Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Location: Itasca, Illinois, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and typeset compelling artwork and graphics for a wide range of print and digital AAP publishing projects, ensuring alignment with organizational brand standards and audience needs.

• Collaborate with editorial teams and authors to develop innovative design concepts and publication formats, maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality throughout the production lifecycle.

• Manage the AAP brand Identity Program, updating guidelines, templates, and resources to ensure consistent branding across all publications and digital products.

• Serve as a design consultant for digital and web-based products, advising on visual design, accessibility, and usability to optimize production outcomes.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in graphic design, publishing technologies, and AI applications to maintain AAP's competitive edge in the medical and professional publishing landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," its responsibilities in managing publication portfolios, digital products, and brand consistency, particularly within a professional association context, indicate a strong connection to Marketing Operations and Creative Services functions. The emphasis on digital distribution, accessibility, and brand identity management aligns with operationalizing marketing and communication strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and maintain visual branding for diverse publication portfolios, including clinical titles, professional journals, digital products, textbooks, and patient education materials, ensuring creative use of color, typography, layout, and composition.

• Guarantee the accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of design concepts from initial creation through final file preparation and distribution to printers and vendors.

• Conduct rigorous quality control reviews of layouts, typography, image placement, and final production files to ensure adherence to brand standards and project specifications.

• Proactively research and implement emerging trends in graphic design, publishing technologies, and AI applications to enhance AAP's competitive positioning and innovation in medical and professional publishing.

• Recommend and implement cost-saving design and production solutions by optimizing the use of color, artwork, trim size, page count, and printing specifications, without compromising quality or brand integrity.

• Present detailed and cost-effective design concepts to authors, editors, and staff, skillfully incorporating feedback to refine final designs.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive editorial style and formatting guidelines to assist editors and authors in manuscript preparation for the design and production process.

• Manage and update the AAP Brand Identity Program, including its website, providing current guidelines, templates, and resources to staff for consistent AAP branding across all output.

• Provide expert publishing design consultation for digital and web-based products, offering guidance on visual design, accessibility standards, functionality, and technical requirements for optimal usability and production.

• Participate as a key member of cross-functional project teams to determine the most effective visual design and format for publications, including custom publishing initiatives.

• Coordinate with external vendors for image, graphical, and digital asset development, ensuring high-quality project completion and adherence to specifications.

• Maintain organized and accessible digital asset libraries for efficient retrieval and reuse.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the production and editorial services department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed responsibilities highlight a need for strategic thinking in design application, not just execution. The emphasis on cost-saving, brand consistency, digital consultation, and cross-functional team participation points towards a role that requires operational awareness and a proactive approach to process improvement within the creative output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related discipline.

• An equivalent combination of relevant education and professional work experience will also be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in graphic design and typesetting.

• Proven experience in preparing content for both print and digital distribution is required.

• Experience within a publishing, editorial, academic institution, or professional association environment is highly preferred.

• Familiarity with health-related content and its specific design considerations is a plus. Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Advanced expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including InDesign (for typesetting and layout), Illustrator (for vector graphics), and Photoshop (for image manipulation).

• Typography & Layout: Deep understanding and practical application of typography principles, layout design, color theory, and composition.

• Print Production Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of print production processes, including pre-press, file preparation, and vendor coordination.

• Brand Management: Ability to create and maintain consistent visual branding, adhering to established organizational brand standards and identity programs.

• Digital Design Acumen: Experience or strong aptitude for designing for digital platforms, including web graphics, digital publications, and understanding of accessibility standards.

• Technical Aptitude: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Macintosh operating systems.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict publication deadlines.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, presenting design concepts, and providing feedback.

• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Strong analytical abilities for problem-solving and meticulous organizational skills for asset management and workflow tracking.

• Customer Service Orientation: Ability to work collaboratively and provide excellent service to internal clients (authors, editors, staff).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams) and document collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint).

• Familiarity with AI applications in graphic design and content creation.

• Experience working with health or medical content.

• Knowledge of web design principles and user interface (UI) design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for AI proficiency, even if it's just the ability to learn and apply it, suggests that the organization is forward-thinking and may integrate AI tools into their design workflows. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding or interest in AI's role in graphic design and publishing.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Versatility: Showcase a range of projects across print and digital media, illustrating proficiency in typography, layout, and color theory.

• Publishing Workflow Examples: Include case studies or project examples that highlight your involvement in the end-to-end publishing process, from concept to final production files.

• Brand Consistency Projects: Present examples where you successfully maintained or developed brand identity across multiple assets or campaigns.

• Problem-Solving Demonstrations: Highlight projects where you overcame design or production challenges, detailing the problem, your solution, and the positive outcome.

• Digital Design & Accessibility: Include examples of digital graphics, web layouts, or accessible document designs that showcase your understanding of digital best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing efficient design and production workflows, including how you identify bottlenecks and implement improvements.

