Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Marion Co Public Library
Location: Indianapolis, IN, US
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: October 09, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Core Operations Focus: This role is crucial for the visual communication strategy of the Marion Co Public Library, focusing on the creation and execution of compelling design assets that enhance brand recognition and public engagement.
• Brand Stewardship: The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in upholding and evolving the library's visual identity, ensuring all creative output aligns with established brand guidelines and contributes to a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This position requires close collaboration with the Communications and Marketing team, content creators, and other stakeholders to bring integrated campaigns to life across various channels, ensuring design solutions meet diverse project needs.
• Project Lifecycle Management: The Graphic Designer will manage multiple design projects from conceptualization through final delivery and archiving, necessitating strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data describes a Graphic Designer role, the context of a public library's Communications and Marketing Department suggests a strong emphasis on community outreach, educational materials, event promotion, and digital presence. This role will likely involve designing for a broad audience, requiring adaptability and a keen understanding of accessibility in design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Visual Asset Creation: Develop and produce visually effective graphic designs for a wide array of formats, including digital graphics (web, social media, email), print collateral (flyers, brochures, signage), advertising materials (billboards, digital display ads), and editorial layouts (magazine articles, annual reports, newsletters).
• Brand Consistency Management: Ensure all creative output adheres to the library's brand guidelines, maintaining and evolving the organization's visual identity to foster a consistent and recognizable brand experience.
• Campaign Integration: Collaborate closely with the Communications and Marketing team, content creators, and other departments to conceptualize and execute integrated marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, ensuring design effectively supports campaign objectives.
• Project Management & Execution: Independently manage multiple design projects from initial brief to final file delivery and archival, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining exceptional design standards throughout the process.
• Vendor Coordination: Liaise with printers and other external vendors to ensure the successful and accurate production of print materials, from initial proofing to final delivery.
• File Preparation & Archival: Prepare final design files for both digital publishing and professional print production, including formatting for pre-press, rigorous proofing, and efficient asset exporting.
• Creative Ideation: Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, contributing creative ideas for marketing campaigns, content strategy, and visual storytelling initiatives that align with the library's mission and goals.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all administrative and project-related matters.
• Additional Duties: Undertake other assigned duties and responsibilities as required to support the Communications and Marketing department's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile designer capable of handling both digital and print mediums, with a strong focus on brand consistency and campaign support. The mention of "editorial layouts" and "magazine articles" suggests a significant portion of the work may involve publication design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience is required.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in an in-house creative department or an agency setting.
• Experience creating editorial or magazine layouts is highly desirable.
• Exposure to photo art direction, illustration, or basic motion design is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Visual Design Principles: Strong understanding and practical application of typography, layout principles, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
• Brand Management: Familiarity with brand development processes and the ability to consistently apply disciplined visual identity systems.
• Project Management Tools: Experience using collaborative project management tools for task tracking and workflow management.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Proficiency with DAM systems for organizing and retrieving design assets.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms for web content integration.
• Collaboration & Communication: Demonstrated ability to take creative direction, incorporate feedback effectively, align designs with brand standards, and present design solutions clearly to various teams.
• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in all design work and project management.
• Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Presentation Software: Knowledge of PowerPoint and Canva.
• Motion Design Tools: Familiarity with motion design software such as After Effects or Premiere Pro.
• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of accessibility best practices for both digital and print design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical project management capabilities. The preference for in-house or agency experience suggests an understanding of client-facing workflows and internal brand consistency. The "plus" skills indicate a desire for a candidate who can grow into more advanced digital media creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Design Examples: Showcase a strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of design capabilities across digital (web, social media, email), print (brochures, signage, flyers), and advertising formats (billboards, digital ads).
• Brand Application: Include examples that clearly illustrate the ability to adhere to and develop brand guidelines, demonstrating consistent brand application across different projects.
• Layout Expertise: Present examples of strong editorial and publication layouts, highlighting proficiency in typography, grid systems, and visual flow.
• Project Scope: Provide evidence of managing projects from concept to completion, showcasing understanding of project lifecycles and final deliverable preparation.
• Problem-Solving: Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight how design solutions addressed specific communication challenges or objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of the design process from brief to final asset delivery, including stages like concept development, iteration, feedback incorporation, and final file preparation.
• Collaboration Integration: Show examples of how design work integrates with broader marketing campaigns or content strategies, emphasizing collaboration with other teams or stakeholders.
• Quality Assurance: Evidence of rigorous proofing processes and attention to detail in preparing files for print and digital deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase aesthetic skill but also the ability to translate objectives into effective visual communication and manage the practicalities of design production. The emphasis should be on clarity, impact, and adherence to brand standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Starting Annual Salary: $45,760 USD
• Note: This is the starting annual salary. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Disability Insurance: 100% company-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Life Insurance: Low rates on group life coverage.
• Retirement Plan: Library-paid pension plan.

