Visual Designer
Position Overview
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU-SC) seeks an experienced graphic artist who can produce innovative designs for its print, Web and promotional materials. The successful candidate must be able to design layouts and graphics for all ACLU-SC digital and print publications, including Web pages, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, banners, and special-events invitations, and shepherd these projects through all phases of production, from conception to completion and delivery. Experience with print publications and knowledge of photography is preferred. The Visual Designer will report to the Communications Director and work in concert with all ACLU-SC departments. As a member of the communications staff, the Visual Designer should be a self-starter who can work effectively as a member of a team with the goal of providing creative communications materials for a multi-faceted non-profit organization.
Responsibilities
- Design layout and graphics for all ACLU-SC print publications
- Create design elements for the ACLU-SC Web site
- Oversee and shepherd projects through all aspects of print production
- Manage and report clearly on the timeline and budget for all design and print projects
- Maintain current and archived files of ACLU-SC photographs and materials
- Take digital photographs for publication in ACLU-SC publications
- Provide art direction in the use of photographs and design elements
General Qualifications
The candidate must demonstrate that s/he can:
- Take direction well and be able to both create concepts and develop the concepts of others with equal enthusiasm and commitment
- Have a strong sense of design and the ability to create innovative layouts, avoiding loose or overcrowded pages
- Work quickly and collaboratively
- Work well with text-intensive layouts
- Understand the basic principles of gaining, directing and holding readers' attention through layout and design, while providing readers with an accessible experience
- Have the ability to prepare digital files to meet the specifications of various printing techniques and Web requirements
- Exhibit a solid understanding of print production — i.e. familiarity with spot colors, overprinting and varnishing
- Have strong pre-press skills and experience overseeing all aspects of delivery
- Be detail oriented and adept at managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while meeting all deadlines
Technical Qualifications
- Strong Macintosh computer skills
- Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite: Indesign CS3, Illustrator CS3, Photoshop CS3, as well as Adobe Fireworks and Acrobat Professional
- Knowledge of Dreamweaver strongly desired
- Knowledge of Macromedia Flash and ActionScript a plus, but not required
- Strong professional portfolio of demonstrated creative print & Web work demonstrating diverse design skills
- Excellent print production and pre-flight experience, including PMS and 4 color CMYK printing
- BFA and degree in graphic/Web design or equivalent experience with a minimum 2+ years' full-time experience in a Web and/or print-production environment
- Understanding of basic design principles: page layout, typography, color theory and aesthetic design concepts as they apply differently to the Web and print
- A good eye for photographic color correction
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to: Gordon Smith, ACLU of Southern California, 1313 West Eighth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017, or e-mail gsmith@aclu-sc.org. No telephone calls or follow-up e-mails please.
In your cover letter please list ALL of the design programs you have worked with and your level of competence with each. If e-mailing, please include a link to samples of your work if possible.
The ACLU of Southern California/ACLU Foundation of Southern California is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, transgender people, lesbians, gay men, people with disabilities, and people over 55 are encouraged to apply.
