Visual Brand & Marketing Designer (Chicago)

Visual Brand & Marketing Designer (Chicago)

Contract-to-Hire / Remote (Chicago-based)
About Ruca

Ruca is a member-owned global creative cooperative with a boutique soul. We partner with companies seeking proven experience, speed, and scale to launch recognizable brands, products, and businesses. We bring strategy-led services, amplified by the latest technologies, to every engagement.
Unlike traditional design agencies, we also invest in founders, incubate our own products, and share in collective success with our members through equity and profit-sharing.
We’re building something different, and we want people who want to build with us.
The Role

We’re looking for a strong, AI-Native visual designer with up to seven years of experience to join Ruca's US Studio on a 3-month, full-time contract, with the goal of converting to a permanent member of our product design team. This contract is built to convert: if you're the right fit, full-time employment follows at the 3-month mark. As a member of our US Local Studio, you will work on client work, internal brands, and venture projects across a diverse range of engagements from visual identity systems to pitch decks to social campaigns. You will work alongside a global community of experienced creatives including our two other Local Studios in Bogota and Manila.
This is a role for someone who is already using AI tools fluently in their creative process, has a sharp eye for craft, and is ready to grow inside a cooperative that rewards initiative and shares its success.
While we work remotely, we believe the best creative culture is built in person. US Studio members gather regularly with co-founders in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Candidates should be comfortable making their way to one of these cities on a monthly basis.
Core Responsibilities

A strong design foundation is a must. An AI-native practice is critical. We expect you to have a solid creative craft and know how to use AI tools to amplify it through standard instruments in your design process, such as prototypes, workflow automations, copy, and generative images and videos.
Use AI-assisted tools (workflow automation, ideation, rapid prototyping) to accelerate concept development and expand creative range
Develop thoughtful, impactful design solutions across web, mobile, social, presentations, print, video, and beyond
Support and lead branding projects from concept through execution, contributing to cohesive, differentiated visual identities
Translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visuals that balance brand, business, and user needs
Create pitch decks, marketing collateral, and internal documents that are both informative and beautifully crafted
Collaborate with senior designers and cross-functional teams to maintain a consistent, high-quality brand experience
Communicate ideas clearly - visually and verbally - with clients and internal teammates
Stay sharp on trends, tools, and best practices, including the evolving AI design landscape
Qualifications

We’re portfolio-first. If your work is strong and your process is modern, we want to hear from you.
Background & Experience

0–7 years of professional or freelance experience in visual, brand, or graphic design
A strong portfolio demonstrating multi-channel work - web, social, print, presentations, or motion
Demonstrated, fluent use of AI tools in your design workflow (workflow automation, AI-assisted ideation, prompt-driven prototyping, or similar). Show us how you work, not just what you made
Exposure to brand guidelines or visual systems
Agency, startup, or cooperative experience is a plus
Skills & Tools

Proficiency in Figma and Adobe CC (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
Comfortable using AI tools: Claude, Midjourney, Firefly, or equivalent - and thoughtful about when and how to use them
Bonus: Familiarity with Premiere, After Effects, or motion design fundamentals
Strong grasp of typography, color theory, layout, and information hierarchy
Clear communicator in English (written and spoken)
Organized, reliable, and able to juggle multiple projects without dropping the ball
A critical thinker who can both follow and thoughtfully challenge design conventions
Comfortable presenting work and giving and receiving direct feedback
What Makes This Role Different

At Ruca, you won't just execute tasks, you'll be a full-time member of the US Studio, embedded in a cooperative that shares equity, governance, and success with its people. From day one, you'll work alongside world-class creatives across time zones on brand, product, and venture projects that actually ship. We grow people who want to grow.
Compensation Range

Hourly rate range during contract period is $28.21 per hour - $32.69 per hour.
If converted to full-time, the salary range would be $59,000 to $68,000 plus benefits.

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