Production Designer

Company: Leff Communications

Job Title: Production Designer

Location: Hybrid (local to Chicago)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

LEFF is a content marketing agency creating high-quality, high-impact content for a wide variety of clients. Our tight-knit creative team collaborates closely to develop everything from thought leadership reports to digital campaigns to branded content, with a strong focus on storytelling, design, and user experience. We pride ourselves on producing work that blends creativity with strategy, and we’re looking for a production designer who shares our passion for providing our clients with best-in-class visual storytelling.

Position Overview

As a production designer, you will play a key role in bringing our creative concepts to life, ensuring that all visual assets are produced to the highest standard. You will work closely with our design director, art directors, designers, and data visualization designers to develop and refine a wide range of assets across print, web, and digital formats. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented individual with a strong eye for design, expert knowledge of and interest in design and production processes – including platforms and software, and a passion for solving visual problems creatively and efficiently.

Essential Responsibilities

• Asset production: Prepare and deliver high-quality visual assets, including digital ads, social media graphics, web designs, and print materials, ensuring they align with the creative direction and brand guidelines. Input changes as needed to existing files; exercise creative judgement when making layout modifications.
• File management: Create and maintain organized files that are optimized for various platforms, ensuring that final assets are formatted correctly for print, web, and digital use.
• Collaboration: Work closely with creative team members (including editors, content strategists, designers, marketers, and project managers) to understand project needs, develop assets, and iterate on designs based on feedback.
• Design adaptation: Adapt existing creative designs for different media formats and platforms, ensuring consistency while optimizing for each channel’s unique requirements. In doing so, this role will solve problems and be resourceful and adaptable.
• Quality assurance: Review and proof all designs for accuracy, ensuring pixel-perfect alignment, color consistency, and quality in all deliverables.
• Vendor coordination: Liaise with print and production vendors to ensure that designs are executed correctly, and deadlines are met.
• Creative Contribution: Provide input on creative concepts and design improvements, contributing to brainstorming sessions and offering innovative ideas that align with project goals.
• Other duties as assigned

Must be able to:

• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Walking and Standing: Capability to walk and stand as needed to perform job duties.
• Typing: Proficient in typing and using computer hardware for data entry and communication.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately complete tasks with thoroughness and care, ensuring high-quality work.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Capability to analyze information, identify problems, and generate effective solutions.
• Memory: Proficiency in retaining and recalling information to perform job tasks effectively.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.
• Decision-Making: Capability to make sound decisions promptly and confidently.
• Critical Thinking: Aptitude for evaluating situations logically to make well-informed judgments.
• Concentration: Ability to maintain focus on tasks for extended periods without becoming distracted.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Visual Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• 3 years of experience as a Production Designer or similar role in a design studio, agency, or in-house creative team.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and relevant design software.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects with tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with print production, including prepping files for print and working with external vendors.
• Excellent file management, organizational, and time-management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and strong proofing skills, with a commitment to quality.
• A collaborative spirit with excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Be able to work remotely while staying organized and on task.
• Be eager to keep up with trends, tech updates, and latest software in the production design space.

Bonus skills

• Experience with motion graphics and video editing tools (After Effects, Premiere Pro) a plus.
• Experience working within accessibility standards and data visualization.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.
• Familiarity with web development tools (e.g., HTML, CSS).

Why work with us?

• Creative environment: Be part of a small, dynamic team where your ideas and contributions have a direct impact on the success of projects.
• Professional growth: Opportunities for learning and development in a fast-growing agency with a diverse client portfolio.
• Work-Life balance: We believe in flexibility and a healthy work-life balance and supporting our colleagues through all their endeavors.
• Culture: A supportive and collaborative work environment that values creativity, innovation, and team spirit.

Competitive compensation package includes medical, dental, paid parental leave, 401k and other benefits and perks. This role is hybrid. Requires one (1) day onsite (Chicago) per week. May occasionally require some weekend or evening hours. Only candidates local to the Chicago area will be considered for this role.

Salary Range: $75,000-$90,000/year

Leff is an equal-opportunity employer committed to bringing together the best people to serve our clients, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.