Graphic Designer (full-time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Mt. Prospect Park District

Location: Mt. Prospect, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-05-19T03:06:50

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creative development and visual identity implementation for a municipal park district, ensuring brand consistency across all print and digital marketing collateral.

• Manage and execute the end-to-end production of key marketing assets, including the quarterly program guide, promotional materials, and digital content, to support district initiatives and strategic goals.

• Maintain and organize comprehensive photo archives and update district website content, leveraging web analytics to inform monthly reporting and strategic marketing adjustments.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with various departments to translate their needs into innovative visual and written content that aligns with the district's mission, vision, and core values.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a municipal park district, implying a focus on community engagement, public service messaging, and budget-conscious creative execution. The "Marketing Operations" and "Creative Services" categorization is derived from the emphasis on production, asset management, and visual communication strategy within a marketing context. The experience level is inferred from the typical requirements for a designer responsible for independent production and strategy input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the production of all printed and graphic materials for the District, utilizing Mac-based graphic design and desktop publishing software to maintain a consistent visual identity.

• Lead the quarterly program guide production, encompassing staff outreach, comprehensive layout and design, targeted copywriting, meticulous proofing, and coordination of distribution efforts.

• Develop and update a wide array of marketing collateral, including posters, flyers, postcards, banners, email campaigns, print advertisements, and digital content, to support team initiatives and enhance community outreach.

• Maintain, edit, and organize a robust photo archive for efficient retrieval and utilization in both print and web applications, ensuring high-quality visual assets are readily available.

• Conceptualize and design special marketing campaigns, booklets, programs, handouts, and signage, adapting content as necessary for optimal performance across both print and web platforms.

• Translate marketing requests, campaign goals, and audience insights into innovative visual and written content, demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Process marketing requests efficiently, prioritizing projects based on program schedules, deadlines, and strategic importance to ensure timely delivery of all creative assets.

• Actively participate in all regularly scheduled Community Relations & Marketing (CR&M) team and departmental marketing meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and campaign planning.

• Complete required training on District website management, enabling the ability to proficiently update, add, delete, and amend web information to ensure real-time accuracy and engagement.

• Utilize website dashboard analytics to track performance and apply insights to monthly departmental board reports, demonstrating data-driven decision-making.

• Foster positive and effective working relationships with department heads, supervisors, and other staff members, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment on marketing objectives.

• Abide by all Park District policies and procedures, ensuring operational compliance and adherence to organizational standards.

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Relations and Marketing or the Executive Director, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support broader organizational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution, project management for recurring publications like the program guide, and an increasing need for digital asset management and basic web analytics interpretation. The emphasis on "Mac-based graphic design" and specific Adobe Creative Cloud products points to a need for established proficiency in industry-standard design software.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Communications, or Marketing is preferred. Art school graduates with a strong portfolio will also be considered.

Experience: Previous park district or municipal experience is a plus. A minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in graphic design and marketing collateral production is expected.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Mac-based graphic design software, including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and other Adobe Creative Cloud Products.

• Strong understanding of desktop publishing principles and print production processes.

• Excellent organizational abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple projects and establish workload priorities.

• Proven ability to negotiate competing demands and adapt to frequent changes in content and priorities.

• Solid written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop innovative visual and written content.

• Experience in layout design and digital content creation for various marketing channels.

• Familiarity with photo archiving and asset management best practices.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet strict deadlines consistently.

• Working knowledge of Google Suite for collaboration and productivity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with website management tools and content updates.

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and reporting.

• Copywriting skills for marketing materials and program guides.

• Experience in public sector or non-profit marketing.

• Knowledge of print and digital advertising best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred education and specific software requirements are directly stated. The experience level is inferred to be mid-level, given the responsibility for independent production, project management of key publications, and contribution to strategic visual identity. The "2-5 years" estimate aligns with a designer who is beyond entry-level but not yet senior, capable of handling complex projects with minimal supervision.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of graphic design projects, demonstrating proficiency in various marketing collateral types (print, digital, web).

