Visual Communications Designer

Summary:

The Visual Communications Designer reports to the Director of Communications and Communications Manager and is part of the Communications Team. This is a full-time, non-exempt position based in the Seattle, WA, office.

The primary focus is to build, maintain, and upkeep the organization’s website(s), oversee visual production, design visuals, and ensure alignment with the organization’s brand, vision, and strategy. The position requires the proactive development of visual solutions for a wide variety of products and the management of implementation.

The position will support the Communications Team with cross-functions related to graphic design, content creation, web management, social media, and marketing. It requires collaboration with the Communications Associate and Content Coordinator to develop and execute effective campaigns.

• Start Date: Immediately
• Location: Mountlake Terrace, WA  (Please note applicants must be located in the US and able to travel to the office M-F)
• Hours: Monday – Friday (on-site)
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Wage: $42,000 – 46,000 USD

Responsibilities:

Graphic and Website Design Production (50%)

• Develop concepts and execute original content as it relates to the organization’s branding guidelines
• Provide graphic design and illustration support for a variety of communications products and campaigns, including social media posts, banners, websites, infographics, brochures, newsletters, toolkits, templates, and other visual communications tasks, as needed.
• Review designs for errors before printing or publishing.
• Customization, and maintenance of the organization’s WordPress websites, ensuring seamless functionality and user experience.
• Use trend intelligence and knowledge of historical and current markets when designing and executing specific classifications
• Ensure compliance with copyright and licensing for all visual assets produced
• Ensure that all design materials meet accessibility standards to make them usable by individuals with disabilities, including considerations for color contrast, text size, and alternative text for images
• Ensure consistency of brand messaging across all visual materials by adhering to established brand guidelines

Maintenance, Upkeep, and Revamping (35%)

• Reengineer and optimize processes and procedures documenting SOP’s for this graphic and visual space and support the implementation of these across the company.
• Implement website requests from the communication department or other departments
• Conduct daily, quarterly, and annual website maintenance and optimization
• Oversee website security patches and address security vulnerabilities to ensure optimal performance, security, and compliance with industry standards.
• Propose website build-out strategies, lead the conceptualization and execution of visual projects, ensuring all designs meet the desired goals and project timelines
• Design and annotate wireframes, develop prototypes, and ensure the strategy is present throughout the experience
• Build out prototypes on the staging site for review, as needed
• Ensure responsive design on all screen sizes including desktop, tablet, and mobile
• Report and formulate a solution to the Director of Communications and Communications Manager on website technical issues and troubleshooting needs as they arise
• Contribute to the design and enhancement of user interfaces, ensuring a visually cohesive and intuitive experience

Visual Consultation (15%)

• Collaborate with other departments or external partners to understand their visual needs and lead in implementing design strategies to convey content effectively through working on visual projects.
• Collaborate, brainstorm, and strategize with multiple team members, stakeholders, or vendors on a wide range of materials, including web pages, presentations, signage, internal communications, newsletters, marketing materials, etc.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders to refine and improve the visual communication materials.
• Gather insights and recommendations to collaboratively ensure the strongest execution of brand-centric designs and design strategy.
• Delegate tasks effectively, manage workloads, and foster a collaborative environment within the team.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Passion for Global Peace Foundation’s peacebuilding mission; excited about engaging with many globally-minded stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, art, communications, marketing, or related degree.
• 3+ years experience in professional graphic design, preferably with a creative or marketing agency.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat), Figma, and Canva.
• Advanced WordPress website maintenance and design experience (specifically with Divi Theme).
• Advanced Google Workplace, MS Office skills, MS 365, PC/Mac, Teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple creative projects and priorities.
• Experience working with and coordinating various stakeholders, vendors, contractors, and other talent.
• Ability to think up creative ideas to promote a brand in innovative ways.
• Highly organized with the ability to coordinate multiple, deadline-driven tasks.
• Effective cross-team collaborator with the ability to work across multiple creative projects.
• Advanced aesthetic skills with the ability to design complex and compelling solutions with attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of typography, design principles, color, trends, and best practices across digital and print
• Solid understanding of production best practices for print and digital mediums.
• Highly meticulous, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS
• Familiarity with UX/UI design processes and tools
• Must be current and keep on the cutting edge of the industry trends, emerging technologies, changes, and best practices in graphics and website design.
• International experience working with cross-functional teams is a plus.
• Experience with motion design and video editing is a plus.
• Experience with content strategy is a plus.
• Occasional overtime, opportunity/willingness to travel (domestic & international) as needed to attend signature company and partner conferences and other events.
• Given the organization’s global operations across multiple time zones, the ability and willingness to work extended hours or take on additional responsibilities when critical issues arise are essential.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.

Application Process:

To apply for the Visual Communication Designer role, please submit your resume along with a portfolio that showcases your design work to careers@globalpeace.org. Your portfolio should highlight your creativity, technical skills, and experience in website and design. Include examples of branding, website creation, graphic design, digital content, and any other relevant projects. Please ensure your portfolio is accessible as a PDF attachment.