Graphic Designer

$65,000 - $80,000/Yr

Equity Residential - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

1,001-5,000 employees

Real Estate

About the position

The Graphic Designer at Equity Residential is responsible for creating and managing visually compelling multimedia communications projects from conceptualization to completion. This role serves key audiences, including employees, prospective employees, and shareholders, translating communication objectives into high-quality visual materials across digital, video, and print formats. The designer must approach each project thoughtfully, ensuring engagement and quality in all outputs.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop polished and innovative graphic designs for various projects using computer software across multiple mediums.
• Develop and create internal communication materials, including web banners, logos, brochures, posters, newsletters, web pages, and promotional materials, with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ensure the accurate production, printing, and quality control of design pieces, overseeing the development process for employee programs and campaigns.
• Thoughtfully create branded campaigns to support recruiting efforts and design updates for the career website.
• Format raw data or text into new or existing layouts and templates, incorporating graphic fundamentals, typography, and print design.
• Develop event materials such as speaker slides, invitations, internal conference web pages, banners, handouts, giveaways, and experiential elements.
• Revise designs with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prepare and create final production-ready files for all types of communications materials.
• Ensure diverse and inclusive representation in all designs.
• Understand and adhere to Equity Residential's brand standards and style guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal business partners to thoughtfully concept, scope, plan, and deliver communication strategies, especially for video communications.
• Work closely with stakeholders to collect project requirements and ensure projects are completed on time and at a high level of quality.
• Generate ideas, guide strategy, and execute designs for social media campaigns.
• Oversee and maintain visual quality control and design standards on Equity's employee intranet, ensuring consistent branding and functionality.
• Maintain organized design and media files with consistent naming conventions for team use.
• Responsible for internal photography, including event photography for internal and external use.
• Direct and photograph/film virtual and in-person talent for company communications.
• Storyboard, film, edit, and produce engaging video content for internal and external audiences, including projects that introduce new initiatives, highlight company culture, promote employee programs, convey Equity's employee value proposition, and share employee stories.
• Edit short-form video content to meet communication objectives and internal client needs.
• Provide production support, including photo retouching and file preparation.

Requirements

• Two to three (2-3) years of progressive design experience and a bachelor's degree in graphic design, or a related field is required.
• Advanced knowledge of design principles, including typography, composition, color, imagery, etc., is required.
• Advanced knowledge of current graphic design software and equipment, with a thorough understanding of final file preparation.
• Basic knowledge of web programming.
• Detail-oriented with a critical eye for proofreading and color accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to clearly express creative ideas and concepts.
• Comfortable and professional when collaborating with senior leaders and executives, effectively communicating design concepts and being receptive to feedback.
• Ability to function in high-pressure, deadline-sensitive environments.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator.
• Familiarity with project and task management tools.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance