Lead Graphic Designer

Wellmark•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Wellmark is seeking a Lead Graphic Designer to join Team Indigo, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s internal creative and communications agency. This role is responsible for guiding the appearance and overall aesthetic of all Indigo client projects, working closely with copywriters to translate marketing strategy into compelling ideas and fresh concepts. The Lead Graphic Designer will bridge clients’ goals with their employees’ needs, excelling in a client-driven, fast-paced, and deadline-oriented environment. The position offers genuine growth, leadership, and creative freedom, focusing on delivering custom campaigns to Wellmark’s largest accounts. The ideal candidate will manage their time and that of contracted designers, switch fluidly between various brand aesthetics (Wellmark, Indigo, and clients), and demonstrate versatility across print, digital, and web design. They must uphold high creative standards, apply information design and behavioral-economics principles to enhance comprehension of complex health content, and be comfortable presenting to clients from manager-level to C-suite, articulating design theory and recommendations. The role emphasizes ownership and accountability for work product and output.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or direct and applicable work experience.
6+ years’ experience in an agency or in-house design role.
Must demonstrate design skill across a variety of communication mediums, including but not limited to marketing collateral, direct mail, publication design, online communication, and promotional materials.
Exceptional computer skills: Macintosh operating platform experience.
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign are required.
Skilled in print production and digital design standards, including file set up, packaging files, and printer specifications.
Knowledge of HTML/CSS and photography preferred.
Effective project coordination skills, including organization, time management, prioritization, and an ability to oversee multiple priorities for the team.
A collaborative, team-based approach to work, yet self-motivated and able to work independently.
Travel required up to 5%.
A strong website-based portfolio showcasing your finished work and demonstrating your creative abilities in publication design, as well as across a spectrum of media touchpoints, will be requested.

Nice To Haves

Adobe After Effects, Dreamweaver and Premier are a plus.
Presentation software (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Keynote) are a plus.
Ability to coach and mentor others.
Exemplary presentation skills, having a commanding, knowledgeable presence, yet also have strong people skills, ability to read the room and adapt to the audience.

Responsibilities

Manage the design process from concept to completion, collaborating with Indigo peers (Account management and copywriter) to understand and then translate marketing objectives into clear creative strategies.
Lead the aesthetic direction and design vision for client HR brand and identity projects.
Present conceptual options to clients and clearly articulate and sell the thought process behind design recommendations.
Possess a deep understanding of the client brand aesthetic and standards, ensuring they are applied appropriately and thoroughly across all executions.
Serve as steward and champion of both Indigo and Wellmark brands, maintaining a consistent brand experience across all channels and mediums.
Demonstrate design expertise, working proficiently in graphics programs such as the Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g. InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), Microsoft Office suite (e.g. PowerPoint, Word) and others.
Produce final art files for print or electronic publishing.
Generate graphic elements for print and multimedia applications, including photographs, icons and illustrations.
Transform statistical data into visual graphics and diagrams, often creating infographics which can make complex ideas more accessible.
Manage multiple jobs simultaneously, while maintaining quality and consistency in design and meeting project deadlines.
Use department traffic management system, including performing administrative duties associated with tracking tasks and archiving design jobs.
Assist Account Manager and leadership with project management and assigning/tracking design projects.
Coordinate with appropriate vendors for a wide variety of needs, such as printing, photography and multimedia production services.
Secure and evaluate bids for projects.
Art direct work of outsourced photographers and designers to ensure effective results.
Research and recommend new design trends, technology and skills, such as new software applications or printing technologies that can result in more effective communication or increased productivity.
Collaborate with leadership in annual plan development for Indigo goals that support and integrate with department and division strategies and provide growth and opportunities.
Proactively seek out training to develop expert knowledge of Wellmark product/service offerings, using that knowledge to continually enhance communication efforts.
Ensure compliance with trademark and non-discrimination requirements.
Other duties as assigned.