WestEd is hiring: Production Graphic Designer in San Francisco

Qualifications Formal training and education in design and/or production, an advanced grasp on typography and color theory, experience creating accessible documents, and functional ability to develop and work within complex layouts across multiple software platforms. Advanced knowledge of and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of and experience with creating accessible documents/graphics and ensuring the accessibility of existing documents. Strong foundational understanding and formal education in graphic and production design. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills. Ability to problem solve, think creatively, and seek out and apply new technology solutions. Demonstrated ability to coordinate, organize, and complete work around multiple tasks and multiple deadlines with a variety of different staff members. Ability to perform duties with moderate independence and to take appropriate initiative. Flexibility to adjust occasionally if needed for purposes of meeting a deadline. Familiarity with the field of education is an added bonus. 5 years or more of production experience, including experience with producing accessible documents. Minimum of a bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field required. Applications must be submitted with an attached (or linked) cover letter, resume, and portfolio. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Responsibilities The Communications Department is seeking a smart, energetic, proactive, flexible, patient, detail-obsessed individual to produce lengthy reports, branded collateral materials, and templates, and PowerPoint presentation decks using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Maintain, update, and leverage pre-existing templates for work. Adapt new content to existing templates or create newly designed products as necessary. Create documents in various applications, primarily using and adapting existing templates. Create documents or graphics that reflect an existing design, brand, or identity. Take a solution-oriented approach to address production, design, and accessibility issues, offering both case-by-case solutions and achievable suggestions for improving processes. Embrace the role as an in-house expert and agency point person for all matters related to production and technical issues revolving around design and production in various software platforms. Ensure consistency and fidelity with agency templates and custom designs. Be responsible for inputting and closely checking the accuracy of all proofer edits and comments once they have been checked by an editor. Collaborate with WestEd's accessibility specialists and confer with relevant authors or editors about any editorial questions that might arise in the production process. Create and prepare digital images for the website and various social media platforms. Collaborate closely with Creative Lead, Graphic Designers, Accessibility Specialists, Strategic Marketing team members, and Editorial staff to ensure a seamless workflow between each phase of projects. Prepare final press-ready files based on supplied specifications and work as the lead liaison with printers and other vendors. Make various formats of supplied artwork production-ready and resolve any artwork issues that arise during production. Provide image retouching, clipping paths, and additional image manipulation. Prepare and package files for release to printers. Create PDFs for print and client review. Conduct press checks when needed. Catalog and reference art for future projects by creating and maintaining well-organized archives in BOX, our cloud-based document storage platform. Follow development timelines to ensure tasks are being completed on time. Troubleshoot problems as they arise with both the creative team and/or the printer. Provide ad hoc design and layout support to project staff across the agency. Balance multiple deliverables and take ownership of assigned tasks while communicating frequently with the Traffic Manager and Project Managers. Benefits The full salary range for this position, WestEd level F, is $76,320 to $114,500 but WestEd does not typically hire at or near the top of the salary range. In addition to the base salary, benefits include: 15% contribution toward retirement effective day 1 of employment. Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts. All health/welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date. PTO: 3 weeks vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year. Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary. Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives. Professional development opportunities & mentorship program. #J-18808-Ljbffr