Senior Graphic Designer

Children's Cancer Research Fund

Our story:

In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck was nearing the end of her 16-month battle with leukemia. Before she died, Katie asked that her savings for a new 10-speed bike be given to Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), a little-known fund at the University of Minnesota.

During this time, the government was cutting back on research spending, which stalled potentially lifesaving work. To support research progress, families in treatment at the hospital would pass around a hat in the waiting room, giving memorial gifts in a child’s name. From then on, Katie’s parents, Diana and Norm, vowed to support the University of Minnesota’s groundbreaking research.

In 1981, two years after Katie passed away, the Hageboecks organized a fundraising event called Dawn of a Dream, which has become CCRF’s signature gala. Since Dawn of a Dream’s inception, the event alone has raised over $22.5 million for childhood cancer research.

Today, Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a national nonprofit, and thanks to donors and partners around the country, we have contributed $170 million to research, education and awareness and quality-of-life programs for childhood cancer families.

We believe kids deserve safer, less toxic treatments, and we’re committed to funding groundbreaking research and services that enhance healing and care.

https://childrenscancer.org

Position Details

Senior Graphic Designer
Job
Full-time
1/24/2019
Twin Cities Metro
Minneapolis, MN

Summary:

The Senior Graphic Designer is primarily responsible for the design and production of graphic design projects for Children’s Cancer Research Fund’s internal marketing materials and external programs. The ability to work quickly and effectively on a variety of projects with overlapping deadlines, take design feedback and direction graciously, interpret and convey design direction to internal and external teams, ensure effective and efficient project completion through project planning and task assignment, maintain attention to detail under deadlines and shifting priorities, and work well with a variety of personalities is critical.

Essential functions:

  • Design and production of printed collateral, publications, advertising materials and signage for general use and events. 
  • Development of design concepts, identity systems, and visual themes based on provided raw content or creative briefs. 
  • Web and email design support as needed. 
  • Creation and management of photographic assets, including image editing, some photography, and coordination on scheduling photographers and photo shoots. 
  • Ensuring trademarks are used correctly and imagery is appropriately sourced, purchased, or credited. 
  • Creation of comprehensive project scope outlines. 
  • Effectively sourcing, obtaining quotes for, and procuring print items; assessing project requirements and providing timely, cost effective options/recommendations. 
  • Evaluation and measurement of print and design vendors’ performance and initiation of corrective action if expectations are not met. Participation in evaluation and selection of new suppliers if necessary. 
  • Project planning, workload management, task assignment, and coordination with internal and external teams to ensure project completion. 
  • Monitoring of project deadlines and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of all elements. 
  • Helping all internal and external team members understand the CCRF visual brand and how to convey it consistently. 
  • Mentoring and regularly providing constructive feedback to other designers on the team to promote their professional growth. 
  • Remaining current on developments in print technology and design trends, and ensuring that CCRF is presented in a relevant and professional manner in print and multimedia.

Competency:

  • Proficiency in Adobe design tools such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign and the ability to use them efficiently to create excellent layout and design. 
  • Basic understanding of web tools such as Dreamweaver and content management systems, familiarity with responsive web design considerations and how to factor them into mockups, and a willingness to become familiar with basic web programming languages and techniques to understand their impact on design solutions. 
  • Ability to proactively brainstorm, including mocking up design ideas and presenting ideas to internal staff. 
  • Strong print production knowledge, both in offset and digital. 
  • Ability to achieve a deep understanding of our brand identity, how to use it effectively and apply that knowledge to projects to ensure deliverables are “in brand.” 
  • Experience in creating a variety of printed and electronic collateral, and maintaining a brand across diverse media. 
  • Experience with large format printing. 
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and their implications when designing multi-purpose, user-editable collateral on their unique platforms. 
  • Experience in prepress requirements and print vendor coordination. 
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills. 
  • Strong planning and time management skills. 
  • Ability to work reliably both independently and in a close team environment. 
  • Ability to coach others and share expertise. 
  • Willingness to continuously learn and a dedication to keeping up with the constantly evolving trends and technology of the graphic design world.

Required education and experience:

  • Associate degree in Graphic Design or a related field. 
  • At least 7 years of professional experience in Graphic Design or related field. 
  • Graphics portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in a variety of design styles and media.

Preferred education and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field. 
  • At least 10 years of professional experience in Graphic Design or related field. 
  • Team and project supervisory experience. 
  • Experience in photography and video editing. 
  • Experience with event design or non-profit fundraising.

Travel:

  • Occasional local travel. 
  • Minimal overnight or non-local travel for training opportunities or conference attendance.

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