• System Implementation & Collaboration: Demonstrate experience in utilizing design software and collaboration tools (like Adobe Creative Cloud, SharePoint, Teams) to manage projects and work effectively with teams.

• Metrics & Performance Analysis: While not explicitly stated for designers, be ready to discuss how you might measure the success of your design work, perhaps through user engagement, brand recognition, or production efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with operational implications, the portfolio should not just be a collection of pretty pictures. It needs to demonstrate an understanding of process, efficiency, and how design serves broader organizational goals like brand consistency and effective communication within a publishing context. Quantifiable results, even if anecdotal, are highly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated base pay range for this position is $70,368.96 - $74,278.36 annually.

• Compensation decisions are based on a comprehensive review of factors including relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs, and organizational policies.

• Hiring at the maximum of the stated range is not typical. Benefits:

• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical coverage options.

• Retirement Savings Plans: Access to plans designed to support long-term financial security.

• Additional Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is offered, with further details available at http://aap.org/BenefitsAtAAP.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role operates within a hybrid work environment, with an expectation of approximately 40% of work time spent in the office per month.

• Some evening and weekend work may be required, along with occasional travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range suggests a mid-level position within the graphic design field, particularly for an association or non-profit organization. The emphasis on "hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical" indicates a structured compensation approach. The hybrid model with a specific office-time requirement is a key detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Professional Association / Publishing

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data suggests a company size of 201-500 employees. This indicates a medium-sized organization with established processes but still retaining a degree of agility.

Founded: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) was founded in 1930. This long history suggests a stable organization with deep expertise and a well-established reputation in its field.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Manager, Production and Editorial Services. This indicates a reporting line within a production or editorial department, likely part of a larger publishing or communications division.

• The role involves collaboration with staff, editors, and authors, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure where the designer interacts with various internal departments.

• As a consultant for digital and web-based products, the designer will likely collaborate with digital product managers, web developers, and content strategists. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Application: While not explicitly stated as a "methodology," the role's emphasis on brand standards, audience needs, and staying current with industry best practices implies a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Process Optimization: The responsibility to recommend cost-saving solutions and develop editorial style guidelines points to a focus on efficient and standardized processes within the publishing workflow.

• Collaborative Development: The requirement to work independently and as part of a team, and to serve on cross-functional project teams, highlights a collaborative approach to project execution and problem-solving.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The AAP's long history and role as a leading advocate for children's health suggest a mission-driven culture. The hybrid work environment and emphasis on collaboration within a medium-sized organization indicate a balance between structured operations and team-based interaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks, collaboration, and some consultative responsibilities, particularly regarding digital products and brand identity. It bridges the gap between junior design execution and senior strategic design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Manager, Production and Editorial Services. This suggests a clear chain of command within the production and editorial department, with opportunities to learn from experienced leadership in publishing operations.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the AAP's ability to communicate effectively with its target audiences. High-quality, on-brand design enhances the credibility and reach of clinical guidelines, professional resources, and patient education materials. In the digital space, effective design ensures usability, accessibility, and engagement, contributing to the overall success of digital products and the organization's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Publishing Design: Deepen expertise in medical and professional publishing, focusing on complex typesetting, data visualization, and accessibility standards for specialized content.

• Digital Design & UX/UI: Develop skills in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, expanding into web design, digital product interfaces, and interactive content creation.

• Brand Strategy & Management: Grow into a role focused on overarching brand identity management, potentially leading brand initiatives or serving as a senior brand consultant.

• Project Leadership: Transition to roles managing design projects or leading small teams, overseeing timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships for publishing initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader experience by working on diverse projects across different departments, potentially moving into roles that bridge design with marketing, communications, or digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation in publishing design with clear pathways for specialization. The increasing importance of digital products and brand consistency provides ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the organization or the broader professional association and publishing sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a hybrid work environment, meaning a combination of remote and in-office work. This suggests a modern workplace that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Itasca, Illinois. This location is within the Chicagoland area, known for its robust business environment and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest opportunities for both focused individual work and collaborative sessions with colleagues, editors, and authors.

• Technology Access: As a professional association, the AAP likely provides access to up-to-date design software, hardware (Macintosh platform), and relevant collaboration tools (SharePoint, Teams).

• Team Interaction: In-office days will likely be used for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct collaboration on projects, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility is offered through the hybrid model, but the requirement for 40% in-office time means candidates must be able to commute to Itasca regularly.

• The mention of potential evening/weekend work and travel indicates that adaptability to project demands is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires self-discipline and effective time management. Candidates should be comfortable working independently for portions of the week and engaging actively during in-office days to maximize collaboration and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the job requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: This stage may involve a practical design exercise or a discussion about your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and other relevant tools. Expect questions about your design process and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work, explaining your design choices, the project's objectives, your role, and the outcomes. Focus on how your designs met client needs and achieved specific goals.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: This interview will assess your communication skills, ability to collaborate, handle deadlines, and fit within the AAP's culture. Expect questions about teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role, emphasizing publishing, branding, and digital design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your creative process, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the measurable results or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions. Discuss your research, conceptualization, and refinement stages.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital work, demonstrating your ability to adapt to different media and platforms.

