Creative Media Specialist

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

4d

About The Position

The Creative Media Specialist develops and produces high-quality graphic design and visual communication materials for City of Philadelphia departments. As part of the Office of Innovation & Technology’s Creative Services Group, the position creates accessible and engaging print and digital assets, maintains consistent visual standards, and collaborates with stakeholders to turn project requirements into effective design solutions. The role calls for creative problem-solving, strong production skills, dependable project ownership, and adaptability as priorities change.

The successful candidate must provide a portfolio of work and submit a resume and cover letter. The candidate must become a Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. Salary cannot exceed $75,000.

Requirements

• Provide a portfolio of work; applicants without one will not be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 2–4 years of professional graphic design experience in an agency, corporate, government, nonprofit, or in-house creative environment.
• Experience developing design materials for both digital and print use and taking assignments through final production.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong layout, typography, branding, and visual communication across multiple formats.
• Strong command of typography, layout, composition, color, and visual hierarchy.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling, audience-appropriate designs.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign; knowledge of print and digital production workflows.
• Ability to plan and organize assignments, manage revisions, prioritize work, and meet agreed milestones.
• Ability to present concepts, incorporate feedback, and flag scope or schedule challenges early.
• Ability to follow brand guidelines and apply practical accessibility and inclusive design principles.
• Attention to detail, adaptability, self-direction, and a constructive approach to teamwork.
• Submit a resume and cover letter; applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
• Become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Figma, design systems, web graphics, or collaborative project-management tools.
• Experience designing accessible materials or supporting public-sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven communications.
• Advanced graphic design techniques, including typography, layout, branding, and digital illustration.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce creative assets for campaigns, presentations, reports, brochures, signage, social media, and web-based communications.
• Develop visual concepts that communicate information clearly, support project goals, and serve diverse City audiences.
• Use layout, typography, color, composition, and visual storytelling to deliver professional design work.
• Adapt creative assets for print and digital formats while maintaining brand standards and visual consistency.
• Collaborate with City departments and Creative Services colleagues to clarify project scope, content, deliverables, specifications, and deadlines.
• Manage assigned projects from concept through final production, including revisions, approval coordination, and organized file delivery.
• Communicate project progress, risks, anticipated delays, and changing requirements to Creative Services leadership and stakeholders.
• Balance concurrent assignments and adjust workflows as priorities change while maintaining quality and accountability.
• Prepare accurate production-ready files for printing, distribution, publication, and handoff to vendors or partner teams.
• Apply accessibility, inclusive design, and plain-language principles where appropriate to make public-facing materials usable by residents.
• Participate in creative reviews, share design knowledge, and stay current with relevant design practices.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees, and sometimes spouses and dependents, in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level