Visual Communications Associate

Organization Overview
Since 1981 CHRIS 180 has been dedicated to healing and recovery for children, youth, adults, and families. Through a trauma-informed family of services, CHRIS 180 offers counseling for the community at large; school-based mental health counseling; homes for abused, neglected, and troubled foster children with emotional and behavioral problems who are in state custody; supportive housing for single and parenting young people, ages 17 – 24 who are homeless or aging out of foster care; in-home services and community programs that strengthen families; outreach, drop-in and community housing for older teens, young adults and young adult families; a community center; an adoption program for children in foster care; and, training for professionals, human service workers, educators, volunteers, individuals who work within the community, other organizations and children, youth and families. The goal for all services is to unlock the potential in each person to help them become self-sufficient, contributing adults who have the skills to navigate life’s challenges.

Position Description:
The Marketing & Communications Department at CHRIS 180 helps to tell CHRIS 180’s story to its audiences and stakeholders across all types of media, from online to print.

Position Summary:
The Visual Communications Associate will support the Marketing & Communications Team in telling the CHRIS 180 brand story visually across internal and external communications platforms, online and in print.
Under the creative direction and general supervision of the Visual Communications Manager, the Visual Communications Associate will work within established brand guidelines to produce creative assets that support the organization’s mission, including, but not limited to graphics for email, websites, social media and outdoor banners, flyers, presentations, publications and more. Additional growth opportunities and assignments may be granted with consistent demonstrated experience.
This role requires the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment within a people-centered social services non-profit. Feedback from the organization’s stakeholders will be provided by the Visual Communications Manager to move projects forward and help the Visual Communications Associate develop their skillset. The ability to multi-task, and still meet critical deadlines is a must. Work Environment: Hybrid work schedule with core work hours.

Role and Responsibilities
• The primary duties of this role include but are not limited to the following: 60% Digital collateral design and development 30% Print collateral design, development & editing (signage, invitations, programs, etc.); presentation design 10% Brainstorming sessions, information gathering
• Execute design concepts and adhere to creative direction from the beginning to the end of each project.
• Work independently once the creative direction has been provided
• Communicate project status with the project lead. Produce graphics to meet specified size and format for print, web, and video and prepare design files for print vendors.
• Participate in brainstorming, ideation and sketching sessions with team members
• Complete design work, send proofs/samples to appropriate internal customer for review/approval and prepare design files for print vendors
• Stay up to date on industry trends, techniques, software updates, events and training that may enhance the Visual Communications Associate’s skillset and benefit the team

Qualifications/Educational Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 2 years experience in a graphic design role, either in-house or with an agency
• Portfolio demonstrating competency in designing for online, digital, and print platforms
• Ability to complete a timed design exercise (No applicant work will be used by the company)
• Demonstrated proficiency with current graphic design software, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong working knowledge of font families, typefaces, and image file management formats. Strong layout, typography, spot colors, and design
• Strong working knowledge of file preparation for web, email, video and print media.
• Working knowledge of web design fundamentals (HTML/HTML5 knowledge) and experience working with WordPress, Wix or Squarespace
• Self-motivated, deadline-driven, organized, and accountable. Ability to follow creative direction and work with minimal supervision when necessary
• Well-developed communication skills including ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale to others
• Attention to detail (Proofreads/checks own work for typos or grammatical errors)
• Open to constructive feedback, and continuous improvement • Cultural sensitivity and understanding of diversity
• Team player
• Passion for CHRIS 180's mission
• Video editing and photography skills are a plus, but not necessary
 

Travel:
Less than 20%; Restricted to Metro Atlanta area.

Schedule:

This position is hybrid the hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm but may occasionally be needed for event support on select evening hours or weekends.

Physical Demands:

 The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and move up to 20 pounds

Reports to: Director, Marketing & Communications

Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt