Graphic Designer - Council of State Governments

The mission of The Council of State Governments' Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among its 15 member states. In large measure, this is achieved through the ongoing work of the Conference's six standing committees and supporting groups. Through member outreach in state capitols, policy research, international member delegations, staff exchange programs, meetings and fly-ins, staff support state policymakers in their work to build a stronger region. To learn more about the Southern office visit us at www.csgsouth.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

JOB SUMMARY

The Graphic Designer coordinates all design projects from concept to delivery, working with the programs and marketing director, the communications specialist, and the regional director.

In addition, the Graphic Designer is responsible for creating and coordinating CSG South printed materials, maintaining office brand standards and related instructional materials, implementing website content updates, graphic design, and promotional office communications. The Graphic Designer serves in a support role related to instructional materials, formatting, style guidelines for office deliverables, and editing. The position requires sound judgment and the maintenance of collaborative relationships with the organization's internal staff and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs and coordinates the production of all CSG South print materials, including but not limited to brochures, postcards, reports, research publications, logos, and promotional materials.
• Maintains brand standards and consistency for CSG South online, print, and website communications.
• Design, develop, and effectively apply strong visual aesthetic skills to create original artwork for online, print, and website.
• Ensures CSG South publications and products are engaging, meet grammar and style standards, are high quality, and are aligned with our Style Guide.
• Coordinates and communicates with the Marketing & Programs team in generating new and innovative design ideas, creating graphics, and meeting deadlines.
• Works within and adheres to a fast-paced schedule of delivery deadlines.
• Design different types of graphics (i.e., infographics or illustrations) as needed.
• Create and follow the annual CSG South publications/communications deliverables calendar that allows for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Manage projects from concept to completion.
• Increase overall company image and brand recognition.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current design trends, techniques, and technologies.
• Provide creative input on project conceptualization, development, and implementation.
• Responsible for designing and supporting the Southern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting.
• Design print materials, including the promotional brochure, program book, and supporting collateral.
• In conjunction with the Programs and Marketing Director, builds marketing assets for print and email campaigns.
• Supports registration, policy, and program staff with the Annual Meeting on-site.
• Assists the Director of Marketing and Programs with assigning tasks to a Graphic Design Fellow (intern).

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to balance and complete multiple projects with overlapping time constraints and deadlines.
• Ability to act professionally and exhibit appropriate interpersonal skills in relationships with both internal and external sectors.
• Ability to work well both independently and as an approachable, collaborating team member.
• Ability to identify opportunities to increase speed, efficiency, and quality of processes.
• Ability to develop proficiency in licensed and open-source applications and programs, as needed.
• Advanced writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
• Travel by plane and vehicle, overnight, and for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree required and degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, or similar field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2+ years' work experience that includes graphic design, website management, and content creation
• Advanced knowledge of graphic design applications within the Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro- PC preferred
• Experience working with Canva, Mailchimp, and CRM platforms preferred
• Understanding of web-centric graphic design, usability, and typography issues
• Extensive knowledge of writing guidelines established by the Associated Press
• High efficiency with products of the Microsoft Office Suites, SharePoint, and Teams platforms
  • Experience with web content management
  • An eye for detail
  • Knowledge of graphic design techniques and the latest trends
  • Strong sense of color combinations, fonts, and layout
  • Ability to work under pressure and with tight timelines
• Proven talents as a creative graphic designer with a portfolio of print and digital work; video work is also strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in Decatur, GA is $70,000 to $75,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates must complete the online application and include their resume, cover letter and one graphic design piece or a link to an online portfolio.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. CSG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.