Graphic Designer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Marketing Graphic Designer supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

This position primarily presides over asset development and social media relations for the organization, in accordance with the strategic planning set forth by the Director of Membership

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

BENEFITS:

Free Y membership and program discount, including family

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, HSA, etc.

Paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal time

Child Watch hours available free of charge

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and executes the YMCA brand assets, strategic marketing efforts, and materials to meet the goals of the annual operating and strategic plans
• Effectively implements marketing design assets to support all areas of YMCA marketing and development goals

o Supports marketing efforts through multiple channels to a wide range of stakeholders, members, donors, prospects, community partners, key influencers, volunteers, media and the community at-large

o Responsible for supporting the Marketing Director and internal teams to help drive growth

o Coordinates with external vendors for print assets and material sourcing

• Oversees creation and distribution of all print communication for programs, annual reports, program guides and brochures
• Attends departmental and project management meetings
• Maintains internal and external project management for all marketing design requests
• Ensures brand compliance, message clarity, best-practices design and layout, and drives overall consistency of marketing materials.
• Serves as the Brand Advocate, representing the Valparaiso YMCA with YMCA of the USA's brand compliance requirements.
• Follows emergency procedures and safety precautions. Follow procedures for reporting all accidents, incidents and hazards.
• Adheres to all policies, rules and regulations as outlined in employee handbook and other communications.
• Obtains and maintains required trainings.
• Accepts additional assignments as deemed appropriate, within the scope of job description.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 1 yr graphic design experience in print and digital formats required
• Experience working with electronic files for in-house or commercial print production required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment required
• Ability to prioritize work to balance multiple projects and deadlines required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite required
• Print and digital portfolio and expertise required
• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Fine Arts or Graphic Design preferred
• Photography experience and familiar with photography equipment preferred

SALARY:

Minimum starting rate of $19 an hour

Starting rate based on experience

SCHEDULE:

Full-time days

Weekdays primarily with possible evening hours and weekend availability based on event scheduling

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 30 pounds.

Extended periods of time working at PC and/or laptop, often with repetitive keyboarding movement.

Outside building travel required.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change. Model's adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 1 yr graphic design experience in print and digital formats required
• Experience working with electronic files for in-house or commercial print production required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment required
• Ability to prioritize work to balance multiple projects and deadlines required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite required
• Print and digital portfolio and expertise required
• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Fine Arts or Graphic Design preferred
• Photography experience and familiar with photography equipment preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

 Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 30 pounds.

 Extended periods of time working at PC and/or laptop, often with repetitive keyboarding movement.

 Outside building travel required.