Working Hours:

• Standard Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Flexibility: Ability to work off-hours and special events as needed, indicating potential for occasional evening or weekend work related to library programming or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated, which is beneficial for candidates. The benefits package is robust for a non-profit organization, particularly the pension plan and company-paid long-term disability, which are significant draws. The working hours are standard but include a note about off-hours and events, which is important for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Libraries / Information Services / Community Engagement Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the Marion Co Public Library is likely a significant institution within Indianapolis, suggesting a medium to large organizational structure with multiple branches and departments. Founded: The Marion Co Public Library has a long history, serving the Indianapolis community for over a century, indicating a stable and established organization with a deep commitment to public service.

Team Structure:

• Department: The Graphic Designer will be part of the Communications and Marketing Department.
• Reporting: Likely reports to a Marketing Manager, Communications Director, or similar leadership role within the department.
• Collaboration: Works closely with marketing specialists, content creators, digital strategists, and potentially program managers across various library branches and departments.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: Emphasizes a strong focus on maintaining and evolving a consistent brand identity across all communication channels.
• Community-Focused Messaging: Design work is geared towards informing, engaging, and serving the diverse needs of the Indianapolis community.
• Integrated Campaign Development: Utilizes a collaborative approach to develop and execute marketing initiatives that span digital, print, and event platforms.
• Data-Informed Decisions (Implied): While not explicit, marketing and communications departments often leverage data to inform campaign effectiveness and target audience engagement.

Company Website: www.indypl.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a public library means the culture likely values public service, education, community engagement, and accessibility. The Communications and Marketing team plays a vital role in connecting the library's resources and programs with the public, making design a key component of their outreach strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• Mid-Level Professional: This Graphic Designer role appears to be a mid-level position, requiring 3+ years of professional experience and the ability to work independently on multiple projects. It's a key contributor role within the Communications and Marketing department. Reporting Structure:
• Direct Reporting: The designer will report to a manager within the Communications and Marketing department, likely overseeing marketing initiatives and brand communications.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Will frequently interact with various departments and stakeholders across the library system to gather project requirements and ensure design alignment with specific program or service needs. Operations Impact:
• Brand Perception: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences how the public perceives the Marion Co Public Library, impacting brand recognition, trust, and engagement with its services and programs.
• Program Engagement: Effective visual communication through designed materials can significantly increase awareness and participation in library events, workshops, and resource utilization.
• Information Dissemination: Plays a critical role in making information accessible and appealing to a diverse audience through well-designed publications, digital content, and promotional materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital illustration, motion graphics, advanced print production) based on project needs and personal development goals.
• Leadership Potential: With proven success and experience, potential to take on more complex projects, lead design initiatives for major campaigns, or mentor junior designers if the team expands.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Chance to work on diverse projects that provide exposure to different library services and community outreach efforts, broadening understanding of the organization's impact.
• Professional Development: The library's commitment to internal promotion suggests opportunities for further training, workshops, or conferences relevant to graphic design and marketing communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in a library setting typically involves increasing responsibility for major campaigns, developing style guides, and potentially leading design efforts. The emphasis on internal promotion is a significant advantage for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• Hybrid/On-site: The role is specified as "On-site," meaning the Graphic Designer will work from the Library Service Center. Office Location(s):
• Library Service Center: Located in Indianapolis, IN (ZIP code 46208). This is likely the central hub for administrative operations and the Communications and Marketing Department. Workspace Context:
• Collaborative Department: The designer will be part of the Communications and Marketing Department, suggesting a dynamic environment with regular team interaction.
• Creative Tools: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other collaborative tools within the library's IT infrastructure.
• Public-Facing Impact: While working in an administrative center, the output directly impacts public perception and engagement with library services across its various branches.
• Community Hub: The library environment itself is a community hub, offering a unique context for design that serves diverse public needs.

