Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager

Company: Illinois Soybean Board

Location: Bloomington, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling initiatives for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) through compelling graphic design and multimedia content creation.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive content strategy that enhances brand visibility and communicates the value of Illinois soybean farmers across diverse channels.

• Manage the full lifecycle of creative asset production, from concept to final delivery, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines and strategic communication objectives.

• Oversee the organization's digital asset library, ensuring efficient storage, retrieval, and application of visual content for internal and external stakeholders.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate complex agricultural, research, and policy information into accessible and engaging visual narratives for various audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a non-profit agricultural organization, implying a need for creative professionals who can translate technical or policy-focused information into accessible visual content. The emphasis on "storytelling" and "advancing the mission" suggests a strategic approach to creative asset development, rather than purely aesthetic design. The "Operations" aspect lies in the systematic management of creative processes, brand consistency, and digital asset lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of creative materials for both print and digital platforms, ensuring all outputs strictly adhere to ISA and ISG brand standards and visual identity guidelines.

• Collaborate closely with Communications staff to conceptualize and create engaging visual content that effectively communicates complex agricultural, research, policy, and market development topics.

• Partner with all organizational departments and committees to understand their creative needs and deliver tailored visual assets that support their respective initiatives and objectives.

• Contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of organizational brand assets, including templates, style guides, and visual identity frameworks.

• Capture high-quality photography and videography at key organizational events, including meetings, field activities, farm visits, research sites, trade shows, and industry engagements.

• Plan and execute strategic photo and video shoots designed to effectively showcase Illinois soybean farmers, vital organizational initiatives, industry partnerships, and stakeholder impact.

• Maintain and organize a comprehensive digital asset library, ensuring all photos, videos, graphics, and creative resources are systematically cataloged for easy access and retrieval.

• Edit and produce polished videos suitable for diverse platforms such as social media, websites, presentations, advertising campaigns, events, and educational initiatives.

• Develop both short-form and long-form video content that directly supports organizational priorities and enhances storytelling efforts, aiming for maximum audience engagement.

• Integrate graphics, motion elements, music, captions, and branding into video projects to elevate production quality and audience retention.

• Assist in the strategic planning and execution of video content, focusing on maximizing reach and effectiveness across all communication channels.

• Work in tandem with Communications team members to support campaign development, content creation workflows, and broader organizational initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on role requiring end-to-end creative execution. The mention of "collaborate with all departments and committee………" suggests a broad scope of internal client management and project intake, typical of an in-house creative operations function. The need to "translate complex agricultural, research, policy, and market development topics" highlights a key challenge and requirement for this role: simplifying intricate information into visual narratives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Multimedia, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: Three to five years of professional experience in graphic design, multimedia production, or a related creative field, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual content.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom, for comprehensive design and editing tasks.

• Demonstrated experience in photography, videography, and video editing, including planning, shooting, and post-production.

• A robust portfolio showcasing exceptional graphic design skills, multimedia production capabilities, and a strong visual aesthetic.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet demanding deadlines.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a high standard of quality in all creative outputs.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to build positive relationships with internal stakeholders across various departments and levels.

• Ability to thrive and adapt within a dynamic and evolving work environment while maintaining professional composure and tact.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with varying timelines and specific deliverable requirements for each. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) for enhanced video editing and animation.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems for organizing and cataloging creative assets.

• Understanding of agricultural industry communication principles and visual storytelling techniques within this sector.

• Experience with social media content creation and optimization for various platforms.

• Basic understanding of web design principles and best practices for digital asset integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3-5 years" experience requirement, coupled with a Bachelor's degree, places this role at a mid-level, suggesting a need for individuals who can operate with a degree of autonomy but also collaborate effectively within a team structure. The emphasis on "professional experience" implies a need for candidates who have worked in a formal capacity, likely within an organization or agency setting, rather than solely freelance or academic projects. The specific mention of "an appreciation for Illinois agriculture" indicates a preference for candidates who can connect with the organization's mission on a deeper level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a strong foundation in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and branding.

• Detailed case studies or examples of multimedia projects, showcasing proficiency in photography, videography, and video editing, with explanations of your role and contribution.

• Visual examples of how you have translated complex information into clear, engaging visual content, ideally with a focus on B2B or mission-driven organizations.

• Samples of work that illustrate adherence to brand guidelines and the ability to maintain visual consistency across various media.

• Evidence of digital asset organization or management, if applicable, detailing how you structure and maintain creative libraries. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of project workflows, including initial concept development, stakeholder feedback integration, revision processes, and final asset delivery.

• Illustrate how you approach project planning and prioritization, especially when managing multiple concurrent projects with different deadlines and deliverables.

• Provide insights into your process for ensuring quality control and brand consistency across all creative outputs.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with subject matter experts or content creators to gather information and develop visual narratives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just showcasing pretty pictures; it must demonstrate the process behind the creation and the impact of the visual work. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their workflow, how they handle feedback, and how they ensure their designs meet strategic objectives. The mention of "collaborating with Communications staff to translate complex agricultural, research, policy, and market development topics" implies that portfolio pieces demonstrating this skill will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., 401k or similar).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, training, and potential conference attendance.

• Opportunities for travel within Illinois for site visits and event coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with occasional requirements for availability outside of normal business hours (evenings, weekends) to address urgent issues or cover events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range of $75,000 - $95,000 for a Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager with 3-5 years of experience in Bloomington, IL, is based on an analysis of similar roles in the Midwest region. This estimate considers factors such as cost of living, industry benchmarks for creative roles in non-profits, and the specific skill set required (Adobe Creative Suite, photography, videography). The "must be available after hours and on weekends" clause indicates a need for flexibility, which is common in event-driven or media-focused roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Agriculture / Non-Profit / Association Management. The Illinois Soybean Board (ISA) and Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) are dedicated to supporting and advancing the interests of soybean farmers in Illinois through research, education, and advocacy. This industry context means a focus on practical outcomes, farmer advocacy, and efficient resource utilization.

Company Size: Likely a mid-sized organization, typical for state-level agricultural associations, balancing dedicated professional staff with board oversight. This size often allows for direct impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The Illinois Soybean Association was established to serve Illinois soybean producers. While the exact founding date isn't specified, its mission implies a long-standing commitment to the agricultural community.

Team Structure: The Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager will likely report into the Communications or Marketing department. This team is responsible for all external and internal communications, brand management, and content creation. Collaboration will be essential with other communications specialists, marketing managers, and potentially policy or research staff who will provide content.

• Operations Focus: The team likely operates with a focus on clear communication channels, efficient content workflows, and measurable impact on farmer engagement and public perception.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role will necessitate strong partnerships with various departments, including research, market development, policy, and grower relations, to gather information and develop relevant visual content.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: Utilizing data and insights from research, market trends, and farmer feedback to inform visual content and communication strategies.

• Process Optimization: Continuously refining the creative production workflow to ensure efficiency, timely delivery, and high-quality output.

• Brand Consistency Management: Implementing and enforcing rigorous brand guidelines across all visual assets to maintain a cohesive and professional organizational image.

Company Website: https://www.ilsoy.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus on agriculture and farmer representation suggests a culture that values practical solutions, direct impact, and a strong connection to the agricultural community. The "non-profit" aspect often implies a mission-driven environment where resources are managed efficiently, and every role contributes directly to the organization's goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, typically requiring 3-5 years of professional experience. It's a hands-on creative role with management responsibilities for creative assets and multimedia production. It sits within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and Communications operations ecosystem, focusing on brand and content delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager will likely report to a Communications Director, Marketing Manager, or a similar leadership role within the department. This structure provides guidance and strategic direction while allowing for creative autonomy.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the organization's brand perception, stakeholder engagement, and the effectiveness of its communication strategies. High-quality visual content is crucial for conveying the value of ISA/ISG's work to farmers, policymakers, and the general public, influencing advocacy efforts and program participation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Creative Roles: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Lead Multimedia Specialist role within the organization or at a larger institution.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as video production, motion graphics, or digital marketing asset creation.

• Management Track: Moving into a Creative Manager or Communications Manager role, overseeing a team of creative professionals and managing broader communication strategies.

• Industry Expertise Development: Gaining in-depth knowledge of agricultural communications and advocacy, becoming a key resource for the organization's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager," the responsibilities and experience level suggest it's more of a senior individual contributor role with managerial oversight of creative assets and processes, rather than direct people management. Growth opportunities would likely involve taking on more strategic creative responsibilities or moving into team leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Bloomington, IL, and will involve working within a professional office environment. This setting is conducive to collaboration, team meetings, and focused creative work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is in Bloomington, IL. However, the role requires travel to other sites around the state for photography and videography, indicating a need for flexibility in work location for specific tasks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will facilitate direct interaction with the Communications team and other departments, fostering a collaborative approach to content development and problem-solving.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment, computers, and potentially a dedicated creative studio space or equipment for photography and videography. Proficiency with industry-standard software is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with colleagues during team meetings, project brainstorming sessions, and cross-departmental initiatives, contributing to a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically during business hours. However, the role requires flexibility, including availability after hours and on weekends, particularly for event coverage and to address urgent troubleshooting needs that may arise with multimedia assets or campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for travel within Illinois and availability outside standard hours is a key aspect of the work environment, typical for roles that involve event coverage or field-based content gathering. This suggests the need for a candidate who is adaptable and comfortable with a less rigid schedule when necessary.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, resumes, and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their creative process, and how they've achieved specific outcomes. This may include a practical skills test or a creative challenge.

• Behavioral and Situational Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to assess communication skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and understanding of the organization's mission.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your graphic design, photography, and videography skills. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to translate complex information into engaging visuals.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you've successfully worked within brand guidelines or developed visual identities.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, how you handle feedback, and your approach to project management. Highlight any experience with digital asset management.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize any work that aligns with non-profit organizations, agricultural themes, or B2B communications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a Creative Brief: Be ready to receive a brief for a new piece of content (e.g., a social media graphic, a short video concept) and outline your approach, visual ideas, and rationale.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle common creative challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or budget constraints.

• Brand Application: Practice applying ISA/ISG brand elements (if provided) to a hypothetical communication piece.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for creative roles heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should ensure their portfolio is not only visually impressive but also tells a compelling story about their skills, process, and impact. Understanding the agricultural context and the mission of ISA/ISG will be crucial for demonstrating cultural fit and strategic alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of print and digital publications (brochures, reports, newsletters).
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphic creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For professional video editing, sequencing, and post-production.
  • Adobe Lightroom: For efficient photo editing, organization, and cataloging.

• Photography Equipment: Professional-grade DSLR or mirrorless cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and tripods.

• Videography Equipment: Video cameras, microphones, stabilizers, and basic lighting kits.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand digital asset performance and social media analytics dashboards to gauge content engagement would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how creative assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., for email campaigns) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for this role. The specific mention of Premiere Pro and Lightroom highlights the importance of video and photo editing workflows. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for website updates and social media management tools would also be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Excellence: A commitment to using creative skills to effectively communicate the ISA/ISG mission and support the success of Illinois soybean farmers.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and strong relationships with internal stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Quality and Precision: A dedication to producing high-quality, error-free work that upholds brand integrity and professional standards.

• Efficiency and Resourcefulness: Making the most of available resources to deliver impactful creative solutions in a timely manner.

• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to evolving communication trends, and refine creative processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with different departments to understand their needs and integrate their input into creative projects.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive criticism and utilizing feedback to improve designs and multimedia content.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on project progress, potential challenges, and deliverables.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share creative expertise and best practices with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of professionalism, dedication to the agricultural community, and a collaborative spirit. As an organization serving farmers, there's probably an underlying value placed on practical impact and tangible results, which the creative output should reflect.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Content: The primary challenge will be to simplify and visualize complex agricultural, research, and policy information into accessible and compelling content for diverse audiences.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that all creative output, across various platforms and contributors, adheres strictly to ISA/ISG brand guidelines.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines, formats, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.

• Staying Current with Technology: Keeping pace with evolving multimedia technologies, software updates, and digital communication trends.

• Fieldwork Demands: The need for travel and potentially working in varied conditions for photography and videography.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Multimedia Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses to deepen skills in areas like motion graphics, advanced video editing, or drone videography.

• Agricultural Communications Seminars: Participation in industry-specific training focused on effective communication within the agricultural sector.

• Brand Strategy Workshops: Development in understanding and implementing comprehensive brand strategies for non-profit organizations.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing skills in managing creative projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations through on-the-job experience or formal training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The biggest challenge for this role will be bridging the gap between technical agricultural subject matter and engaging visual communication. Candidates who can demonstrate a talent for simplification and storytelling will be well-positioned. Growth will come from mastering these challenges and expanding their creative and strategic capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach creating a short video explaining the impact of a new agricultural research finding to both farmers and the general public?" (Assesses ability to translate complex info, storytelling, target audience consideration).

• "Describe your process for ensuring brand consistency across all visual assets, especially when working with multiple departments." (Assesses understanding of brand management, process, quality control).

• "Imagine you have three high-priority projects with overlapping deadlines. How would you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Assesses project management, prioritization, time management skills).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in graphic design and multimedia production, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Assesses continuous learning, innovation, industry awareness). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for an organization like the Illinois Soybean Board, and what is your understanding of the agricultural industry in Illinois?" (Assesses cultural fit, mission alignment, industry interest).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a subject matter expert who was not familiar with creative processes. How did you manage that relationship and ensure successful project outcomes?" (Assesses collaboration, communication, stakeholder management).

• "How do you measure the success of your visual content? What metrics are important to you?" (Assesses results-orientation, understanding of impact, data awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process, Not Just Product: For each project, walk through the problem, your solution, the tools you used, and the impact.

• Quantify Success: If possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the effectiveness of your work (e.g., increased engagement, positive feedback, successful campaign execution).

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your presentation covers your range of skills – graphic design, photography, and videography.

• Tailor to ISA/ISG: Connect your past experiences and projects to the specific needs and mission of the Illinois Soybean Board. Discuss how your skills can directly benefit their communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical creative skills, but also strategic thinking, communication prowess, and a genuine interest in the organization's mission. The ability to articulate a clear process and quantify impact will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer & Multimedia Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided online portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Curate and Polish Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 5-7 projects that showcase graphic design, photography, and videography skills. Prepare a digital version (PDF or online link) that is easy to navigate and highlights your process and outcomes for each piece.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize experience in graphic design, multimedia production, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any relevant project management or communication skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on how you translated complex information, managed stakeholder relationships, and achieved specific goals. Be ready to articulate your interest in agriculture and the ISA/ISG mission.

• Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with the Illinois Soybean Association's current initiatives, publications, and social media presence to understand their communication style and content needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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