Graphic Design and Visual Specialist Job at The City of Vancouver in Vancouver

Salary Range
5,947.00 - 8,046.00Job Summary
As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, great leadership and working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment. If who we are speaks to you, and if you're the type of person who is interested in joining a team invested in the community receives meaningful, excellent information then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We're currently recruiting for a Graphic Design and Visual Specialist. The primary responsibilities for the job are to support the City's communications, engagement, and public relations efforts by designing and producing graphics, infographics and other visual materials across multiple platforms and channels.

This position is responsible for working with clients to take concepts and ideas to create visual representations in electronic and print media and translating direction into high-quality design within an established brand.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

This position is posted as open until filled. First review date - January 31, 2025..Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Performs a variety of skilled graphic design functions and tasks; produces graphic images, including but not limited to charts, logos, graphs, and digital photographs, for use in print, presentations, or web-based applications. Common tools used by the City include the following: infographics, fact sheets, posters, ads, flyers, brochures, reports, signage, etc.
• Consults with clients to determine project objectives, gather information, develop design options and specifications, estimate materials, equipment, budget, and planning
• Maintains the graphics library, templates, and designs to ensure they align with and conform to City branding and graphic standards
• Assists with the management of the City's brand identity, ensuring strong branding elements are integrated into communication assets
• Leads the layout, design, printing, schedule of the City's quarterly printed newsletter. Act as primary liaison between the city and printer supplier
• Provide backup photography services as needed
• Display and utilize a high level of knowledge around the use of industry-standard software including Adobe Creative Suite, Emma email marketing platform, Canva, SharePoint, and social media
• Contribute to the evaluation and analysis of the impact and success of the City's overall communication efforts; research, and recommend new communication methods
• Review and proofread copy as part of the design process, flag issues for client and communications staff
• Train employees on City brand standards and design best practices
• Experience in designing for accessibility. Knowledge of WCAG guidelines and design concepts related to accessibility that enable people to navigate, understand, and interact with information and materials
• Experience designing with an equity lens to ensure communications are representative of and engaging to historically underrepresented communities
• Oversee contracts with the City's print, apparel, and other merchandising vendors
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• A minimum of three (3) to four (4) years professional experience working in graphic design, communications, public relations, or related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Adobe Creative Cloud apps, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat
• Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Canva and related graphics software (Advanced)

Knowledge

• Graphic design principles, practices, and tools
• Graphic design and layout practices, methods, and techniques, including accessibility
• Performing advanced graphic design assignments with initiative and creativity.
• Applying the principles and practices of project management and evaluation
• Communications and public relations knowledge
• Operating a computer to create advanced graphic, design, presentations, and use of desktop publishing software to create visually appealing and effective graphic designs and layouts for print and visual materials
• Establishing and maintaining effective and productive working relationships with other city departments and the public
• Project management techniques and procedures
• Operation and use of content management systems
• Cultural competency and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and programs
• Understanding of municipal government operations and functions

Abilities

• Advanced graphic design skills
• Handle information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Exercise sound judgment in the release of information
• Always provide a high level of customer service
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and tasks in an effective and timely manner; meet critical time deadlines; and adapt to change in work plans and priorities
• Work well independently and collaboratively
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles and Values
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check and a basic criminal background check.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans' Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us
Job Posting End Date
Open Until Filled