• Address Brand Standards: If possible, show how you've worked with or developed brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Digital Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., PDF, personal website) and be ready to share your screen during virtual interviews.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a timed design challenge that might involve creating a graphic for a specific AAP initiative or adapting existing content. Focus on speed, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common design challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or incorporating complex data into visuals.

• AI Integration Discussion: Be ready to discuss how AI tools could potentially aid in tasks like initial concept generation, asset optimization, or trend analysis within design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates process and results, not just aesthetic appeal, is crucial for this role. Candidates should be ready to articulate the "why" behind their design decisions and how their work supports organizational objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in InDesign (for page layout, typesetting, and document creation), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), and Photoshop (for image editing, retouching, and composition).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (for manuscript review and text handling), Excel (for data organization and potential chart creation), and PowerPoint (for presentations and visual aids).

• Macintosh Platform: The role specifies a Macintosh environment, so familiarity and comfort with macOS are required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a designer, understanding how designs perform digitally may involve familiarity with basic analytics concepts.

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): General awareness of how design elements impact user engagement metrics like bounce rates or time on page could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in SharePoint for document management and Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings, team communication, and project collaboration is preferred.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): General understanding of how design integrates with CMS platforms for web content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. The preferred skills in collaboration platforms highlight the operational aspect of design – how it fits into team workflows and project management systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and visually compelling design work that upholds the AAP's standards and mission.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Applying best practices, audience insights, and brand guidelines to inform design choices, ensuring effectiveness and relevance.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Finding cost-effective solutions in design and production, optimizing workflows, and using resources wisely to meet deadlines.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a positive and cooperative team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and contributions are respected, aligning with the AAP's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Continuous Learning: Staying current with industry trends, software advancements, and emerging technologies like AI to maintain a competitive edge and innovative approach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with editors, authors, marketing teams, and digital product managers to achieve shared project goals.

• Constructive Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs and processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing insights on design trends or best practices, and contributing to a collective knowledge base.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, potential issues, and design rationale to ensure alignment and smooth execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AAP's stated commitment to fostering a culture where "everyone feels valued and respected" and their Equal Opportunity Employer status are strong indicators of their values. Candidates should demonstrate an inclusive mindset and a collaborative approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Consistently applying brand standards while also producing fresh, engaging designs for diverse publication types.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and executing design tasks for numerous projects simultaneously, often under tight publication schedules.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid changes in design software, digital platforms, and the integration of AI into creative workflows.

• Collaborating with Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively translating the needs and feedback of various internal and external parties (authors, editors, subject matter experts) into effective design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses focused on advanced typography, digital illustration, accessibility standards, or specific publishing software.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design or publishing industry conferences to stay current on trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior members of the production and editorial team, gaining insights into publishing operations and strategic design application.

• Exposure to AI Tools: Gaining hands-on experience with AI tools as they are integrated into the design workflow, developing new skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow within the specialized field of publishing design. The challenges are typical for creative roles in deadline-driven environments, emphasizing the need for strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing visual branding for a new publication or product line." (Focus on research, concept development, stakeholder input, and brand alignment.)

• "How do you ensure design accuracy and quality control throughout the production process, especially when working with external vendors?" (Discuss your QC steps, proofing methods, and vendor communication strategies.)

• "How would you approach designing for accessibility in digital publications, and what are some key considerations?" (Highlight knowledge of WCAG guidelines, alt text, color contrast, and navigable layouts.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Use the STAR method to demonstrate negotiation, compromise, and strategic design decision-making.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the American Academy of Pediatrics and its mission?" (Research their advocacy, publications, and target audiences.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment in your design practice?" (Relate to your experience and understanding of team dynamics.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies, such as AI, in the publishing industry?" (Showcase your proactive learning approach and interest in innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, the final outcome, and any measurable results.

• Emphasize Operations: Highlight how your design process was efficient, how you managed deadlines, or how your design contributed to clear communication or brand consistency.

• Quantify When Possible: If you have data on engagement, clicks, or positive feedback related to your designs, present it.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific software techniques, font choices, or color palettes and the rationale behind them.

• Tailor to AAP: If possible, show work that has relevance to the AAP's mission or audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only your design skills but also your understanding of operational efficiency, brand management, and your ability to integrate into a mission-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AAP employment portal (https://www.aap.org/employment).

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating expertise in print and digital typesetting, brand identity management, and collaboration within a publishing or association context. Showcase your workflow and problem-solving approach.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, your background in publishing/editorial environments, and your ability to manage multiple deadlines. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your experience with brand standards, and your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions, focusing on your problem-solving and communication skills.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the American Academy of Pediatrics, its mission, its publications, and its target audiences to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit. Understand their commitment to children's health advocacy.

⚠️ 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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