Jr. Graphic Designer (1-Year Term)

TITLE:

Jr.Graphic Design (1-Year Term)

DEPARTMENT:

Design & Exhibits

REPORTS TO:

Sr. Creative Director

STATUS:

Full-time, Exempt

SALARY: $50,000 - $60,000

LOCATION:

Hybrid - Chicago, IL.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Graphic Designer role is intentionally broad and requires a designer who is both self-directed and highly collaborative, because the design team supports a wide range of products, programs, and audiences. This individual is motivated, accountable, and able to work independently, while also thriving as an active contributor within a team environment where collaboration may take precedence over individual innovation or flexibility, though all three are essential to success.

A Graphic Designer is a strategic and detail-oriented thinker who can balance precision with adaptability, pivoting quickly as project needsevolve. They understand the critical role visual design plays in interpreting stories, engaging audiences, and advancing organization-wide goals. With excellent typographic and layout skills as a foundation, they translate high-level concepts into thoughtful, effective design solutions that uphold and strengthen Shedd’s brand across a wide variety of media.

This role spans both print and digital applications, including but not limited to advertising and promotional campaigns, graphic systems, departmental initiatives, events, exhibits, and web-based projects. While experience in both digital and print design is valuable, a strong print design background with the ability and willingness to grow digital skills is especially well-suited to this position. Experiential and exhibit design experience is preferred, but curiosity and wanting to learn is very important.

Additionalattributes include strong organization, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a solid understanding of both analog and digital production. The Graphic Designer is also expected tobecollaborative and take direction from more senior designers throughoutthe design processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values

Work independently whileremainingaccountable, organized, and proactive in managing responsibilities

Think conceptually whileoperatingwithin project constraints such as budgets, schedules, and quality standards

Articulate design rationaleclearlyand communicate effectively with the Design team and internal partners

Collaborate closely with designers, content developers, internal stakeholders, and external vendors to achieve shared goals

Design and produce high-quality print, digital, advertising, and exhibit communications, with a strong emphasis on advertising-related projects

Manage projects from concept through completion across a wide range of media and formats

Remain detail-oriented whilemaintainingthe flexibility to pivot as project scopes, priorities, or timelines shift

QUALIFICATIONS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Designor a related creative field from an accredited design school or university is strongly preferred

Equivalent professional experience may be considered for an exceptional candidate

Experience:

1+years of professional graphic design experience in an in-house design team or advertising agency

A strong portfoliodemonstratinghigh-quality work across print and digital media

Proven ability to collaborate effectively while also working independently

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite for print and web

Experience with Figma or other web development tools preferred

Technical Skills:

Exceptional typographic and layout skills (non-negotiable)

Deep understanding of current best practices in graphic design

Strong working knowledge of print production and digital design technologies

Experience in print, digital, and experiential design preferred, with the ability to adapt skills across mediums

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:
We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options

Vision and Dental Insurance

Accrued Paid Time OffUp to 12 Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance

401(k)

Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive

Employee Discounts

Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

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