• Include examples of successfully managed projects from concept to completion, highlighting adherence to deadlines and budget considerations where applicable.

• Present case studies of how design solutions addressed specific marketing objectives or community engagement goals for previous organizations.

• Demonstrate ability to maintain brand consistency across multiple assets and campaigns, illustrating an understanding of brand guidelines and visual identity.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow for managing the production of multi-page documents like program guides, from initial content gathering to final print-ready files.

• Documentation of processes for handling and organizing digital assets, such as photo archives, ensuring easy retrieval and version control.

• Case studies illustrating how design concepts were developed and refined based on project briefs, stakeholder feedback, and strategic goals.

• Evidence of using design software efficiently to create and adapt content for both print and digital distribution channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. The requirements emphasize not just the final output but also the process behind it – how projects are managed, how objectives are met, and how adaptability is demonstrated. This aligns with the need for operations-minded professionals who can manage workflows and deliver consistent results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $53,410 - $63,500 annually. This range is based on the provided salary information and reflects the specified experience level and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with an option for a health insurance opt-out payment.

• Employer-paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) benefits.

• Employer-paid premiums for Principal dental insurance.

• Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension benefits.

• Employer-paid premiums for Principal short-term disability insurance.

• Employer-paid life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• VSP-vision discount program for vision care services.

• Access to a Principal 457 deferred compensation savings plan for retirement savings.

• Monthly cell phone stipend to offset communication costs.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) package.

• Opportunities for employee training and professional development.

• Employee discounts on park district facility usage and programs.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Work schedule will vary, and evening and weekend hours may be required based on program and special event schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are directly provided in the job description. The "40 hours per week" is standard for full-time roles, with the note about variable evening/weekend hours indicating the need for flexibility often found in public sector or event-driven roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Sports & Recreation. The Mt. Prospect Park District operates within the municipal government framework, focusing on providing recreational programs, events, and facilities to a diverse community. This context implies a mission-driven environment focused on public service, community well-being, and efficient resource management.

Company Size: The Park District serves over a quarter million residents and encompasses seven primary facilities and 27 neighborhood parks, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with a significant operational footprint. This size necessitates structured processes and cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: Incorporated in 1955, the Mt. Prospect Park District has a long-standing history of serving its community, indicating stability, established operational procedures, and a deep understanding of local needs.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Community Relations and Marketing, indicating a direct reporting line within a dedicated marketing and communications department.

• This department likely comprises marketing specialists, community relations personnel, and potentially other creative staff, working collaboratively to amplify the district's offerings.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role involves utilizing website dashboard analytics to inform monthly board reports, suggesting a data-informed approach to marketing strategy and performance evaluation.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The responsibility for managing multiple projects, including the quarterly program guide, requires structured workflow planning, prioritization, and efficient execution to meet deadlines.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated as an automation role, the efficient management of photo archives, website updates, and print production implies a focus on streamlining processes to maximize output with available resources.

Company Website: mppd.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the description's historical information, service area, and facility count. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the reporting line, scope of responsibilities, and the mention of analytics and collaborative work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It involves independent creative execution, project management for key marketing publications, and direct contribution to the district's visual identity and brand management. The responsibilities extend beyond basic design tasks to include asset organization, website content management, and basic data analysis interpretation for reporting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Community Relations and Marketing. This provides a clear line of communication and mentorship, allowing for direct feedback and guidance on creative strategy and project execution within the marketing department.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and driving community engagement through visually compelling and consistent marketing materials. Their work directly impacts the effectiveness of program promotion, event attendance, and overall brand strength of the Park District, thereby contributing to community participation and the successful delivery of recreational services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities exist to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications, explore motion graphics, or gain advanced skills in web design and digital marketing analytics through training and project involvement.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, there may be opportunities to take on more complex campaign management, lead design aspects of larger initiatives, or mentor junior staff or interns, potentially leading to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role within a larger organization.

