Graphic Designer Job at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago

Company Description
Meadville Lombard Theological School is a progressive graduate institution that cultivates a diverse learning community of leaders from many faith traditions, cultural contexts, and backgrounds. The school focuses on preparing students to work for justice and equity in today’s world through rigorous, values-driven education. With its Contextual Learning model, students integrate academic study with real-world practice in their own communities. This model allows learners to access high-quality theological education without needing to relocate, supporting a more inclusive and accessible approach to ministry and leadership formation.

Location:

Chicago

Type:

Full-time-37.5 hrs

Role Description
The Graphic Designer is a full-time hybrid role based in Chicago, IL, with flexibility for some remote work. Directly responsible for the overall design and visual identity of

Meadville Lombard

for both external and internal audiences. Creates visual concepts to communicate ideas, promote MLTS, and highlight our mascot, Theo the honey badger. Serves as the principal coordinator for graphics and online production, while working within a prescribed budget. Works under the creative direction of the Marketing & Communications Officer to realize branding and communication projects.

Objectives of this role

Work on a wide range of projects and media, using design software to develop innovative graphic design

Obtain input from team members to ensure designs meet organizational standards and brand expectations, express ideas accurately, and represent Meadville Lombard's ethos

Work independently, as well as under the creative direction of the Marketing and Comms Officers, to meet deadlines, stay within budget, and manage several different projects at the same time

Examine existing processes, identify flaws, and create solutions that improve design capabilities

Update and maintain internal databases for design, photography, and video

Responsibilities

Create designs that highlight the energy and excitement of the Meadville Lombard honey badgers

Collaborate, brainstorm, and strategize with team members on a wide range of materials, including website, presentations, signs, internal communications, newsletters, and marketing collateral

Translate strategic direction into high-quality design within our established brand identity

Develop concepts and execute original content by determining the ideal usage of color, text, font style, imagery, and layout

Create printed materials (print ads, promotional items, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, etc.)

Edit video and audio podcasts

Create digital assets, including static and dynamic content for social media graphics, digital ads, email template design, gifs, and brand kit elements

Retouch and resize photography

Refine logo and mascot design

Manage artwork files

Create materials for conferences, graduation, and recruitment events

Design, set up, and load content on MLTS website and pages outside the website (Classy, Eventbrite, Teachable, etc.)

Order and design swag items

Create short-form video content for social media

Other design tasks as they come up

Required qualifications and skills

A bachelor's degree in Advertising, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or an equivalent of education, plus experience

A portfolio of design work featuring published work for clients (either in-house or external clients, or a mix of both)

Strong working knowledge of print, publishing, graphics art procedures, and related computer software

Experience working within a set budget and the ability to direct vendors – Exceptional creativity and innovative design skills

Five or more years of graphic arts and publications experience with proven project management skills

Five or more years of experience (academic and professional) with design software, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop

Experience editing short-form content for social media, including video and gifs

Three or more years of experience with WordPress

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Organizational and time-management skills for meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Desire to continue building skill set with education and training

Preferred qualifications and skills

Three or more years of experience in professional graphic design, preferably with a design or advertising agency

Two or more years of experience with MailChimp or a similar HTML-based email template

Experience creating long-form content and podcasts

Three or more years of experience with Adobe Premiere

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Benefits
Meadville Lombard Theological School offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including spouse/partner/family health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance options. There are also 401(k) options, with a 10% 401(k) match after one year of employment. Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Illinois public transportation discount.

EEO Statement
Meadville Lombard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. The school is committed to enriching its educational experience through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff.

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