Graphic Designer (1-Year Term)

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

1d•$65,000 - $78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Graphic Designer role is intentionally broad and requires a designer who is both self-directed and highly collaborative, because the design team supports a wide range of products, programs, and audiences. This individual is motivated, accountable, and able to work independently, while also thriving as an active contributor within a team environment where collaboration may take precedence over individual innovation or flexibility, though all three are essential to success. A Graphic Designer is a strategic and detail-oriented thinker who can balance precision with adaptability, pivoting quickly as project needs evolve. They understand the critical role visual design plays in interpreting stories, engaging audiences, and advancing organization-wide goals. With excellent typographic and layout skills as a foundation, they translate high-level concepts into thoughtful, effective design solutions that uphold and strengthen Shedd’s brand across a wide variety of media. This role spans both print and digital applications, including but not limited to advertising and promotional campaigns, graphic systems, departmental initiatives, events, exhibits, and web-based projects. While experience in both digital and print design is valuable, a strong print design background with the ability and willingness to grow digital skills is especially well-suited to this position. Additional attributes include strong organization, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a solid understanding of both analog and digital production. The Graphic Designer is also expected to mentor junior designers, interns, and freelancers, modeling best practices and collaborative design processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field from an accredited design school or university is strongly preferred
Equivalent professional experience may be considered for an exceptional candidate
7+ years of professional graphic design experience in an in-house design team or advertising agency
A strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality work across print and digital media
Proven ability to collaborate effectively while also working independently
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite for print and web
Exceptional typographic and layout skills (non-negotiable)
Deep understanding of current best practices in graphic design
Strong working knowledge of print production and digital design technologies

Nice To Haves

Experience with Figma or other web development tools preferred
Experience in both print and digital design preferred, with the ability to adapt skills across mediums

Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values
Work independently while remaining accountable, organized, and proactive in managing responsibilities
Think conceptually while operating within project constraints such as budgets, schedules, and quality standards
Clearly articulate design rationale and communicate effectively with the Design team and internal partners
Collaborate closely with designers, content developers, internal stakeholders, and external vendors to achieve shared goals
Design and produce high-quality print, digital, advertising, and exhibit communications, with a strong emphasis on advertising-related projects
Manage projects from concept through completion across a wide range of media and formats
Remain detail-oriented while maintaining the flexibility to pivot as project scopes, priorities, or timelines shift
Interact directly with vendors to solicit estimates, manage budgets, and advise clients on print, web, photography, and related production services
Partner with content developers and the Senior Creative Director to shape the visual and conceptual direction of mid- and high-level projects