The graphic designer serves as an effective, collaborative member of the public affairs team by supporting colleagues, contributing to system-wide initiatives, and helping maintain a positive, productive team environment. The position requires managing and coordinating multiple projects with Library project teams, taking responsibility to keep initiatives moving forward, and ensuring deadlines are met in producing a wide range of print and digital assets for the Kansas City Public Library. This is done while contributing creative ideas, problem solving, and continuously improving the planning and execution of marketing and communication projects. All PA staff also assist with staffing signature events and other large programs. 

This is an exempt position with a starting salary of $50,382.

Schedule

Standard business hours, plus occasional nights and weekends for events.

Job Duties (Essential Functions) 

1. Produces high-quality materials that uphold or progress the Library's working brand standards.
2. Contribute to visual strategy and brand consistency across projects, departments, and media. Research, develop and execute viable design concepts that cost-effectively fit the criteria of the message and the medium. Participate in all phases of visual problem solving and production. 
3. Develop and produce design projects, including print and digital graphics, brochures, postcards, flyers, signage, advertising campaigns, fundraising materials, collections and exhibits support, merchandise, and program and event materials.
4. Serves as a member of a Public Affairs Team that works in a fast-paced environment, juggling numerous projects at any given time.
5. Works with marketing and communications team to develop creative assets in support of the Library’s marketing and communications efforts, including but not limited to signs, social media graphics, print and digital ads, direct mail pieces, website graphics, videos, email graphics, and other digital assets as needed.
6. Works closely with the Public Affairs team to develop solutions to the Library’s marketing needs, offering strategic guidance for promotional efforts.
7. Demonstrates collaboration, creativity, responsibility and strong critical thinking skills when working on assignments.
8. Organizes work with an eye towards deadlines and priority projects.
9. Provides excellent customer service to departmental and Library colleagues, representatives from community partner organizations, visiting speakers or special Library guests.
10. Participates in planning and executing signature events and special Library programs and activities as needed.
11. Other duties as assigned in support of the Library.

1. Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, marketing, or a related field; equivalent professional experience also considered. 
2. Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Figma, Canva, Microsoft Suite (including SharePoint), and PC operating platform. 
3. Understanding of pre-press printing process, standards, and operations; ability to work with print vendors on projects.  
4. Knowledge of current principles in digital design, such as social media platforms and electronic communications. 
5. Exceptional design skills; demonstrated attention to detail and ability to convey messages clearly and effectively to the Library’s broad public audience. 
6. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others. 
7. Demonstrated ability to manage workload with an eye towards deadlines and priority projects, while adhering to project budgets and parameters.
8. Ability to coordinate delivery and distribution of marketing materials throughout the Library system; occasionally requires a moderate to high level of physical activity. 
9. Excellent project management skills with a demonstrated ability to organize and plan projects from start to finish. 
10. Ability to remain flexible, cooperative, and responsive in a fast-paced environment. 
11. Ability to speak and understand English is required, additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages used in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Skills and experience in the following areas are helpful, but not required:

1. Photography and photo editing
2. HTML and coding/programming
3. Motion graphics/animation
4. Environmental graphics and signage

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, marketing, or a related field; equivalent professional experience also considered.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Library’s Central location and community partner sites as well as Library Branches throughout the district. Primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office space within the branch, other work will be performed in a public space amongst staff and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

How to Apply

Please apply for this position through our web application system. We only accept applications for specific currently open positions made through our online system. Access the online application from the job listing on the Job Opportunities page. The application system allows you to attach a document (such as a cover letter or a resume) to your application (10MB limit per document). When you submit your application, an acknowledgement will be sent to the email address you provided. You are welcome to apply for as many positions as you wish. However, to minimize problems, close and restart your browser between each application.

All online Application for Employment forms must be completely filled out. For technical assistance, call 816.701.3712.

Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.