• Cross-Functional Development: Involvement in various departmental projects allows for a broader understanding of park district operations, potentially opening doors to roles in marketing management, communications, or community outreach that leverage design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis is based on the described responsibilities, reporting structure, and the typical progression paths for graphic design professionals within organizations. The "Operations Impact" section connects the design role to broader organizational goals and community service.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in an indoor, smoke-free office environment with controlled temperature and standard fluorescent lighting. This provides a stable and comfortable setting for focused design work.

Office Location(s): While the headquarters is at 1000 W. Central Road, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056, the role requires the ability to travel between various parks and facilities within the district. This necessitates a valid driver's license and comfort working in different physical settings as needed for site-specific design projects or content gathering.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for focused creative work, but may include exposure to noise distractions from adjacent work areas, typical of a busy municipal office.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Mac-based graphic design software (Adobe Creative Cloud), is provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration with the CR&M team and other department heads will occur through scheduled meetings and project-based interactions, fostering a communicative and team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, but flexibility is required. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary depending on program schedules and special events, reflecting the operational demands of a community-focused park district.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are extracted directly from the "Qualifications" section of the job description, with added context on how these elements impact the daily work of a graphic designer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for qualifications, with a strong emphasis on the provided resume and portfolio. Candidates with relevant experience and a strong educational background will be shortlisted.

• Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a comprehensive portfolio. This review will assess design aesthetic, technical proficiency, range of work, and ability to meet project objectives.

Specific attention will be paid to examples of print production, digital content, and brand consistency.

• Interview(s): Candidates may undergo one or more interviews with the Director of Community Relations and Marketing, and potentially other key stakeholders. These interviews will assess:

  • Creative Vision & Problem-Solving: Discussion of design concepts, approaches to marketing challenges, and how visual solutions were developed for past projects.
  • Technical Skills & Software Proficiency: Questions about experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, desktop publishing, and website management tools.
  • Project Management & Collaboration: Understanding of how projects are prioritized, managed, and how collaboration with non-designers occurs.
  • Cultural Fit: Assessment of alignment with the Park District's mission, values, and the team's collaborative style.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design exercise or case study related to park district marketing may be given to evaluate practical skills and approach under time constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases your ability to create impactful visuals for community-focused organizations or similar public/non-profit sectors.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Use visual aids like mockups or before-and-after comparisons where appropriate.

• Highlight Versatility: Include examples of both print (e.g., program guides, posters) and digital (e.g., social media graphics, web banners) assets to show your range.

• Showcase Brand Management: If possible, include examples where you’ve maintained or developed a consistent brand identity across multiple pieces of collateral.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly conveys your command of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other relevant software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Research the Mt. Prospect Park District's mission, vision, values, current programs, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand the community they serve.

• Anticipate Design Tasks: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a flyer for a community event, a graphic for a social media campaign promoting park usage, or layout for a program guide section.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design process from brief to final delivery, including how you handle feedback and revisions from non-design stakeholders.

• Focus on Community Impact: Frame your experience and ideas in terms of how they can benefit a community park district and its residents.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is built on standard interview practices for creative roles, tailored to the specific responsibilities and context of a municipal park district. The emphasis on portfolio and process is crucial for design positions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Adobe InDesign (for layout and desktop publishing), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation). Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Mac-based Operating System: The design environment is specified as Mac-based.

• Google Suite: For collaborative work, document creation, and communication (e.g., Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Dashboard Analytics: Tools used to track website traffic, user engagement, and content performance. While specific tools aren't named, the ability to interpret and report on this data is required for monthly board reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as requiring direct CRM or automation tool experience for this role, an understanding of how marketing materials integrate with broader campaign efforts and digital distribution channels would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools are explicitly listed in the "Qualifications" section of the job description. The "Analytics & Reporting" section is inferred from the responsibility to utilize website dashboard analytics for reporting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community Focus: A strong commitment to serving the residents of Mt. Prospect by providing outstanding recreational programs, events, parks, facilities, and services that contribute to a thriving, multi-generational community.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for excellence in all aspects of service delivery, from program design to marketing communications, ensuring high-quality experiences for all stakeholders.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working cooperatively across all departments to achieve common goals, supporting departmental initiatives with effective visual and written communication.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Managing resources effectively to deliver maximum value to the community, prioritizing projects and optimizing workflows to meet deadlines and budget constraints.