Work Schedule:

• Standard Business Hours: Primarily Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, providing a predictable schedule.
• Event Support: Occasional requirement to work off-hours or during special events, which is common for marketing and communications roles supporting public-facing institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role means the designer will be immersed in the library's operational environment, fostering direct collaboration and a tangible connection to the organization's mission. The mention of "off-hours and special events" is crucial for candidates to understand the potential demands beyond the standard schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Apply online via www.indypl.org by October 23, 2025.
• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and alignment with the role requirements.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This is a critical step.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo one or more interviews, potentially including:
  • Hiring Manager Interview: To assess experience, design approach, and fit with the Communications and Marketing team.
  • Team/Cross-Functional Interview: To evaluate collaboration skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders across the library.
  • Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise to evaluate design thinking, software proficiency, and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.
• Final Selection: Based on interviews, portfolio review, and any assessments. Candidates will be updated via email.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role (digital, print, editorial, brand consistency).
• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly outline the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and how your design solved the problem.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Ensure your portfolio shows range in design style and application.
• Organize Clearly: Present your portfolio in a clean, easy-to-navigate format (PDF or a dedicated online portfolio). Ensure high-quality images and clear descriptions.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a project led to measurable results (e.g., increased event attendance, website traffic), mention it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Library: Research the Marion Co Public Library's mission, services, current campaigns, and target audiences. Familiarize yourself with their existing branding and recent communications.
• Design Principles: Be ready to discuss your understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Software Proficiency: Be prepared to demonstrate or discuss your workflow in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Problem-Solving: Practice approaching design challenges with a clear methodology: understanding the brief, brainstorming concepts, executing a solution, and articulating your rationale.
• Brand Alignment: Consider how you would adapt designs for different library initiatives while maintaining brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes the portfolio as a key component. Candidates should prepare a portfolio that specifically addresses the requirements mentioned in the job description, such as digital, print, and editorial design, as well as brand adherence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. These are the core tools for all design production.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Knowledge required for presentations and potentially creating certain types of collateral.
• Canva: Knowledge of Canva is preferred, suggesting its use for quick designs, social media graphics, or by non-designers within the organization.

Collaboration & Content Management:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with collaborative project management tools is required. Specific examples aren't given but could include Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms used for task tracking and workflow management.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS is needed, likely for uploading or managing digital assets on the library's website. Examples might include WordPress or similar platforms.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Proficiency with DAM systems is required for organizing, storing, and retrieving design assets, ensuring brand consistency and efficient access.

Potential/Plus Tools:

