Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Art & Design / Marketing / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-01-16

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Public Affairs team by producing high-quality print and digital assets for the Kansas City Public Library.

• Manage and coordinate multiple design projects, ensuring deadlines are met and contributing creative ideas to marketing and communication initiatives.

• Maintain and progress the Library's brand standards across all visual communications, ensuring consistency in design concepts and execution.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute visual strategies that support the Library's promotional efforts and enhance public engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level graphic design position within a public library setting, emphasizing foundational design skills, brand adherence, and project coordination. The focus is on producing a variety of marketing and communication materials, requiring a blend of creative output and administrative project management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce a wide range of high-quality print and digital design projects, including brochures, postcards, flyers, signage, advertising campaigns, fundraising materials, merchandise, and program/event materials, all while upholding or progressing the Library's brand standards.

• Contribute to the overall visual strategy and ensure brand consistency across all projects, departments, and media, researching and executing design concepts that effectively fit the message and medium.

• Collaborate closely with the marketing and communications team to develop creative assets for the Library’s promotional efforts, encompassing social media graphics, print and digital ads, direct mail pieces, website graphics, videos, email graphics, and other digital assets.

• Serve as an effective and collaborative member of the Public Affairs Team, managing and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, taking responsibility for keeping initiatives moving forward, and ensuring project deadlines are met.

• Provide excellent customer service to departmental and Library colleagues, community partner representatives, visiting speakers, and special Library guests, acting as a key point of contact for design-related inquiries and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad scope of design output and project management duties. The emphasis on "uphold or progress" brand standards suggests a need for both adherence to existing guidelines and the ability to contribute to their evolution. The customer service aspect points to strong interpersonal skills being crucial for internal collaboration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• Entry-level candidates with 0-2 years of experience are encouraged to apply, with a strong emphasis on foundational design skills and project execution.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, with particular proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Proficiency in digital design tools such as Figma and Canva, demonstrating adaptability to various design platforms.

• Strong understanding of Microsoft Suite (including SharePoint) and the PC operating platform for general office tasks and collaboration.

• In-depth knowledge of pre-press printing processes, standards, and operations, including the ability to effectively liaise with print vendors.

• Understanding of current principles in digital design, including best practices for social media platforms and electronic communications.

• Exceptional design skills with a keen attention to detail, capable of conveying messages clearly and effectively to a broad public audience.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, fostering a collaborative working environment with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Proven ability to manage workload, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines while adhering to project budgets and parameters.

• Ability to coordinate the delivery and distribution of marketing materials throughout the Library system.

• Excellent project management skills with a demonstrated ability to organize and plan projects from start to finish.

• Flexibility, cooperativeness, and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography and photo editing capabilities.

• Familiarity with HTML and basic coding/programming.

• Experience with motion graphics and animation.

• Knowledge of environmental graphics and signage design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is extensive, covering technical software proficiency, design principles, and essential soft skills like project management and communication. The preference for a Bachelor's degree suggests a structured approach to design education, but the explicit mention of equivalent experience broadens the appeal.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of print and digital design projects that demonstrate your ability to meet project criteria and align with brand standards.

• Include examples of projects managed from concept to completion, highlighting your process, problem-solving approach, and final output.

• Present projects that effectively convey messages to a broad public audience, demonstrating clarity and impact.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, briefly outline the project objectives, your role, the design process followed, and the outcome achieved.

• Highlight instances where you had to manage multiple projects or deadlines simultaneously, showcasing your organizational and prioritization skills.

• Detail your experience working with print vendors or understanding pre-press requirements for printed materials.

• Include examples of digital assets created for social media, web, or email, demonstrating an understanding of digital design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, a strong portfolio is implicitly essential for a graphic design role. The guidance here focuses on demonstrating the breadth of skills and project management capabilities directly relevant to the responsibilities outlined.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Specific benefits are not detailed in the provided job description. However, as a public library employee, typical benefits may include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k or pension plan).
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
  • Professional development opportunities and training.

