Graphic Designer (full-time) in Mt. Prospect, Illinois at Mt. Prospect Park District

Incorporated in 1955 and encompassing more than 454 acres, the Mt. Prospect Park District provides outstanding recreational programs, events, parks, facilities and services. With seven primary facilities and 27 neighborhood parks, the Park District is an integral part of a thriving multi-generational community. District open space includes two outdoor pools, biking and walking paths, a dog park and sizable space for outdoor athletic programming. The District covers over 11 square miles and serves a region of over a quarter million residents in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.

We are searching for a Graphic Designer (full-time, exempt) to join our Community Relations and Marketing team. Reporting to the Director of Community Relations and Marketing, the Graphic Designer is responsible for the creative development and implementation of the overall visual image for the Mt. Prospect Park District. The Graphic Designer works cooperatively with all departments to provide print and digital content that satisfies the District’s initiatives. Market in accordance with the District mission, vision and core values while maintaining consistent marketing messages that support and strengthen the District’s brand.

The Graphic Designer must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass a criminal background check and pre-employment physical with a drug screen. The annualized starting salary range for the Graphic Designer is $53,410 to $63,500, depending on qualifications. Plus, we offer a generous benefits package including Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance (or health insurance opt out payment), employer paid HRA benefits, employer paid premiums for Principal dental insurance, IMRF pension benefits (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), employer paid premiums for Principal short-term disability, life insurance and AD&D, VSP-vision discount program, Principal 457 deferred compensation savings plan, cell phone stipend, paid time off, employee training and park district facility discounts and usage benefits.

Please see the Essential and Secondary Duties and Qualifications listed below for more information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Design and oversee the production of all printed and graphic materials for the District using Mac-based graphic design and desktop publishing software.

Possess excellent organizational ability (attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects, establish workload priorities, take initiative and meet deadlines). Must successfully negotiate competing demands and frequent changes in direction of both content and priorities.

Responsible for quarterly program guide production including staff outreach, layout, design, copywriting (when applicable), proofing page proofs and distribution.

Participate in all regularly scheduled CR&M team and/or departmental marketing meetings.

Design and/or update all posters, flyers, postcards, banners, emails, print ads, etc. along with digital content to fulfill marketing team initiatives.

Maintain (edit and organize) photo archives for easy and quick reference as determined by current marketing requirements. (print or web use).

Design special campaigns ( booklets, programs, handouts, signs, etc) and reformat as needed for print and web use.

Develop ideas, concepts, campaign goals and audiences into innovative visual and/or written content. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Process marketing requests and prioritize projects according to program schedules and deadlines.

Maintain positive and effective working relationships with department heads, supervisors and other staff members.

Participate and attend meetings of IPRA, IAPD and local community agencies, associations and organizations.

Work schedule will vary and evening and weekend hours may be required based on program/special event schedules.

Complete regular training on District website management resulting in the ability to update, add, delete and/or amend web information.

Utilize website dashboard analytics and apply them to the monthly departmental board report.

Abide by Park District policies and procedures.

Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Relations and Marketing, and/or the Executive Director.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Serve on Park District committees as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Communications or Marketing is preferred. Art school graduates will also be considered. Previous park district experience is a plus. Must have working knowledge of Google Suite, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and other Adobe Creative Cloud Products.

Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to drive between parks and facilities.

The general work area is an indoor, smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. There may be exposure to noise distractions from employees or equipment operation in adjacent work areas. Additionally, there may be infrequent exposure to cleaning materials and office supplies.

Must be able to sit or stand for sustained periods of time. Must be able to perform tasks that require walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and reaching. Additionally, may be exposed to weather conditions including water, sun, high humidity, and excessive heat and cold.

This position will require repetitive hand/arm movements such as when working on a computer keyboard, calculator, etc. Must be able to lift 20+ pounds for supplies and other items.

Due to the needs of the Park District, evening and weekend hours may be required. Your work schedule may vary and your workweek may exceed regular hours at times.

Nothing contained herein shall preclude or limit the Park District from changing this written job description through addition, deletion or modification of essential job duties.

The Mt. Prospect Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.