Graphic Designer

About the position

The graphic designer is responsible for developing various types of creative content. This includes conceptualizing, designing, branding, updating, ordering, and overseeing production and printing of all public-facing Grand Canyon Trust materials, including the annual Grand Canyon Trust Impact Report, Colorado Plateau Advocate magazines, appeals (spring, year-end, and renewal), new member campaign materials, brochures, fact sheets, booklets, fliers, infographics, official collateral, and other materials. The graphic designer works closely with Trust staff and partner organizations to ensure consistent and high-quality branding for the Trust, as well as independently branded initiatives of the Trust, and provides graphic design support to partners as appropriate.

What does this position entail?

Working with Trust staff and the communications team in a collaborative environment to conceptualize and execute effective, impactful, and aesthetically pleasing visual communication pieces.

• Working within existing style and branding guidelines to maintain consistent visual identity in all Trust graphic design materials and maintaining an up-to-date style guide.
• Dialoguing with staff to understand graphic design needs, constraints, and deadlines, and establishing and defining clear expectations and deliverables.
• Developing concepts, designing rough layouts, managing feedback loop, revising and preparing final layouts, and obtaining necessary staff approvals.
• Coordinating with outside printers, designers, and other service providers as necessary to ensure timely delivery of high-quality design products.
• Working with Trust staff and the communications team to prioritize tasks when necessary and successfully managing competing demands with tight turnarounds.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of graphic design trends and printing by attending design workshops, and participating in professional societies and online communities.
• Attending and participating in both on- and off-site staff meetings and retreats as well as organizational trainings.

Do you have what it takes?

• Significant graphic design experience and demonstrated ability to produce visually compelling communications materials that inspire and persuade viewers and users, including advanced knowledge of layout, color theory, symbology, illustration, typography, and photography.
• Knowledge of traditional and digital printing processes, including experience with requesting print bids.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from start to finish on time and on budget and to manage unforeseen hiccups, including experience monitoring, executing, and efficiently meeting concurrent deadlines when juggling multiple projects.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work well with a diverse staff.
• Must be a self-starter, work well under pressure, and be able to handle multiple projects and deadlines with flexibility and understanding.
• Must be a team player and accountable to others, one’s self, and to the core values of the organization.
• Proficiency with the latest design software using Adobe Creative Suite, primarily InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and familiarity with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to identify and solve problems.
• Strong communication, active listening, and customer service skills. This is reciprocal and expected of everyone on the team.
• A collaborative approach to managing work duties and working with others.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of the lands and peoples of the Colorado Plateau.
  A commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and the ability to integrate your commitment into your work.

*Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, school or coursework, work experience, and other related qualifications, skills, and experience.

No candidate will meet every requirement. If you’re excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t check every box.

What might a typical day as the Trust’s graphic designer look like?

Check your job list and decide which job is the highest priority. Work on that graphic, poster, or booklet. Place an order with an online printer for a new staff member’s business cards. Reheat your coffee because you forgot to drink it. Review a print bid, get approval from Trust staff, then sign and send the bid back to the printer. Go over proofs from another job you are working on. Sign and return proof to printer, possibly with a new file due to proof edits. Reheat your coffee again. Work in Photoshop to adjust and color correct photos. Attempt to read a quick article or listen to a podcast pertinent to graphic design for professional development. Or, the day might be quiet. You might be able to focus solely on the creative process for a single project and drink your coffee while it’s hot.

The nitty gritty

Flexibility and paid time off

• Flexible scheduling and option to work from home
• 12 paid holidays
• Two weeks paid vacation in year one (three weeks in year two, and four weeks in year four)
• Two weeks paid sick leave
• 12-14 weeks of paid parental leave

Benefits

• 100 percent employer-paid employee medical and dental insurance (50 percent employer-paid for qualified dependent premiums)
• 4 percent automatic employer contribution to 401K retirement plan, plus up to 2 percent match
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance and life insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid community service time, sabbatical leave, and more

Location

Flagstaff, Arizona preferred, but must reside in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, or New Mexico. If remote, the graphic designer will need to be able to travel to Flagstaff on short notice.

Compensation

$53,263-$70,655 annual salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Who would my supervisor be?

Ashley Davidson, communications director

COVID-19 precautions

COVID vaccination is required for this position. If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact careers@grandcanyontrust.org