Working Hours:

• Standard business hours are expected, totaling approximately 40 hours per week.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support library events and special programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated for this role. While specific benefits are not listed, standard public sector employment benefits are inferred based on the employer type. The working hours indicate a need for flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Libraries / Government & Public Sector / Education / Non-profit

Company Size: The Kansas City Public Library serves a significant metropolitan area, implying a medium to large organization with multiple branches and departments.

Founded: The Kansas City Public Library has a long history, established in 1873, indicating a stable and established institution with a deep connection to the community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is a member of the Public Affairs Team, which operates in a fast-paced environment.

• This team likely collaborates closely with various Library departments and project teams across the system.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on producing high-quality materials that uphold or progress the Library's working brand standards.

• Creative idea generation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in planning and execution of marketing and communication projects.

• Collaborative approach to visual problem-solving and production.

• Data-driven insights are implied through the need to understand the "broad public audience" and support marketing efforts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Kansas City Public Library is a community-focused institution with a significant public service mission. The Public Affairs team likely plays a crucial role in communicating this mission and engaging the public through effective design and marketing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer

• This role is designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design, offering hands-on experience in a professional, public-facing environment.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to a manager or lead within the Public Affairs Team.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the Library's public image, community engagement, and the effectiveness of its outreach and programming.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools, and potentially explore preferred skills like motion graphics or environmental design.

• Project Management: Develop robust project management skills by handling multiple concurrent projects with varying deadlines.

• Brand Development: Gain experience in maintaining and evolving a well-established brand for a public institution.

• Cross-functional Experience: Work with various departments, gaining insight into different aspects of library operations and communication strategies.

• Portfolio Development: Build a strong professional portfolio through diverse project experience, paving the way for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role provides a solid foundation for a career in graphic design, particularly within the public sector or non-profit space. The growth opportunities are focused on skill acquisition and practical experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role involves working at the Library’s Central location, community partner sites, and various Library Branches.

• The primary workspace is shared with co-workers in an office space within a branch, indicating a collaborative but potentially open-plan environment.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Shared office space with colleagues, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Exposure to a diverse public audience in library branches and at events.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design equipment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, typically Monday to Friday, with a 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility is required for occasional evening and weekend events, which are common in public programming.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic, involving both office-based collaboration and public-facing interactions. The shared workspace suggests a team-oriented culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit your resume and any requested supporting documents (likely a portfolio link) through the online application system.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications, including education and software proficiency.

• Portfolio Review: A key stage will involve evaluating your portfolio for design skills, creativity, attention to detail, and relevance to the

Library's needs.

• Interviews: Candidates may proceed to one or more interview rounds, potentially including:
  • An interview with the Public Affairs Team to assess collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • A practical design exercise or case study to evaluate design thinking and execution under timed conditions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in print design, digital assets, and brand consistency.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within or contributed to brand guidelines.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a mix of print and digital work to demonstrate your range.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your command of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Figma, and Canva.

• Organize Clearly: Use a clean, professional online portfolio (e.g., Behance, personal website) with clear navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Library: Research the Kansas City Public Library's mission, recent campaigns, and target audience.

• Practice Design Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common graphic design challenges, such as creating social media graphics, flyers for an event, or a simple brochure.

• Time Management: Be prepared to work efficiently under a time constraint for any practical design tests.

• Verbalize Your Process: Practice explaining your design decisions and thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh a candidate's portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process and demonstrate how their skills align with the Library's specific needs and public service mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for professional graphic design.

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For page layout and print design (brochures, flyers, reports).
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.

• Figma: A collaborative interface design tool, increasingly used for UI/UX and digital asset creation.

• Canva: A user-friendly graphic design platform suitable for quick social media graphics, presentations, and other marketing materials.