• Motion Design Software: After Effects and Premiere Pro are listed as a plus, indicating potential future development or project scope expansion into video and animation.
• Web Development/Design Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with basic web design principles or UI/UX concepts could be beneficial for digital asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is standard for a graphic designer but includes specific mentions of CMS and DAM systems, highlighting the need for organizational skills and an understanding of digital asset workflows beyond pure design creation. The inclusion of Canva and motion design tools as preferred or plus skills suggests a dynamic design environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community Service: A core value of public libraries, driving the purpose behind all communications and design efforts to serve the public.
• Accessibility: A commitment to making information and resources available to everyone, influencing design choices for inclusivity and ease of use.
• Continuous Learning: Encouraging personal and professional growth, which is reflected in the library's promotion from within and potential for skill development.
• Collaboration: A culture that fosters teamwork across departments to achieve shared goals and effectively serve the community.
• Brand Integrity: A dedication to maintaining a consistent and professional brand image that reflects the library's mission and values.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The designer will work within the Communications and Marketing department, emphasizing shared project ownership and mutual support.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Requires proactive communication and collaboration with various library staff, program managers, and potentially external partners to understand needs and deliver effective design solutions.
• Feedback Integration: An open environment for receiving and incorporating constructive feedback on design work to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encourages sharing of design best practices, new trends, and workflow efficiencies within the team and potentially across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be mission-driven, focused on public service and community impact. Collaboration will be key, as the designer's work supports a wide range of library initiatives and requires input from many different stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing for a broad public audience with varying needs, ages, and levels of digital literacy requires adaptability and a strong understanding of accessibility.
• Resource Constraints: As a public institution, there might be budget limitations that require creative problem-solving and efficient use of resources.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Campaign Needs: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity while creating distinct visuals for numerous diverse programs and events can be a complex balancing act.
• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with new digital design trends, platforms, and accessibility standards requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively gathering requirements, incorporating feedback, and managing expectations from various internal stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or take online courses focused on advanced techniques in specific design software (e.g., motion graphics, UX/UI principles).
• Accessibility Certification: Pursuing certifications or training in accessibility best practices for design (e.g., WCAG guidelines) to enhance digital and print output.
• Marketing & Communications Strategy: Gaining deeper insights into marketing strategy, content development, and campaign planning through collaboration with the wider team.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging design trends, tools, and best practices through professional development resources and industry publications.
• Internal Promotion Pathways: Leveraging the library's commitment to internal growth for potential advancement into senior design roles or related marketing positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a public service organization, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strong communication, and a commitment to accessibility. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical skill development and strategic understanding of marketing and community engagement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you ensure all project requirements are met?" (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and quality control).
• Brand Adaptation: "How would you approach designing a new promotional campaign for a specific library program (e.g., children's summer reading) while ensuring it aligns with the Marion Co Public Library's overall brand identity?" (Assess understanding of brand guidelines and creative application).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a situation where a stakeholder provides feedback that you believe would weaken the design's effectiveness. How would you handle this professionally?" (Evaluate communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Library Knowledge: "What do you know about the Marion Co Public Library and its role in the community? How does that inform your approach to design for a public institution?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of mission).
• Teamwork: "Describe a time you collaborated with non-designers on a project. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure effective communication?" (Assess collaboration and interpersonal skills).
• Impact Measurement: "While direct ROI is hard to track for design, how would you measure the success of your design work for a library initiative?" (Focus on engagement, clarity, reach, and alignment with objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Projects: Prioritize 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in digital, print, and editorial design, as well as brand consistency.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your creative approach, the tools used, challenges overcome, and the final outcome.
• Highlight Brand Work: Clearly demonstrate instances where you worked with or developed brand guidelines.
• Explain Technical Aspects: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools.
• Focus on Impact: If possible, discuss how your designs contributed to the success of the campaign or initiative.
• Engage and Discuss: Be ready to answer questions about your work and engage in a discussion about design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles, brand management, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the context of a public library's mission. The portfolio presentation is crucial for showcasing practical skills and experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Application Online: Visit www.indypl.org and navigate to the careers section to submit your application before the deadline of October 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and any experience with CMS, DAM, or project management tools. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing diverse examples of digital, print, and editorial design. Ensure it demonstrates your ability to work with brand guidelines, your understanding of visual hierarchy, and your project management skills.
• Research the Library: Familiarize yourself with the Marion Co Public Library's mission, services, current marketing efforts, and overall brand aesthetic. Understand how your design skills can contribute to their community outreach goals.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, collaborative experience, and how you would contribute to the library's visual communication strategy. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail.

⚠️ 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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