Visual Communications Specialist

CL 6feb969b 76c8 4c4e 8d25 646186c13f85; Leawood (KS); On-site; USD 3,917,894 - 4,799,558; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KPERS retirement options

457(b) plan options

Insurance starts day of hire

Paid Time Off

Job summary

The City of Leawood, Kansas seeks a Visual Communications Specialist to act as the city’s primary visual storyteller, creating graphics, photography, and video that showcase services, events, employees, and the Leawood community.

You will design for print and digital, manage branding, and collaborate with departments to produce engaging content that informs residents and strengthens community engagement.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in graphic design or visual communication plus 3 years of experience; or equivalent.
• Equivalent experience: bachelor's in graphic design with 1 year, or 5 years, or a cert with 3 years.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, especially Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Design graphics, publications, signage, and promotional materials for print, digital, and social media.
• Serve as the City’s primary photographer; capture and edit images of services, events, and people.
• Produce video and other digital content to support City communication goals.

Skills

Graphic design

Visual storytelling

Photography

Videography

Project management

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in graphic design or visual communication

Bachelor's degree in graphic design or visual communication (related experience)

Visual Communications certificate (optional)

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Illustrator

Premiere Pro

After Effects

Job description

THE CITY OF LEAWOOD, KANSAS IS HIRING A VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Do you have an eye for exceptional design and a passion for producing visually compelling, professional communications? Are you energized by creating graphics, photography, video, and digital content that is both visually engaging and impactful? We're looking for a talented Visual Communications Specialist to serve as the City’s primary visual storyteller, creating compelling content that showcases City services, events, employees, and the Leawood community. As part of the Communications Department, you'll provide creative communications support across city departments, helping colleagues communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with residents.

This is more than a job— it's an opportunity to use your creativity to tell the City's story, strengthen community engagement, and help residents connect with the people, services, and initiatives that make Leawood a great place to live and work.

WHY JOIN THE CITY OF LEAWOOD?

At the City of Leawood, we are guided by our core values of Service, Teamwork, Innovation, Culture of Support, and Transparency. As the City’s primary visual storyteller, you'll collaborate with departments across the organization to create professional, engaging communications that highlight City services, programs, events, and community impact. You'll have the opportunity to bring fresh ideas, expand your creative skills, and shape how our community experiences the City.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Design engaging graphics, publications, presentations, signage, and promotional materials for print, digital, and social media platforms.
• Serve as the City’s primary photographer, capturing and editing images that showcase City services, events, employees, facilities, and community stories.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to capture and produce video and other digital content that supports City communication goals.
• Serve in a service-oriented Communications Department that provides creative support to all City departments, delivering visual communication solutions that advance City services, programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Maintain consistent branding and visual identity across City communications.
• Assist with managing digital content, including website and social media assets.
• Support public engagement efforts through creative storytelling and multimedia communications

WHAT YOU BRING

• Creativity combined with strong graphic design and visual storytelling skills.
• Experience with photography, videography, and digital content creation.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud or similar design software.
• Strong communication and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build positive relationships across departments.
• Passion for serving the community through innovative and engaging communications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have an associate's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field plus three (3) years of experience or equivalent experience.
• Equivalent experience includes a bachelor's degree in graphic design or visual communication with one (1) year of experience; five (5) years of experience in graphic design, creating multifaceted media content; a Visual Communications certificate with three (3) years of experience or equivalent experience.
• Must have experience in using Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically Adobe Illustrator.
• Must have experience in photography and basic videography.

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Experience with Premiere Pro and After Effects
• Experience with basic video shooting and editing
• Working in a municipality or public entity in a graphic design or visual communications role.

SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Typical schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• There may be times when this position will be required to attend after-hours meetings or events.

PAY & BENEFITS

• Starting Rate of Pay:$28.44 - $34.84 / hour, depending on qualifications
• Retirement options:Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) and 457(b) options
• Insurance benefits: begins the first day of the month after hire date
• Paid Time Off:vacation, sick, and personal leave plus holidays

Accepting Applications through August 5, 2026