• Microsoft Suite:

  • Word/PowerPoint: For creating documents, presentations, and collaborating on text-based content.
  • SharePoint: For document management, collaboration, and internal workflow.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design functions, but understanding how marketing materials integrate with broader campaign management or CRM systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The inclusion of Figma and Canva indicates a need for adaptability across different design platforms, from professional-grade software to more accessible, collaborative tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community Focus: A strong commitment to serving and engaging the public through accessible and informative design.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach where supporting colleagues and contributing to system-wide initiatives is highly valued.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging the generation of new ideas and continuous improvement in design and communication strategies.

• Brand Stewardship: Dedication to maintaining and evolving the Library's brand identity consistently and effectively.

• Efficiency & Responsibility: Managing projects effectively, meeting deadlines, and being accountable for deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• The Public Affairs Team likely operates with a high degree of synergy, requiring open communication and mutual support.

• The Graphic Designer is expected to work closely with marketing and communications staff, as well as project teams across various Library departments.

• A willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback is crucial for fostering a productive and creative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a public institution, the Kansas City Public Library likely emphasizes values such as public service, community enrichment, and accessibility. The team culture will reflect these overarching principles, with a collaborative spirit central to the Public Affairs team's operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Standards: Effectively merging creative design ideas with the established brand guidelines and mission of a public library.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous design requests from various departments with competing deadlines and priorities.

• Adapting to Diverse Needs: Creating designs that appeal to a broad and diverse public audience with varied interests and demographics.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a dynamic setting that requires quick turnaround times and flexibility for events.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Proficiency: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and gain experience with newer tools like Figma.

• Design Strategy: Learn to contribute to visual strategy and brand consistency from a foundational level.

• Project Management: Hone project management skills by taking ownership of design projects from initiation to completion.

• Public Sector Design: Gain valuable experience designing for a public institution, understanding its unique communication needs and stakeholder groups.

• Industry Trends: Stay updated on current design trends in print and digital media relevant to libraries and public services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for early-career designers to build a robust skill set and professional experience in a stable, mission-driven environment. The challenges are typical of entry-level roles but are framed as growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk us through a project in your portfolio from concept to completion. What was the objective, your process, and the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to articulate your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and how you managed project constraints. Focus on clarity and impact.

• Brand Understanding: "How would you approach maintaining brand consistency across various media for an institution like the library?"

  • Preparation: Research the KCLPL brand and discuss your understanding of brand guidelines. Emphasize your attention to detail and ability to adhere to standards while still being creative.

• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult stakeholder or manage conflicting feedback on a design project."

  • Preparation: Prepare examples that showcase your interpersonal skills, ability to take constructive criticism, and your approach to ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine we need to design promotional materials for a new literacy program targeting young adults. What would be your initial steps and design considerations?"

  • Preparation: Think about target audience analysis, key messaging, and appropriate design styles. Demonstrate your strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Kansas City Public Library specifically?"

  • Preparation: Research the library's mission, recent initiatives, and community impact. Connect your passion for design with public service.

• "How do you stay updated on graphic design trends, and how might you apply them here?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and how you can bring fresh ideas to the library's communications.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each selected piece, tell a brief story about the project’s purpose, your role, and the impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how the portfolio demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, and your understanding of print and digital design.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a mix of print and digital projects to prove your range.

• Address Requirements: Ensure your presented work directly addresses the types of materials mentioned in the job description (brochures, social media, signage, etc.).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software usage, and project management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical design skills but also strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, all framed within the context of serving a public institution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Kansas City Public Library's online application system via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, print production, and digital asset creation. Select portfolio pieces that best represent your ability to create print and digital materials for a broad audience, aligning with the responsibilities outlined.

• Resume Optimization: Craft a resume that emphasizes your design skills, project management capabilities, and any experience relevant to marketing or communications. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "Photoshop," "Illustrator," "Figma," "Canva," "brand standards," "print production," and "digital assets."

• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Prepare a concise verbal walkthrough of your portfolio, ready to explain 2-3 key projects in detail, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and the final outcome. Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Kansas City Public Library's mission, values, recent campaigns, and target demographics. Understand their current visual branding and communication strategies to demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute effectively to their public service mission.

⚠️ 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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