Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Navy Pier

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full Time - Salary (Contractor)

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 26, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development and execution of creative assets across a variety of marketing channels, including digital, social media, email, web, advertising, and print.

• Translate creative briefs and brand guidelines into engaging and polished visual designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

• Collaborate effectively with marketing, creative, and other internal stakeholders to bring campaign concepts to life.

• Maintain brand consistency and visual identity across all created assets to reinforce Navy Pier's public image.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is identified as a contractor position, suggesting a focus on project-based work and flexibility in assignments, which is common for specialized creative roles supporting marketing initiatives. The emphasis on "marketing campaigns, events, social media, digital channels, and print" indicates a broad scope within the marketing operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design creative assets for diverse platforms including digital, social media, email marketing, web content, advertising campaigns, and print collateral.

• Develop compelling campaign concepts and translate them into impactful visual executions based on provided creative briefs.

• Adapt and resize designs efficiently across multiple formats, sizes, and channels while maintaining brand integrity.

• Ensure all creative output strictly adheres to Navy Pier's brand guidelines and established visual identity standards.

• Collaborate closely with internal marketing, creative, and cross-functional teams to gather requirements, present concepts, and incorporate feedback.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines are met without compromising quality or attention to detail.

• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders promptly and efficiently, making necessary revisions to designs.

• Prepare final, production-ready files for both digital deployment and print manufacturing, ensuring correct specifications are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility in design application across various marketing touchpoints, emphasizing the role's contribution to the broader Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy through visual communication. The requirement to "adapt designs across multiple formats" points to an understanding of channel-specific design nuances, a key aspect of marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of professional experience.

Experience: 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with backgrounds in marketing, advertising, entertainment, hospitality, or events.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential for executing design tasks.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles: typography, layout, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Proven ability to translate creative briefs and concepts into compelling visual executions.

• Experience adapting designs across multiple formats, sizes, and channels while maintaining brand consistency.

• Demonstrated experience working within and adhering to established brand guidelines and visual systems.

• Skill in managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all creative output.

• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration and feedback incorporation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the entertainment, hospitality, or event industry, specifically related to a landmark destination like Navy Pier.

• Familiarity with digital marketing channels and their specific design requirements (e.g., social media graphics, web banners, email templates).

• Knowledge of print production processes and best practices for preparing files.

• Ability to work independently and proactively, demonstrating strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Experience in a freelance or contract capacity, understanding flexible project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating a range of creative work and design capabilities" suggests that practical application and visual evidence of skills are paramount, often serving as a primary screening tool for design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of creative work, demonstrating proficiency across different design applications (digital, social, print, etc.).

• Specific examples of campaign concept development from brief to final execution.

• Visual evidence of ability to adapt designs across multiple formats and channels while maintaining brand consistency.

• Case studies or examples that illustrate adherence to strict brand guidelines and visual identity systems.

• Projects that highlight strong typography, layout, composition, and color usage. Process Documentation:

• Ability to follow established design workflows and project management processes.

• Experience in preparing final files for digital and print production, adhering to technical specifications.

• Capacity to incorporate feedback and manage revisions efficiently within project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is the most critical component, acting as a direct demonstration of the candidate's ability to meet the core requirements and contribute to the marketing operations' visual output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract role and specific salary is not provided, compensation will likely be project-based or an hourly rate. For a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in Chicago, IL, contract rates can range from $35 to $65+ per hour, depending on project scope, complexity, and required expertise.

Benefits: As a contractor role, standard employee benefits are typically not included. This may include:

• Project-based work assignments.

• Flexible work schedule, potentially on-site at Navy Pier.

• Opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, dynamic cultural destination.

• Potential for ongoing project opportunities based on performance and business needs.

Working Hours: The role is listed as "Full Time - salary," indicating an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week. However, as a contractor, this may translate to project-based deliverables with flexibility in daily hours, but with an overall commitment to full-time engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, compensation is often negotiated based on project scope and candidate experience. Researching industry-standard hourly rates for freelance graphic designers in the Chicago area is recommended.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Entertainment, Hospitality, Tourism, Non-profit. Navy Pier is a prominent public attraction, offering a unique environment for creative professionals.

Company Size: While specific employee numbers aren't provided, Navy Pier is a large, well-established organization with significant operational needs, including extensive marketing and creative functions. This suggests a departmental structure with dedicated teams for various functions.

Founded: Navy Pier was established in 1916, making it a historic and iconic Chicago landmark. Its long history and evolving role as a cultural and recreational hub shape its operational and brand identity.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing or Creative department.

• This department would typically include roles such as Marketing Managers, Creative Directors, Content Creators, Social Media Specialists, and potentially other designers.

• Collaboration will be essential with event planning teams, PR, and other operational departments to support their visual needs. Methodology:

• Design work will be guided by established brand guidelines and creative briefs, ensuring a structured approach to visual output.