• Adaptability & Initiative: Being responsive to changing needs, embracing new challenges, and taking initiative to develop innovative solutions that support the District’s mission and brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Graphic Designer is expected to work closely with department heads and staff to understand their marketing needs and translate them into effective visual materials, fostering strong interdepartmental relationships.

• Process Review & Feedback: Participation in CR&M team and departmental marketing meetings implies a culture of collaborative discussion, feedback exchange, and iterative improvement on creative projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: The requirement to train on website management and utilize analytics suggests an environment where sharing knowledge and best practices is encouraged to enhance overall marketing effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the company's mission statement, the nature of public service organizations, and the described responsibilities of the role, particularly the emphasis on cross-departmental cooperation and data utilization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Managing design requests from multiple departments, each with unique objectives, timelines, and stakeholder preferences, requires strong prioritization and communication skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with digital design trends and best practices while also fulfilling traditional print production needs can be demanding.

• Content Creation Pressure: Consistently developing innovative visual and written content for various platforms, especially within the constraints of a public sector budget, requires creativity and resourcefulness.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The need to produce comprehensive materials like the quarterly program guide, alongside ad-hoc requests, necessitates excellent time management and the ability to perform under pressure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, explore new features, or learn complementary software (e.g., motion graphics, video editing basics).

• Digital Marketing & Analytics: Developing skills in web analytics interpretation, SEO basics for content, and social media graphic design best practices.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing capabilities in managing complex marketing projects, coordinating with external vendors (printers, etc.), and improving workflow efficiency.

• Brand Strategy & Campaign Development: Gaining experience in contributing to broader marketing campaign strategies and reinforcing brand identity across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the inherent demands of a graphic design role within a municipal setting with multiple stakeholders. Growth opportunities are standard for creative professionals looking to advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a marketing request from initial brief to final approved asset, particularly when working with stakeholders who may not have a strong design background." (Assesses process, communication, and client management.)

• "How would you approach designing a visual campaign to increase participation in a new park program, considering both print and digital channels?" (Assesses creative strategy, audience understanding, and multi-channel thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a park district, and how do you see your design skills contributing to the Mt. Prospect Park District's mission?" (Assesses motivation, cultural fit, and understanding of public service.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you balance incorporating new aesthetics with maintaining the established brand identity of the Park District?" (Assesses adaptability and brand stewardship.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final image. Explain the problem, your solution, and the impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) if appropriate for case studies.

• Highlight Process: Show sketches, wireframes, or different iterations if they illustrate your thought process and problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use data or metrics from previous roles to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, attendance).

• Be Ready for "What Ifs": Prepare to answer hypothetical questions like, "What if we wanted to adapt this design for a billboard?" or "How would you ensure this design is accessible to visually impaired individuals?"

• Engage Your Audience: Make eye contact, speak clearly, and be enthusiastic. Treat the portfolio review as a collaborative discussion rather than a lecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe critical skills and fit for a Graphic Designer role in a public sector environment, focusing on process, strategy, and cultural alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mt. Prospect Park District's careers page (via Paylocity).

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, print and digital design, project management of marketing collateral, and any experience in public sector or non-profit environments. Use keywords from the job description such as "graphic design," "desktop publishing," "Adobe InDesign," "Adobe Illustrator," and "brand management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing 5-7 of your most relevant and impactful design projects. Ensure it demonstrates your ability to create compelling visuals for print and digital media, manage projects from concept to completion, and maintain brand consistency. Include brief descriptions of your process and the outcomes for each project.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research the Mt. Prospect Park District's mission, programs, and recent marketing efforts. Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work aligns with community engagement goals. Be ready to discuss your experience with the required software and your ability to manage multiple projects.

• Gather Supporting Documents: Have digital copies of your resume and portfolio readily available for submission. If references are requested, ensure you have contact information for appropriate professional references.

⚠️ 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.