Graphic Designer; Term

TITLE: Graphic Design (1-Year Term)

DEPARTMENT: Design & Exhibits

REPORTS TO: Sr. Creative Director

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY: $65,000 - $78,000

LOCATION: Hybrid - Chicago, IL.

The Graphic Designer role is intentionally broad and requires a designer who is both self-directed and highly collaborative, because the design team supports a wide range of products, programs, and audiences. This individual is motivated, accountable, and able to work independently, while also thriving as an active contributor within a team environment where collaboration may take precedence over individual innovation or flexibility, though all three are essential to success.

A Graphic Designer is a strategic and detail-oriented thinker who can balance precision with adaptability, pivoting quickly as project needs evolve. They understand the critical role visual design plays in interpreting stories, engaging audiences, and advancing organization-wide goals. With excellent typographic and layout skills as a foundation, they translate high-level concepts into thoughtful, effective design solutions that uphold and strengthen Shedd’s brand across a wide variety of media.

This role spans both print and digital applications, including but not limited to advertising and promotional campaigns, graphic systems, departmental initiatives, events, exhibits, and web-based projects. While experience in both digital and print design is valuable, a strong print design background with the ability and willingness to grow digital skills is especially well-suited to this position.

Additional attributes include strong organization, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a solid understanding of both analog and digital production. The Graphic Designer is also expected to mentor junior designers, interns, and freelancers, modeling best practices and collaborative design processes.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
• Work independently while remaining accountable, organized, and proactive in managing responsibilities
• Think conceptually while operating within project constraints such as budgets, schedules, and quality standards
• Clearly articulate design rationale and communicate effectively with the Design team and internal partners
• Collaborate closely with designers, content developers, internal stakeholders, and external vendors to achieve shared goals
• Design and produce high-quality print, digital, advertising, and exhibit communications, with a strong emphasis on advertising-related projects
• Manage projects from concept through completion across a wide range of media and formats
• Remain detail-oriented while maintaining the flexibility to pivot as project scopes, priorities, or timelines shift
• Interact directly with vendors to solicit estimates, manage budgets, and advise clients on print, web, photography, and related production services
• Partner with content developers and the Senior Creative Director to shape the visual and conceptual direction of mid- and high-level projects

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field from an accredited design school or university is strongly preferred
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered for an exceptional candidate

• 7+ years of professional graphic design experience in an in-house design team or advertising agency
• A strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality work across print and digital media
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively while also working independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite for print and web
• Experience with Figma or other web development tools preferred

• Exceptional typographic and layout skills (non-negotiable)
• Deep understanding of current best practices in graphic design
• Strong working knowledge of print production and digital design technologies
• Experience in both print and digital design preferred,…