Graphic Designer (1-Year Term)

Shedd Aquarium; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision and Dental Insurance

Accrued Paid Time Off

401(k)

Employee Discounts

Job summary

A leading aquarium and conservation organization in Chicago is seeking a Graphic Designer for a 1-year term. This hybrid position requires over 7 years of graphic design experience, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. The candidate will collaborate closely with various teams to design high-quality print and digital communications while managing multiple projects. The role also includes mentoring junior designers and ensuring adherence to design best practices.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional graphic design experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality work across media.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively while working independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality print and digital communications.
• Manage projects from concept through completion across various media.
• Collaborate with designers and content developers to achieve goals.
• Communicate design rationale effectively with team members.

Skills

Graphic Design

Adobe Creative Suite

Print Production

Digital Design

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design or related field

Tools

Figma

Job description

TITLE: Graphic Design (1-Year Term)

DEPARTMENT: Design & Exhibits

REPORTS TO: Sr. Creative Director

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY: $65,000 - $78,000

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 needs evolve. 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.

Additional attributes 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 to mentor junior designers, interns, and freelancers, modeling best practices and collaborative design processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
• Work independently while remaining accountable, organized, and proactive in managing responsibilities
• Think conceptually while operating within project constraints such as budgets, schedules, and quality standards
• Clearly articulate design rationale and 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 while maintaining the flexibility to pivot as project scopes, priorities, or timelines shift
• Interact directly with vendors to solicit estimates, manage budgets, and advise clients on print, web, photography, and related production services
• Partner with content developers and the Senior Creative Director to shape the visual and conceptual direction of mid- and high-level projects

QUALIFICATIONS

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

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design or 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

• 7+ years of professional graphic design experience in an in-house design team or advertising agency
• A strong portfolio demonstrating high-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 both print and digital design preferred, with the ability to adapt skills across mediums

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up 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 [e-mail].

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.