Graphic Designer Job at Equity Residential in Chicago

Job Description

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.

About Us

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together.

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets - New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver - provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That's why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won't be treated as simply another employee - you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing.

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That's why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value - in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive.

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.