."

· You take pride in your creative vision while remaining open to feedback and collaboration

· You proactively identify and solve design challenges, knowing when to seek input from others to achieve the best outcome

· You thrive in a dynamic environment, skillfully managing multiple projects and adapting to changing priorities

· You are a self-starter who takes initiative to improve processes and find creative solutions

· You are meticulous in maintaining organized files, documenting design decisions, and tracking project details

· You possess strong project management capabilities, particularly in managing design workflows and deadlines

· You anticipate visual communication challenges, understand technical and audience constraints, provide multiple creative solutions, and actively participate in design strategy decisions

· You continuously expand your skills and stay current with design tools and technologies

Who You Are: Leader of Others

· You treat others with kindness and compassion, embodying Highland Planning's core value of "Honor People."

· You are an expert in visual communication and design principles, advising clients and team members on best practices to reach their target audiences effectively

· You are a strategic thinker capable of researching visual trends, developing innovative design approaches, and implementing creative solutions that resonate with diverse communities

· You are an exceptional communicator – translating complex information into clear visuals, articulating design decisions effectively, and writing clear documentation

· You make informed design decisions using data, research, and available resources to achieve optimal visual outcomes

· You collaborate effectively with people across all levels, from community members to technical experts

· You work seamlessly with project teams, sharing knowledge and mentoring others in design best practices while maintaining a growth mindset

· You adapt your communication style to different audiences, ensuring both technical and non-technical stakeholders understand design concepts

· You champion inclusive design practices that ensure materials are accessible to all community members

· You bring creativity and strategic thinking to every project, helping teams envision new possibilities for engaging with communities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field
• 3-5 years of professional design experience
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Strong typography and layout skills
• Experience with data visualization and information design
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Excellence in written and verbal communication
• Strong attention to detail and quality control
• Understanding of printing processes and production requirements
• Portfolio demonstrating a range of work, including print and digital design

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in planning and urban design industries
• Experience in public sector and government agencies industries
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
• Familiarity with GIS mapping software
• Experience with web design, content management systems, and basic HTML/CSS
• Video editing and motion graphics capabilities

About Us

Highland Planning is a certified women-owned planning design studio known for our commitment to community, innovation, and quality. With offices in Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, we are driven by a passion for social good to implement creative public engagement, planning, and design strategies through collaborative partnerships across the northeastern United States. Our mission is to transform communities through creative public engagement, planning, and design strategies that honor people, make it sparkle, and embrace change.

Our Core Values

• Honor People. We treat others with respect, kindness, and empathy. We listen to and consider the thoughts and feelings of those around us and strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Make it Sparkle. We infuse passion and care into everything we do. We pay attention to the details and exceed expectations.
• Embrace Change. We are flexible in our approach to challenges and obstacles, welcoming new ideas and perspectives. We are always evolving.

Benefits

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· 401(k) plan and matching

· Unlimited PTO policy

· Hybrid work environment

· Professional development opportunities

· Bi-weekly payroll

· Support for professional certifications and continuing education

This position is open to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, NY 14620

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000