Graphic Designer

Creative Director

In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of exceptional creative assets, working closely with a team of designers, copywriters, web developers, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for design, a deep understanding of branding, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive creative excellence and shape the visual identity of our brands.

Location: This is a hybrid position, and the ideal candidate will be located in Vermont.

Compensation: At VEIC, we are committed to pay transparency. The starting pay range for this position will be between $70,000-$80,000. Based on market data, pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and location. Please discuss your intended work location with the recruiter for more information. The total compensation package for this position also includes a full range of medical benefits, 403(b) eligibility with match, Combined Time Off (CTO), Care and Concern leave, Parental leave, wellbeing benefit, a community service day, and eight paid holidays that are effective as of your first day of employment.

Inclusive Workplace Statement: We are committed to building a work community that is inclusive and welcoming to all individuals. We value a culture that includes a variety of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and thoughts. Climate change impacts all of us; however, we are impacted differently based on our identities and experiences. We all deserve a place at the table to make decisions about our collective future – we hope you'll consider joining us as we work towards our vision for a healthy planet, thriving people, and energy justice.

Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, veteran status, communication style, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Drive the development and evolution of brand visual identity, ensuring consistency and cohesiveness across all media and platforms.
• Steer the creation and maintenance of visual elements, including logos, iconography, color schemes, and typography, that reinforce the brand's identity.
• Develop and refine comprehensive brand guidelines and ensure their adherence throughout the organization.
• Facilitate the organization and accessibility of digital assets, ensuring a streamlined workflow and up-to-date resources.

Design Development:

• Develop high-impact printed materials, including brochures, posters, flyers, business cards, and packaging.
• Design user interfaces (UI) for websites, ensuring an optimal user experience (UX) and visual appeal.
• Create and guide the development of branding elements, including logos, typography, and color palettes, that define and differentiate the brand.
• Lead the creation of engaging graphics for social media platforms, including posts, banners, and advertisements.
• Design and oversee visually appealing email templates that align with branding and marketing strategies.
• Develop custom graphics, icons, and illustrations that enhance visual storytelling and brand messaging.
• Conceptualize and create advanced animations and motion graphics for digital advertising, social media, and video content.
• Innovate and design interactive elements for websites and apps to enhance user engagement and experience.
• Art direction for video/photography

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Reports to and collaborates with the Manager, Creative to align on project priorities, iterate on feedback, discuss timelines, refine design direction.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior designers, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Collaborate closely with Brand Marketing teams and other stakeholders to understand their needs, provide strategic design solutions, and ensure effective visual communication.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and creative concept development within the Creative and Digital Team.
• Present design concepts and ideas to internal stakeholders, incorporating feedback and ensuring alignment with overall brand strategy.

Project Management:

• Work closely with C&D Project Manager to uphold assigned project timelines to ensure timely delivery of design projects.
• Provide support in estimating hours required for various projects.
• Conduct thorough reviews and quality checks to maintain high standards of accuracy and professionalism in all design work.

Innovation and Trend Awareness:

• Stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies, continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance visual communication and stay competitive in the market.
• Drive creative innovation and encourage a culture of continuous improvement within the design team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience:

• Strong personal commitment to the mission, vision, goals and values of VEIC.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field, with 5+ years of professional design experience or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• A robust creative portfolio showcasing advanced design skills, creative solutions, and strategic thinking.
• Expert understanding of graphic design principles and techniques, including color theory, typography, visual hierarchy, and information visualization, and presentation design.
• Proficiency in designing for accessibility and inclusive design principles.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and other design tools.
• Extensive experience developing and maintaining brand guidelines, custom graphics, illustrations, and icons.
• Proven track record in designing both print and digital assets, including brochures, posters, packaging, websites, emails, and digital advertisements.
• Exceptional project management skills with a proven ability to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to articulate creative concepts and present ideas effectively.
• Experience working in both Mac and PC environments.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, growing environment, with a proactive and adaptable approach to challenges and changes.
• All positions at VEIC are subject to a criminal background check. This screening is conducted in compliance with applicable laws and is a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the safety and security of our employees, clients, and contractual obligations.

Working Conditions:

Internal - Office work is normally performed in either a home office or in VEIC's climate-controlled office environment, where exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes and gases is very limited. Noise level is moderate and includes sounds of normal office equipment (computers, telephones, etc.). No known environmental hazards are encountered in normal performance of office job duties. Depending on territory assignment, a remote work arrangement may be required or optional.

External - Occasional travel may be required for projects such as video and photo shoots.

Physical Demands:

Work involves standing and walking for brief periods of time, but most duties are performed from a seated position. There is potential for eyestrain from reading detailed materials and computer screen. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Work may include occasional pushing, pulling, or carrying objects weighing of approximately 40 pounds such as files, documents, and some equipment. Work normally requires finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate computer keyboards at a moderate skill level. Repetitive motion injuries may occur. Company will provide adaptive devices as needed.