Graphic Designer

$64,900 - $72,500/Yr

Unclassified - Rapid City, SD

Full-time - Mid Level

Rapid City, SD

About the position

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking a Graphic Designer to manage and execute the Conservancy's brand identity system through creative projects. This role is integral to the Midwest storytelling team, where the designer will apply TNC's brand identity and visual vocabulary to various projects. The position requires a hands-on approach from a creative, conceptual thinker who is ready to define and execute an artistic vision from start to finish. The Graphic Designer will be responsible for designing compelling concepts that resonate with the organization's mission and values, ensuring that all visual communications align with TNC's brand standards. In this role, the Graphic Designer will design, direct, research, and manage graphics, layouts, and art production. They will develop and maintain the Conservancy's brand visual vocabulary while meeting frequent deadlines for photography, production, and copy. The designer will organize and coordinate diverse projects, manage the work of peers on departmental project teams, and may supervise volunteers, interns, contractors, or temporary staff. They will work within a budget to complete projects and perform duties under general supervision, acting independently on assigned tasks and projects. The Graphic Designer will also present their work clearly and effectively, communicating their vision and negotiating feedback with project stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in design, with at least five years of experience in a design studio, agency, or in-house creative department. They should possess a sophisticated design sensibility, a strong sense of typography, and a keen eye for photography and illustration. The candidate should also have experience in web design and a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The role requires expert-level knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and familiarity with print production. The Graphic Designer should thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrating independence, organization, and a blend of technical and conceptual skills. Understanding motion graphics or video editing is a plus, as is experience with presentation software such as PowerPoint and Keynote.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the Conservancy's brand identity system through creative projects.
• Design smart, thoughtful, and compelling concepts for all aspects of the organization.
• Design, direct, research, and manage graphics, layouts, and art production.
• Develop and maintain the Conservancy's brand visual vocabulary.
• Meet frequent photography, production, and copy deadlines.
• Organize, manage, and coordinate diverse projects and activities with many variables.
• Coordinate the work of peers on departmental project teams.
• Supervise volunteers, interns, contractors, or temporary staff as needed.
• Work within a budget to complete projects.
• Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines.
• Act independently on assigned tasks and projects.
• Present work clearly and effectively, communicating vision and negotiating feedback with project stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of experience in a design studio, agency, or in-house creative department.
• Experience preparing files for production, marking up color for correction, and reviewing proofs.
• Portfolio demonstrating a sophisticated, conceptual design sensibility and a strong sense of typography.
• Strong, modern approach to typography and design for both print and digital.
• Strong awareness of current design trends, photographers, and illustrators.
• High level of design sophistication and meticulous attention to detail.
• Keen eye for photography and illustration and exceptional typography skills.
• Experience in designing for the Web and a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Ability to translate print graphics to web, and vice versa.
• Expert-level knowledge of Adobe CC.
• Strong familiarity with print production.
• Independent and well organized with a blend of technical and conceptual skills.
• Ability to thrive in an energetic environment and make judgment calls.
• Understanding of motion graphics or video editing is a major plus.
• Experience with presentation software such as PowerPoint and Keynote.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based environment with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for various audiences from technical information.
• Practical knowledge of marketing and branding principles.
• Experience presenting and articulating design solutions to clients.

Nice-to-haves

• Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.

Benefits

• Health care benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Parental leave
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and well-being benefits