Shedd Aquarium is a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal and welfare, conservation research, and public education. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, Shedd is home to nearly 32,000 aquatic animals representing more than 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world.

A term Senior Graphic Designer can translate high level concepts into creative solutions that promote and support Shedd’s brand, including — but not limited to — advertising and promotional campaigns, varied high-level graphic applications, departmental programs, events, exhibits and web. They will report to the Senior Creative Director of Brand and collaborate with the Design team.

A strategic thinker with a broad vision, a term Senior Graphic Designer is able to challenge conventional boundaries and is current on innovations and best practices in the fields of design and design-related technology. They understand the essential role visual design plays in helping to interpret stories, engage audiences and meet organization-wide goals. Able to actively listen and collaborate with variety team members and clients they are independent and self-motivated with a desire to bring excellence to every initiative.

This position is 1-year term.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Think conceptually within the constraints, budgets, schedules and quality of projects
• Clearly communicate design rationale to the Design team and internal partners and maintain close working relationships with both
• Work collaboratively within the Design team, as well as with internal partners and external vendors
• Design and produce high quality, mid- to large scale advertising, print, digital and exhibit communications, with an emphasis on advertising-related projects
• Manage projects from concept to completion through a wide variety of media
• Interact directly with vendors to solicit estimates, advise clients on publishing (print and web), photographic, as well as other graphics services and follow through on budgets
• Collaborate with content developers and Associate Art Director, or Senior Creative Director to help shape the visual and conceptual approach of high and mid level projects

Assist with other Brand Design projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field from accredited design school or university is strongly preferred. However, a substitution of equivalent experience would be considered for a top candidate

Experience:

• 7–10 years’ design experience in graphic design office or advertising agency
• A portfolio — digital or other — of current work
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal are crucial
• Excellent relationship skills

Technical Skills:

• Excellent typographic and layout skills
• An understanding of current best practices in the graphic design field

• Thorough understanding of print technology

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).