Equity Residential is hiring: Graphic Designer in Chicago

Under the supervision of the Communications Manager, the Graphic Designer is responsible for creating and managing visually compelling multimedia communications projects from conceptualization to completion. The role serves key audiences, including Equity Residential’s employees, prospective employees, and shareholders. The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in translating communication objectives into high-quality visual materials and is responsible for producing digital, video, and print communications with uncompromising quality and attention to detail. This role requires a designer who thoughtfully approaches each project with clear intent, considering the impact of their designs on audience engagement.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Organized and Accountable. You multitask well and know how to juggle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in order to make the biggest impact and work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Motivated and Action-Oriented. You invest extra energy to reach your goals. You always take initiative, never sitting idle. You follow through on commitments, letting employees and business partners know that they matter.
• Intellectually Curious. You never stop at “I don’t know;” you crave ongoing education and growth, and you immerse yourself in your craft until you are established as a subject matter expert.
• Tech-Savvy. Tools like email and internet access start as basic necessities in your daily operation, but you should ideally have a thorough understanding of Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, etc). You should also be comfortable using various project and task management tools.
• A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others. You have a way with words, whether face-to-face, on the phone, or via email, and you deliver your messages with confidence, which helps you to successfully deliver respected recommendations to internal business partners.
• Analytical and Creative. You like thinking outside the box to come up with smart solutions to new challenges, and you embrace the opportunity to live in the gray.
• Decisive and Trustworthy. Your strong business acumen and good judgment allow you to seize opportunities and make sound business decisions.
• A People Person. Building professional and high-quality relationships comes naturally to you.
• Energetic and Positive. You are an outgoing, gregarious brand ambassador who motivates and excites others to elevate their performance.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Design and Production

• Create and develop polished and innovative graphic designs for various projects using computer software across multiple mediums.
• Develop and create internal communication materials, including web banners, logos, brochures, posters, newsletters, web pages, and promotional materials, with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ensure the accurate production, printing, and quality control of design pieces, overseeing the development process for employee programs and campaigns.
• Thoughtfully create branded campaigns to support recruiting efforts and design updates for the career website.
• Format raw data or text into new or existing layouts and templates, incorporating graphic fundamentals, typography, and print design.
• Develop event materials such as speaker slides, invitations, internal conference web pages, banners, handouts, giveaways, and experiential elements.
• Revise designs with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prepare and create final production-ready files for all types of communications materials.
• Ensure diverse and inclusive representation in all designs.
• Understand and adhere to Equity Residential’s brand standards and style guidelines.

Collaboration and Project Coordination

• Collaborate with internal business partners to thoughtfully concept, scope, plan, and deliver communication strategies, especially for video communications.
• Work closely with stakeholders to collect project requirements and ensure projects are completed on time and at a high level of quality.
• Generate ideas, guide strategy, and execute designs for social media campaigns.
• Oversee and maintain visual quality control and design standards on Equity’s employee intranet (echo), ensuring consistent branding and functionality.
• Maintain organized design and media files with consistent naming conventions for team use.

Photography and Video Production

• Responsible for internal photography, including event photography for internal and external use.
• Direct and photograph/film virtual and in-person talent for company communications.
• Storyboard, film, edit, and produce engaging video content for internal and external audiences, including projects that introduce new initiatives, highlight company culture, promote employee programs, convey Equity’s employee value proposition, and share employee stories.
• Edit short-form video content to meet communication objectives and internal client needs.
• Provide production support, including photo retouching and file preparation.

REQUIREMENTS & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• Two to three (2-3) years of progressive design experience and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, or a related field is required.
• Advanced knowledge of design principles, including typography, composition, color, imagery, etc., is required. Understands how to translate creative briefs and communication objectives into sound design solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of current graphic design software and equipment. Thorough understanding of final file preparation.
• Basic knowledge of web programming.
• Detail-oriented with a critical eye for proofreading and color accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to clearly express creative ideas and concepts.
• Comfortable and professional when collaborating with senior leaders and executives, effectively communicating design concepts and being receptive to feedback.
• Ability to function in high-pressure, deadline-sensitive environments.