Designer

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Design department is responsible for the visual presentation, narrative, and brand of the Society and Brookfield Zoo. It is mainly through the efforts of this department—which includes signage, advertising and public relations materials, printed materials, content development, and electronic communications—that the Society is able to impart its messages of conservation leadership and animal care and welfare.

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. From the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins to pioneering the field of conservation psychology, the Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world. We are also making a difference locally by engaging over 2 million zoo guests annually with unique exhibits and programs.

The Designer contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by designing print/signage and producing and maintaining signage to educate the public about animals and conservation, raise funds, and share the results of research to further the Society’s mission and contribute to providing extraordinary guest experiences.

Primary duties and responsibilities: 

• As directed, designs art, print materials, posters, signage, digital assets and other graphics consistent with the CZS brand to meet criteria established by clients and supervisor.  Develops materials manually or utilizes graphic software to design and produce finished artwork or product.
• Produces printed and electronic materials, signs and other design graphics in a creative way that captures the information that the client is trying to show. Solves visual problems and challenges.
• Adheres to specific criteria established by clients and  Design Manager. Responsible for presenting designs to client, modifying and revising design projects and staying within predetermined timelines and guidelines. Design media can include printed and electronic materials, advertising signs and other design graphics.
• Produces and maintains welcome, food service, merchandise, special event, and other temporary signage in an accurate and timely manner.
• Participates in the Interpretation Maintenance program to ensure that signage standards are met in all visitor areas.  Responsible for conducting monthly walk through of assigned areas and inspects, cleans, and repairs lettering and graphics and produce replacement signage as needed. 
• Works with other designers in the layout, production, research, and production of signage programs and printed materials or campaigns. 
• Responsible for art on all zoo passes plus production on all passes printed in-house.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Experience Required

The requirements for this position include the following:

• Associates degree in Design or other relevant field or four years of equivalent experience required. High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Four years relevant graphic design experience.
• Experience with Mac and Adobe Creative Suites and basic knowledge of graphic design required.
• Basic knowledge of techniques and materials used for print and sign fabrication.
• Solid verbal and written communications skills and strong organizational skills.
• Innate or trained design sensibility including an eye for type, layout, and color.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Ability to work under pressure, be tactful and contribute to a positive environment. Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelors’ Degree in Design or equivalent combination of education and/or experience desirable.
• Experience in a Graphics Design department within a non-profit organization a plus.
• Ability to operate vinyl letter/graphics cutter, laminator, and traditional art supplies strongly preferred.
• Illustration ability a plus.
• Self-directed and ability to work with little or no supervision desirable.

Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. Additional Information:

• This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.
• Incumbent must develop an understanding of the Society’s mission and vision, as well as a comprehensive understanding and sensitivity to the Chicago Zoological Society’s diverse audiences.
• The nature of the work produced by the Design Department requires flexibility, dependability, and a cooperative, results-oriented staff that can work out new solutions to respond to the varied and intense list of service requests received each year.
• Because Chicago Zoological Society is an organization with multiple, rapidly changing priorities, the incumbent must be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable in a dynamic organization with a culture that continues to evolve and develop.
• Individual must be comfortable working in an environment that is mission and vision driven and embrace the Society’s core values of people, results, innovation, diversity, and enthusiasm. Incumbent may assist and inform the public as needed.
• Additional Information The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Schedule Details This is a regular full-time, hourly paid position, that offers a comprehensive benefits package.