Design Specialist

Unitedwaysem; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) retirement plan

Disability insurance

AD&D coverage

Pet insurance (ASPCA)

Job summary

United Way for Southeast Michigan in Detroit is seeking a Design Specialist to create engaging visuals for digital and print that support our mission. You will collaborate with teams to deliver on-brand designs that resonate with diverse audiences.

You will maintain brand standards, manage multiple projects, and contribute to campaigns and materials across channels, leveraging Adobe Creative Cloud tools and strong typography and layout skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Advertising, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant design experience, including internships, freelance work, or professional experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Knowledge of typography, layout, color theory, and digital asset creation.

Responsibilities

• Create visually compelling materials for digital channels, social media, email, web, print, direct mail, presentations, and reports.
• Translate concepts into clear, engaging visual designs.
• Maintain brand consistency by applying visual identity standards across materials.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand goals and requirements.
• Prepare and revise assets based on feedback while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Support development of campaign and event materials to boost engagement and visibility.
• Organize and maintain digital design assets, templates, and brand resources.
• Stay informed on design trends and best practices for continuous improvement.

Skills

Visual design

Brand consistency

Stakeholder collaboration

Digital design

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Job description

Every day, United Way for Southeast Michigan (UWSEM) works alongside community partners, donors, and nonprofits to create measurable, lasting change across Southeast Michigan. By investing in programs that support education, economic stability, and health, UWSEM helps ensure individuals and families have the resources they need not just to get by, but to thrive. Our work is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

This full‑time position offers an hourly wage of $26.44/hr or $55,000 a year, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes major medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, short‑and long‑term disability, AD&D coverage, ASPCA pet insurance, a DoorDash discount, 20 days of paid time off per year, 12 paid holidays, and one floating holiday.

The Design Specialist supports the development and execution of visual communications that advance UWSEM's mission, brand, and strategic priorities. This role collaborates with internal teams to create engaging and effective creative assets across digital and print channels while ensuring consistency with organizational brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Create visually compelling materials for a variety of channels, including digital, social media, email, web, print, direct mail, presentations, and reports.
• Translate marketing and communications concepts into clear, engaging, and audience-focused visual designs.
• Maintain brand consistency by applying established visual identity standards across all creative materials.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand project goals, gather requirements, and deliver creative solutions.
• Prepare and revise creative assets based on stakeholder feedback while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Support the development of campaign and event materials that increase engagement, awareness, and visibility for the organization.
• Assist with the organization and maintenance of digital design assets, templates, and brand resources.
• Stay informed of emerging design trends, tools, and best practices to support continuous improvement and innovation.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Advertising, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of relevant design experience, including internships, freelance work, or professional experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of visual design principles, typography, layout, color theory, and digital asset creation.
• Experience creating content for digital platforms, social media, and print materials preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Work Environment & Schedule

Hybrid work schedule with in-office days typically Tuesday & Wednesday each week as determined by management.

Regular work hours are between 8am to 5pm with flexible scheduling ability based on management approval