Graphic Designer

POSITION PURPOSE AND SCOPE: The Graphics Design Specialist is a highly creative storyteller who can take conceptual ideas and create visual representations in print and electronic media. The ideal candidate will have expert knowledge of current design software and will be skilled in every step of the design process from concept to delivery. This position is part of the Communications & New Media Group and will support the deployment of messaging, initiatives, campaigns, and promotions that capture the agency’s voice and educates employees, the general public and other stakeholders about the TCO’s mission, values, strategies, services and culture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conceptualizes visuals based on requirements.
• Works on a wide range of projects and media, including print, digital, video and animation, using varied computer software to visualize and develop innovative graphic designs that meet agency goals.
• Collaborates with multiple teams to convert ideas and concepts into designs that connect with employees and the general public.
• Develops logos, brand identity and style guides for existing and upcoming initiatives.
• Maintains and updates brand style guides and ensures brand consistency across team output.
• Develops new templates and styles to create rich libraries that are consistent to each brand.
• Works independently and cooperatively on multiple, simultaneous projects, meeting deadlines and budget constraints, and scheduling project implementation based on workload and direction.
•  Examines existing collateral and creates improved designs.
• Ensures all content is on-brand and consistent with respect to style, quality and tone.
• Develops and maintains a functional content calendar and graphics inventory throughout the assigned areas and TCO Intranet responsibilities.
• Participates with the CNMG team to develop and implement communications plans that support the TCO’s outreach and public education campaigns, activities, and copywriting/copyediting for collaterals.
• Participates in the development of internal communication strategies with a focus on clarity and employee engagement.
• Supports content strategies for key areas of responsibilities and adherence to best practices in grammar, messaging, writing and style.
• Identifies new, pro-active communications strategies and opportunities.
• Builds relationships with managers and employee contacts, advocates for improved communication plans and practices.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

•  Bachelor’s degree in design, Media Arts, Marketing, Communications or related field with at least 5 years of proven graphic design experience
• Exceptional creativity and innovative design skills • A strong portfolio of illustrations or other graphics, including video
• Thorough understanding of branding and marketing with the ability to vary style and layouts based on project scope
• Proficiency with design and video software and technologies, such as InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects and Photoshop
• Experienced with MS Office Suite • Knowledge of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).
• A keen eye for aesthetics and a heightened attention to detail
• Energized by challenges
• Well-established written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines
• Position requires some local travel and the ability to lift 20-30 pounds.
• In accordance with Florida Statute 322, selected applicant must possess a valid Class E or higher driver's license; not learner's license and be at least 21 years of age.  Selected applicants must have no cancellations, suspensions, or revocations of the driving privilege for a minimum of three (3) years prior to employment and must also maintain a driving record with no more than three (3) chargeable motor vehicle crash or any violation defined in Chapter 316, Florida Statutes during any consecutive (3) year period of employment.
• Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation, which will include a check of the criminal history records of the FBI.  Driver Licenses Examiners must meet the background standards outlined in Florida Statute 435.04, and Federal Regulations 384.228 and 1572.103.  This includes, but is not limited to, not having any criminal convictions for alcohol or drug-related offenses within 10 years prior to employment and maintaining this throughout employment.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:
Graphic Design and Written Communication Skills:

• The ability to visualize concepts and to drive the visual direction of communications.
• The ability to understand the audience for communication and adjust the design and method of communication to ensure the audience’s awareness and understanding.
• Flawless command of the English language.
• Skilled at creation of long-form and real-time design content. Relates well to others: 
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to successfully mediate difficult situations.
• Communicates effectively, on the phone and in writing. Listens attentively and with empathy.
• Works well in a team environment and collaborates effectively with others. Individual effectiveness
• Excellent project management skills to ensure timely adherence to editorial schedules and project deadlines for ongoing campaigns and department initiatives. 
• Willingness to embrace change and adapt strategies to accommodate changing priorities.
• A desire to learn and remain current with marketing trends, communication platforms and digital tools to ensure the agency’s currency with communication strategy.
• Enthusiastically acts as the agency’s brand advocate in all projects and assignments.

• Contributes as an active member of team, offering input on initiatives and plans
• Supports agency’s direction and ensures compliance with agency policies, procedures, training protocols and statutes.
• Communicates easily and unconditionally about timelines, project management, budgetary and departmental process issues.
• Maintain a professional appearance, meet or exceed the TCO dress code, follow standard meeting etiquette guidelines, respectful of the need for efficient and accurate communication and prepared to contribute to meetings by reviewing the agenda in advance, prepare for assignments and arrive on time.
• Professional time management by checking personal and department work schedules to know work obligations and times, following lunch and break schedules, leaving when scheduled and returning on time and to check out and in when leaving the immediate area for breaks, lunch or other TCO assignments.

WORK CONDITIONS:
Office hours generally conform to an 8:30 am to 5 pm work schedule with occasional evening or weekend hours for social media maintenance and occasional community outreach events. Open work area in an office environment. Sedentary for prolonged periods of time. Regular use of complex phone and computer systems