<p>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>Education, Training, and Experience</p> <ul> <li> <p>Eight (8) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of this position, OR</p> </li><li> <p>Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Graphic Arts or a directly related field, PLUS six (6) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR</p> </li><li> <p>Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts or a directly related field, PLUS four (4) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR</p> </li><li> <p>Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Graphic Arts or a directly related field, PLUS three (3) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position</p> </li></ul> <p>NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing</p> <p>SELECTION REQUIREMENTS</p> <p>This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview process will be selected.</p> <p>Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:</p> <ul> <li>Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is preferred, but significant experience and a strong portfolio; five (5) plus years of professional graphic design experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role. </li><li>Strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of graphic design work, including branding, digital media, print materials, and any other relevant work. </li><li>Proven experience managing design projects from start to finish, with a focus on quality and on-time delivery. </li><li>Experience working with clients or stakeholders to understand their design needs and presenting creative solutions. </li></ul> <p>Knowledge:</p> <p>Graphic Design Principles: Deep understanding of design principles such as typography, color theory, layout, composition, and branding. Design Software Expertise: Proficiency in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, or similar design tools. Print and Digital Design: Knowledge of design for both digital platforms (websites, social media, email marketing) and print media (brochures, posters, packaging). Branding: Understanding of how to develop and maintain a consistent brand identity across various touchpoints. Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies to manage design timelines and workflows effectively. Industry Trends: Awareness of current design trends, techniques, and emerging technologies in graphic design and digital media. File Formats and Production: In-depth knowledge of file formats (JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF, etc.) and print production processes, including prepress, color calibration, and file preparation for various outputs.</p> <p>Abilities:</p> <p>Creative Vision: Ability to conceptualize and execute innovative design solutions that align with business objectives and branding guidelines. Leadership: Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a diverse team of designers. Attention to Detail: High attention to detail, ensuring that all designs are polished, accurate, and meet high-quality standards. Multitasking: Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining a high level of creativity and quality. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address design challenges and find effective solutions under tight deadlines. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate design concepts, feedback, and strategies. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment and collaborate with other departments to achieve company goals. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities, new design trends, and evolving technologies.</p> <p>Skills:</p> <p>Graphic Design Software Mastery: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, and other relevant software. Typography & Layout Design: Expertise in selecting appropriate fonts, layout composition, and visual hierarchy to create compelling designs. Web Design: Experience designing user interfaces (UI) for websites and apps, with knowledge of UX principles. Social Media Graphics: Proficiency in designing for social media platforms, creating engaging visuals for various social channels. Print Design: Expertise in creating print-ready designs, including knowledge of color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), bleed settings, and resolution. Creative Suite Plugins: Familiarity with third-party plugins and add-ons that enhance design workflows and capabilities. File Management: Ability to organize and manage design files efficiently, ensuring easy access and version control. Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design projects and team tasks.</p> <p>Other Requirements:</p> <p>Must be able to work mornings, evenings, and weekends. Creative and Strategic Mindset: Ability to think strategically and creatively, balancing innovative design with business objectives. Time Management: Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines effectively. Feedback Reception: Ability to receive constructive criticism and apply feedback to improve design work. Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Availability: Flexibility to work outside of normal hours when needed to meet project deadlines.</p> <p>Working Conditions: Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. General office environment, using standard office equipment.</p> <p>For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:</p> <p>https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html</p> <p>For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:</p> <p>https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf</p> <p>APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.</p> <p>COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.</p> <p>ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.</p> <p>The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.</p> <p>City of Chicago</p> <p>Brandon Johnson, Mayor</p> <p>May 12, 2026, 7:17:56 AM</p>