Creative Services Specialist

YMCA of Metropolitan Denver • Denver, CO

3d

About The Position

The Creative Services Specialist stewards the visual identity and overall look of the YMCA of Metro Denver brand. This skilled individual contributor transforms campaign ideas into professional designs, photography and video for print and digital platforms, ensuring materials are high-quality, consistent and recognizable. Working within YMCA brand guidelines and the No Place Like This Place campaign, the Specialist uses independent judgment in design approach, layout, visual storytelling and production methods.

The Specialist manages creative projects from brief through final delivery, recommends creative concepts, and coordinates print, sign, merchandise and freelance vendors. In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team, executive directors and department leaders, the role provides creative support across membership, fundraising, youth development, camp, aquatics and other YMCA priorities. The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but coordinates freelance designers and production vendors.

The role includes occasional evening and weekend support for events, photo and video shoots, programs and time-sensitive communications. It requires extended computer use, communication by computer and phone or smart device, sitting, reaching and moving around the work environment. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds, including camera, lighting and event equipment, and may support indoor and outdoor events across YMCA facilities. The work environment is usually moderately noisy.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver describes its direction as elevating lives and rising together, grounded in its mission and the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and belonging. Employees must comply with YMCA child abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, digital media or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience.
• At least two years of professional design experience.
• Portfolio required.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, and Canva or similar template platforms.
• Experience with camera, lighting and audio equipment and video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut or similar tools.
• Experience designing for web, email, social media and mobile apps.
• Working knowledge of user interface and user experience principles and web image optimization.
• Knowledge of print specifications, file preparation and working with print, sign and merchandise vendors.
• Strong communication, organization and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, present creative recommendations and incorporate feedback.

Responsibilities

• Turn creative briefs and campaign ideas into layouts for digital ads, flyers, banners, brochures, invitations, event signage, email and social templates, and presentation decks.
• Apply and maintain the brand's visual identity in alignment with YMCA brand guidelines and the No Place Like This Place campaign; maintain brand templates and photo and video asset libraries.
• Design fundraising appeals, donor emails, impact reports and event materials in partnership with the Director, Communications & Content.
• Conduct on-site filming and photography, handle lighting and audio, edit photos and videos for social media, web, fundraising and campaigns, and own final video quality.
• Design website visual layouts and user interface templates, and deliver optimized images and graphics that support SEO/AEO in coordination with the Director, Marketing and the external web vendor.
• Manage flyer templates and digital signage content across YMCA facilities.
• Recommend design concepts, ad taglines and copy direction, and advise internal partners on brand-aligned visual approaches.
• Manage promotional item requests, product ideas and designs; coordinate merchandise vendors, ordering, budget tracking and event delivery timelines.
• Support visual design for the YMCA mobile app and UPACE, including in-app content updates.
• Coordinate with print shops, sign fabricators, merchandise vendors and freelance designers to ensure products are produced correctly, on time and on budget; arrange freelance support for overflow and selected fundraising and camp work.
• Manage multiple creative projects, priorities and deadlines through the department intake process and resolve challenges within established goals and parameters.
• Identify opportunities to improve creative workflows and recommend appropriate use of emerging design, video and AI tools.
• Provide occasional evening and weekend support for events, photo and video shoots, programs and time-sensitive communications.
• Demonstrate YMCA values and support communications and workplace practices that foster inclusion and belonging.

Benefits

• Health and vision care
• Dental care
• Retirement contribution options, including a company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Free membership program
• Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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