Visual Design Specialist

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Visual Design Specialist develops engaging, accessible, and visually compelling digital and print materials that support Pathways.org’s educational, communication, and outreach initiatives. The role translates complex child health and development information into clear, parent-friendly visual content consistent with the organization’s mission and brand standards. Work includes graphic design, educational and promotional materials, visual support for conferences and events, and related administrative coordination.

The specialist creates presentations and visual assets for parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, educators, partner organizations, and other audiences across print, web, email, social media, and digital communications. The role manages projects from intake through delivery, collaborates with internal teams and external vendors, maintains branded templates and digital assets, and supports conference materials and follow-up communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in graphic design, digital communications, or a related field.
• Strong design, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Proficiency with PowerPoint, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design presentations for parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, educators, and partner organizations.
• Create PowerPoint graphics, conference banners, handouts, infographics, QR codes, and YouTube thumbnails.
• Develop visual assets for blogs, presentations, email, print, social media, and digital communications.
• Ensure materials follow brand guidelines and remain consistent across communication channels and partners.
• Build and maintain a library of branded templates, including presentations, handouts, social graphics, and email templates.
• Translate complex developmental and clinical information into clear, engaging visuals.
• Adapt designs for multilingual audiences and work with translators on Spanish and other language versions.
• Produce website visual updates, including page layouts, banners, and graphics, in collaboration with web and communications teams.
• Design and assist with visual marketing, advertising, and paid campaign assets.
• Partner with communications, education, and outreach staff to define creative needs.
• Manage multiple design projects from intake through final delivery and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Recommend creative approaches and visual solutions that support campaign objectives and engagement goals.
• Coordinate with outside vendors, printers, and freelancers, including obtaining quotes, reviewing proofs, and checking quality.
• Keep up with design trends, tools, and best practices in nonprofit and health communications.
• Support the design and coordination of conference materials, including signage, booth graphics, and presentations.
• Format post-conference emails and other follow-up communications.
• Assist occasionally with printing, packaging, inventory, and shipping materials.
• Organize and maintain digital asset management systems for files, templates, photography, and creative assets.
• Document design processes and standards for use across the organization.
• Perform other duties assigned and in the best interest of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program competitive with industry peers in the organization’s geographic locations; benefits and eligibility may vary by position.

What This Job Offers

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