• Emphasis on collaboration and feedback integration will drive iterative design processes.

• Final file preparation will require adherence to production standards for both digital and print media.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Navy Pier's mission as "the People’s Pier" provides insight into the brand's accessibility and broad appeal, which should be reflected in the design aesthetic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring professional experience and the ability to work independently on projects. It's suitable for individuals looking to apply their design expertise in a high-visibility setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Art Director, or Marketing Manager who oversees brand consistency and campaign execution.

Operations Impact: The visual assets created by this role directly influence public perception, brand recognition, and the success of marketing campaigns and events. High-quality design contributes to effective communication, engagement, and ultimately, the achievement of Navy Pier's mission and business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• For contract roles, growth often involves taking on more complex or high-profile projects, potentially leading to longer-term engagements or repeat business.

• Developing a strong portfolio with work from a renowned institution like Navy Pier can enhance career prospects in the creative and marketing fields.

• Gaining experience in the hospitality and entertainment sectors can open doors to similar roles within other cultural attractions or event-focused organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, demonstrating strong performance and adaptability can lead to expanded responsibilities or future opportunities within Navy Pier or its network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at Navy Pier, suggesting a professional office environment within a bustling tourist and event destination.

Office Location(s): 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. This iconic location offers a unique work setting with potential access to events and the vibrant atmosphere of the pier.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will likely have access to standard office equipment and design software.

• Collaboration with internal teams will be a key aspect of the daily work.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the nature of a major public attraction.

Work Schedule: While listed as "Full Time - salary," indicating approximately 40 hours per week, as a contractor, there might be flexibility in scheduling, but consistent availability and responsiveness are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at Navy Pier offers a unique experience, but candidates should be prepared for a potentially busy and public-facing environment, which can influence workflow and collaboration dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design skills.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative decisions, and how they approach client briefs. This stage will also assess communication skills and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design challenge or test project might be assigned to evaluate practical design skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Discussion: May involve further discussion with hiring managers or team leads to confirm fit and project expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases your best work relevant to marketing, events, and digital/print collateral.

• Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your ability to adhere to brand guidelines and adapt to different visual styles.

• For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, creative challenges, and the outcome.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, Adobe Portfolio).

• Highlight any experience relevant to the entertainment, hospitality, or tourism industry. Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Aim for clear, on-brand concepts and polished execution within the given timeframe.

• Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the cornerstone of the application. It must be well-organized, visually appealing, and directly address the requirements outlined in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Design Software: Familiarity with other design tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, an understanding of how designs perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement, web traffic) can be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but awareness of how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement, forming the technical backbone of this role's responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Developing fresh and engaging visual concepts.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing Navy Pier's established visual identity.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Detail: Delivering high-quality, polished work with meticulous attention to detail.

• Adaptability: Responding to changing project needs and feedback in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be highly collaborative, working closely with marketing and creative teams.

• Requires strong communication skills to articulate design ideas and incorporate feedback constructively.

• Ability to work independently and manage one's own project pipeline is also key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to be "the People’s Pier" suggests a culture that values accessibility, inclusivity, and creating positive experiences, which should be reflected in the design approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines is a primary challenge.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently producing creative work that aligns with established brand identity.

• Incorporating Feedback: Navigating stakeholder feedback and making revisions efficiently while maintaining design integrity.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working within the dynamic atmosphere of a major attraction with frequent events and campaigns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gaining experience with a high-profile brand like Navy Pier can significantly enhance a designer's resume and portfolio.

• Exposure to various marketing initiatives and campaign types provides broad practical experience.

• Opportunity to network with professionals in the marketing, creative, and hospitality industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for creative roles in large organizations, emphasizing the need for strong organizational and communication skills alongside design talent.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief from concept to final deliverable."

• "How do you ensure your designs remain consistent with brand guidelines while still being innovative?"

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to adapt a design for multiple channels."

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?"

• "Describe a time you managed multiple projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Navy Pier specifically?"

• "How do you see your design style fitting with Navy Pier's brand identity and mission?"

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a marketing team." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects.

• For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the design process, challenges, and the final outcome.

• Be prepared to discuss your creative decisions and technical execution.

• Ensure your presentation is concise and engaging, demonstrating your ability to communicate design rationale effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also a strategic understanding of how design supports marketing objectives and contributes to brand building.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers.hireology.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to marketing campaigns, social media, digital assets, and print collateral, similar to Navy Pier's needs. Highlight projects that demonstrate adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3+ years of professional experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience in the hospitality, entertainment, or event industries. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative decisions, and project management skills. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Navy Pier's current marketing efforts, brand identity, and its role as a Chicago landmark. Understand their mission and target audience.

⚠️ 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.

---