Graphic Designer

The Graphic Designer position will report directly to the creative lead here at the Dallas Zoo and will be responsible for creating a variety of print and digital creative and collateral to support the Dallas Zoo and its promotional, educational, and mission-focused programs. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leverage brand standards and style guide to graphically support the needs of the development, membership, education, advancement services, conservation, and marketing/communications departments, and other departments as needed.
• Work within and adhere to Dallas Zoo’s graphic and brand standards, as well as those of its affiliates and sponsors.
• Support design needs across a wide range of marketing and communications assets, including print collateral (letters, mailers, buck slips, fold-over inserts, etc.), web sliders, digital app/page design, video graphics, social media graphics, infographics, and signage for appearances and partnerships.
• Develop collateral, invitations, and event signage for VIP, President’s Circle, membership, PR, and special events, as needed.
• Work within the team’s project management system to upload creative, make rounds of edits on range of creative assets
• Assist the digital designer with the creation and editing of email templates and additional digital elements, as needed.
• Leverage the look and feel of capital campaign to assist in creating or editing relevant materials.
• Design other collateral and design assets, as needed.
• Resize, repurpose, and leverage assets created by the agency of record for internal creative needs. 
• Attend press checks and help ensure quality control for all Zoo collateral.
• Maintain the organizational system for saving and filing all design assets in the company database.
• Assist with in-park signage installation, as needed.
• Performs other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A., B.S. degree in graphic design or work experience equivalent. 
• Three to five years as a graphic designer with agency or in-house experience preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of methods and techniques of graphic design and layout best practices for print and digital.
• A strong portfolio showcasing print and digital work, highlighting skills in composition and typography for both print and digital.
• Experience working closely with advertising agencies, clients, and vendors.
• Ability to effectively multi-task projects and activities, while consistently meeting deadlines. 
• High level of proficiency with design, web, and multimedia software and applications, including Adobe Creative Suite in a Mac ecosystem. Figma, Prospect2 and After Effects knowledge a plus.
• Interest in illustration as a soft skill is a plus, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of pre-press best practices.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate, and accept feedback.
• Organized, energetic, flexible, detail-oriented, and a team player.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Dallas Zoo.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must understand the value and need for meeting deadlines and communicating effectively about doing so.
• Able to work calmly under pressure, juggle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a pleasant attitude.
• High degree of adaptability. Must be able to shift priorities seamlessly while remaining efficient and effective.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Periodically works irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. 
• Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• This may involve some lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and/or pulling of objects/materials of light weight (20-25 pounds).
• Some climbing on ladders or over obstacles may be required, as well as using light power tools for installation of signage (drills, impact drivers).
• Tasks may also involve significant periods of standing or walking outside during events and photo shoots, as well as during event set-up or break-down times. 
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check.