Creative Design Specialist

Elkhart Public Library; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Creative Design Specialist at Elkhart Public Library creates visual elements for library programs, resources, and events, translating marketing strategy into original illustrations, images, and text.

This role ensures consistent visual delivery across five library locations, collaborates with the Marketing and Public Relations team, and stays current with graphic design trends and technology.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in graphic design or relevant field plus 1 year of professional experience, or 5+ years in a professional setting.
• Portfolio demonstrating design work and branding projects.
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator required.
• Experience designing for public sector environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create original designs and layouts with accuracy and creative flair.
• Ensure brand consistency across all library marketing materials.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Public Relations to plan campaigns.
• Develop visuals for programs, resources and events across five locations.
• Stay current on graphic design trends and tools; assist with budget related tasks.

Skills

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Branding

Creative thinking

Education

Associates degree in graphic design or relevant field

Portfolio required

Job description

Classification: Creative Design Specialist

Location: Main Library; Marketing and Public Relations

Job Grade: 12

Job Category: A – Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports To: Department Head – Marketing and Public Relations

SUMMARY

The Creative Design Specialist provides the visual elements used to capture the attention of current and potential audiences for Library programs, resources, special events, and more. The specialist executes marketing strategy through creative and contemporary design, using original illustrations, preexisting art or images, and text. The specialist also ensures consistency in visual delivery of information as part of the overall patron experience at each of the five Library locations.

Organization-Wide EXPECTATIONS

• Follows established Library and personnel policy, procedures and work standards
• Attends work regularly, on time, and as scheduled
• Exhibits welcoming, helpful, positive and friendly behavior to all patrons, staff and guests at all times in all communications formats (verbal and non-verbal)
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information
• Regularly monitors Library communication venues including but not limited to employee email, staff bulletin boards and the intranet
• Participates in meetings, conferences, continuing education, community engagement, and special projects as required by the Elkhart Public Library or as dictated by professional commitment
• Addresses, or assists in addressing, issues and concerns related to the safety of Library staff and users as well as the security and maintenance of Library buildings and equipment

JOB-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY

• Actively contributes to the librarys brand management by coordinating with staff throughout the organization to ensure consistency in visual promotions
• Demonstrates critical thinking and assists in developing solutions with the marketing team to attract new audiences and improve the overall customer experience
• Participates in planning and reports to the department head on design-related work, including current projects, upcoming assignments, long-range goals, and budget, office, and printing needs
• Provides internal creative services and product as needed
• Keeps current on artistic and technological advancements in the graphic design domain within the scope of the job
• Performs designated administrative and/or clerical duties as needed

WORK CONDITIONS

• Full-time (including occasional evenings and weekends)
• Occasional local travel, occasional long-distance travel

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Required: Associates degree in graphic design or relevant field of study from an accredited school plus a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a professional environment, or a minimum of five (5 ) years of experience in a professional environment
• Portfolio required
• Advanced experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator required
• Experience designing for the public sector (government, schools, libraries) preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Ability to create original designs and layouts, or adapt preexisting graphics , with accuracy and creative flair
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop visual elements for all marketing initiatives
• Ability to provide assistance and guidance to co-workers in achieving brand consistency
• Ability to handle multiple work assignments, prioritize projects and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to think creatively to resolve problems, develop new marketing opportunities, and promote the library to the entire community
• Ability to plan and manage a budget; basic mathematical skills
• Ability to understand modern library services, materials and standard office and library equipment
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to learn and adapt
• Ability to communicate clearly with tact and courtesy

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Above-average written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and business correspondence, along with general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations
• Ability to effectively present information to Library personnel, Board of Trustees members, and current or potential vendors

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to speak, hear and see
• Ability to sit for an extended length of time
• Ability to occasionally reach with hands and arms
• Ability to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crawl
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• See Elkhart Public Library Wage Schedule
• See Elkhart Public Library electronic Employee Handbook

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. The above statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a qualified applicant or individual with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.