Graphic Communications Specialist - Strategic Communications

* Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.

* East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time (40 hours per week)

Base Hourly:

$21.01

Class/Calendar:

B22, 12 months

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire

Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire

Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary:

To design and oversee the visual identity of Mesa Public Schools' brand; to strengthen the brand through thoughtful growth and expansion; to maintain brand standards within the organization; to develop and design effective and aesthetically pleasing communications materials for a variety of media; to develop and review materials for content and clarity.

Portfolio of Work Required if Selected for Interview

Key Responsibilities:

* Grow the district brand identity through design innovations

* Establish and maintain organizational design standards

* Design, format and accurately proofread work; provide final product in appropriate format(s)

* Work with site- and district-based personnel to understand needs, recommend strategies, and deliver concepts and final products that convey the appropriate messages within brand standards

* Work cooperatively with schools, department and district personnel to effectively and efficiently complete projects

* Regular and on-time attendance required

* Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

* Organize and maintain department image and graphic files

* Organize and maintain project file database and hard copy portfolio files

* Assist with special events and cover field assignments as needed

* Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities

* Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

* Demonstrated experience in designing cohesive, multi-faceted marketing campaigns

* Expertise in graphic design and layout, with the ability to design multi-color work merging text and graphics for print and Web

Preferred Qualifications:

* Associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design, communications or related field

* Commercial experience preferred; photography expertise welcomed; general marketing a plus

Skills &

Competencies:

* Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate

* Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community

* Ability to create, design and produce charts, graphs, artwork and simple illustrations; knowledge of online resources such as Adobe Color and Canva

* Working knowledge of print and online production requirements

* Excellent vocabulary, grammar and spelling skills; ability to write clear, concise and effective copy

* Ability to organize, prioritize, meet deadlines with accurate attention to detail while working with frequent interruptions and minimum supervision

* Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) and to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with district personnel at all levels and general public

* Computer proficiency with graphic manipulation software to include but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, etc. required

Work Environment &

Physical Requirements:

* Most of the work is done in an office within the school district's administrative building

* Works closely with departments like communications, print shop, Human Resources, and sometimes directly with school staff or administration

* Deadlines can revolve around school board meetings, district-wide initiatives, or community events

* Need to handle multiple projects at once (newsletters, posters, web graphics, social media visuals, etc.)

* Heavy use of computers, graphic tablets and design software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)

* Might need to move or carry presentation materials, banners, cameras, or printing supplies (usually under 25 pounds)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or…