Visual Communications Specialist

FASTSIGNS International. Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

FASTSIGNS International. Inc in Chicago, IL seeks a versatile Visual Communications Specialist to bridge client interaction and hands-on craftsmanship.

You will take inbound sales calls, assist customers with product selections, calculate accurate job estimates, and fabricate and assemble custom signs in our production shop. If you excel at communication, have strong mechanical aptitude, and pay close attention to quality detail, this role blends office and workshop experiences in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing sales calls and customer relationships.
• Strong practical math skills (geometry, unit conversions, measurements) needed for creating precise job estimates.
• Ability to read scaled proofs, technical drawings, and work orders accurately.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, precision cutting tools, and material assembly.
• Proficiency with basic office software and estimating tools (familiarity with design programs like Illustrator is a plus).
• Physical capability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods in a shop environment, and perform detailed manual work.

Responsibilities

• Handle Inbound Sales: Respond promptly and professionally to inside sales calls, emails, and walk‑in customer inquiries.
• Consultative Selling: Understand client needs, recommend appropriate sign types, materials, and production techniques.
• Estimate Creation: Calculate accurate job quotes and formal estimates based on sign dimensions, materials, labor, and installation requirements using our estimating software.
• Order Processing: Convert approved estimates into work orders and ensure all job details, artwork files, and specifications are clearly communicated to production.
• Sign Assembly & Building: Fabricate, assemble, and finish a variety of sign products (e.g., vinyl graphics, banner finishing, channel letters, acrylic/PVC signs, dimensional lettering, and outdoor structures).
• Material Preparation: Safely operate equipment such as vinyl plotters, wide-format printers, laminators, CNC routers, panel saws, and hand tools.
• Application: Prepare substrates (cleaning, cutting) and apply vinyl graphics accurately without bubbles or flaws.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished products to ensure high standards, accurate dimensions, and adherence to client proofs before delivery or installation.

Skills

Communication

Math & Analysis

Technical Aptitude

Hands-on Craftsmanship

Computer Literacy

Physical Capabilities

Tools

Illustrator

Job description

Position Type: Part-Time (approx. 20–25 hours/week)

Job Summary

We are seeking a versatile and detail-oriented team member for a Visual Communications Specialist opportunity. This position bridges client interaction and hands‑on craftsmanship. You will be responsible for taking inbound sales calls, assisting customers with product selections, calculating accurate job estimates, and physically fabricating and assembling custom signs in our production shop.

If you are a great communicator with a strong mechanical aptitude and an eye for quality detail, this role offers an engaging blend of office and workshop experience.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Estimating

• Handle Inbound Sales: Respond promptly and professionally to inside sales calls, emails, and walk‑in customer inquiries.
• Consultative Selling: Understand client needs, recommend appropriate sign types, materials, and production techniques.
• Estimate Creation: Calculate accurate job quotes and formal estimates based on sign dimensions, materials, labor, and installation requirements using our estimating software.
• Order Processing: Convert approved estimates into work orders and ensure all job details, artwork files, and specifications are clearly communicated to production.

Sign Production & Fabrication

• Sign Assembly & Building: Fabricate, assemble, and finish a variety of sign products (e.g., vinyl graphics, banner finishing, channel letters, acrylic/PVC signs, dimensional lettering, and outdoor structures).
• Material Preparation: Safely operate equipment such as vinyl plotters, wide-format printers, laminators, CNC routers, panel saws, and hand tools.
• Application: Prepare substrates (cleaning, cutting) and apply vinyl graphics accurately without bubbles or flaws.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished products to ensure high standards, accurate dimensions, and adherence to client proofs before delivery or installation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing sales calls and customer relationships.
• Mathematical & Analytical Skills: Strong practical math skills (geometry, unit conversions, measurements) needed for creating precise job estimates.
• Technical Aptitude: Ability to read scaled proofs, technical drawings, and work orders accurately.
• Hands‑on Craftsmanship: Experience with hand tools, power tools, precision cutting tools, and material assembly.
• Computer Literacy: Proficiency with basic office software and estimating tools (familiarity with design programs like Illustrator is a plus).
• Physical Capabilities: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods in a shop environment, and perform detailed manual work.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a sign shop, print shop, or custom fabrication environment.
• Background in inside sales, customer service, or price estimation.
• Hands‑on experience with wide-format printing, laminating, or vinyl application.