Digital and Graphic Designer

The Digital and Graphic Designer supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Marketing Director and working closely with the Senior Director of Mission Advancement the graphic designer provides skilled marketing support and plays an integral role in the positioning and promotion of the YMCA of the East Valley as a leading nonprofit in our community.

Essential Functions:

• Creates innovative marketing material (advertising, presentations, print materials, signage/banners, event materials, videos, emails, e-newsletters, website, social media, etc.) to promote the Y’s wide variety of services, events, programs, and classes within our community.
• Designs marketing collateral that positions the Y as a leading nonprofit in our community through strategic development of cause material, implementing association membership campaigns, and advocates the Y’s cause.
• Communicates and works directly with staff members to ensure that created collateral and marketing strategies are accurate, timely, and eye-catching.
• Assume creative ownership of a variety of print projects (program guides, annual report, postcards, tour book, etc.)
• Collaborate with Y design, brand and media agencies and Y-USA to take existing creative for key Y initiatives and modify/personalize for various applications across communication channels, Y locations and programs.
• Support key initiatives at the YMCA of the East Valley through the design and development of key materials as assigned.
• Construct and manage project and approval schedules for multiple, varied projects with complex timelines and production schedules.
• Maintain Y-USA brand guidelines for all visuals throughout the Association. Monitor and champion design compliance with guidelines and in support of the Association’s strategic plan and objectives, brand & cause strategy and YMCA mission.
• Anticipate the digital, visual and graphic design needs of the YMCA and Chief Officers to effectively deliver all types of communications.
• Embrace and stay up-to-date on the newest trends, tools and best practices within digital and visual marketing, systems, software and technology to effectively communicate the Y’s mission and cause.
• Maintain an up-to-date website, photography & videography of the Y’s in-house collection of programs & events.
• Actively participate in training as appropriate
• Guide other projects and efforts as assigned
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor
• Follow YMCA personnel policies, practices, salary administration plan, emergency procedures and risk management procedures.

(Reasonable accommodation will be made available to individuals with disabilities who are able to perform the essential functions of the job.)

YMCA Competencies:

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve
  others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and
  perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s
  point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning;
  speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to
  another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an
  openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of digital and graphic design experience required.
• Equivalent combination of education and progressive, relevant and direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational/experience requirements indicated above.
• Compelling portfolio that demonstrates beautiful digital experiences and innovative design may be accepted in lieu of experience.
• High level skill and up to date with industry leading software and technologies (In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop etc.)
• Demonstrated success in creating and executing motivating and effective digital and visual communications, with a supporting creative portfolio.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of creation of email and web page design (HTML, Word Press).
• Professionalism regarding time, costs and deadlines.
• Basic competence with HTML, Wordpress, Mailchimp required
• Experience in Adobe After Effects, XD and Premiere Pro a plus
• 2-3 years related background in marketing, public relations, communications, advertising, product management or related field preferred
• Prior experience in a not-for-profit organization preferred

Desired Skills:

• Understanding and demonstrated use of marketing concepts, practices and procedures
• Experience developing marketing materials including newsletters, brochures, web pages, invitations, etc.
• Ability to autonomously take a high-level creative direction and translate it to design concepts and executable designs
• Ability to give and take creative direction in developing collateral materials
• Excellent Photography & Videography skills
• Knowledge of how to organize events and manage timelines and budgets
• Experience in fund development and programming in a nonprofit organization
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to compose copy from rough draft or source materials quickly and professionally
• Ability to synthesize data from a variety of sources and communicate relevant points clearly, articulately and persuasively
• Ability to write and edit web content
• Excellent grammar, editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to conduct research, develop surveys, compile data and weave findings into written materials
• Must be detail-oriented, able to meet deadlines and possess strong organizational skills
• Willingness to learn new skills, prioritize tasks and exercise good judgment
• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
• Ability to maximize results with limited resources through competitive bids, volunteer support, partnerships and donated supplies and services
• Must be able to work with highly confidential matters
• Must be able to work with a highly diverse group of people from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Ability to function positively in a team environment as well as work and manage projects independently from start to finish
• Belief in the importance of the YMCA and its mission to build strong kids, strong families, strong communities
• Desire to make a positive impact in the community and in the lives of individuals

Driving Responsibilities:

• Occasionally drive between sites and operations for association business.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Employee must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to finely coordinate eyes, hands and fingers in the operation of computer equipment and other office equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Background Check:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the meeting the minimum Association-requirement(s) established for: employment references, personal references, Fingerprinting (a search of the candidate’s criminal background history), and physical examinations where required.