Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Wheeling Park District

Location: Wheeling, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: September 03, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the strategic visual communication and brand integrity of the Wheeling Park District, focusing on the design and implementation of promotional materials.

• It involves managing and enhancing the digital presence, including website content and social media, through compelling visual assets.

• The position requires a blend of creative design expertise and technical proficiency in multimedia content creation, including photography and video.

• This is a key operational role within the Administration department, directly supporting marketing and public relations initiatives through impactful design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Senior Graphic Designer," its responsibilities extend into digital asset management and content creation, aligning it with Marketing Operations and Creative Services functions within a public sector organization. The emphasis on website and social media content integration positions it as a vital component of the district's GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy for its programs and activities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop high-quality print and digital graphic materials for all Park District campaigns, programs, and activities, ensuring brand consistency.

• Create and manage storage of all designed graphic assets, utilizing desktop and online graphic design, video editing, and web development software.

• Assist in the comprehensive management of the Park District's websites and social media platforms by integrating quality images, videos, and promotional designs.

• Maintain and uphold the branding and image standards of the Park District across various multimedia platforms, including print, video, large format, email marketing, program guides, brochures, giveaways, and social media.

• Produce original photography and video content for current and future marketing needs, enhancing the visual storytelling of the district's offerings.

• Collaborate effectively with the Marketing & Communications team, other District Departments, and external stakeholders such as sponsors and printers to execute marketing plans and goals.

• Assist in the creation of promotional presentations and displays for Park District events and initiatives.

• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices by attending relevant conferences and workshops to continuously enhance knowledge and skills.

• Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, and the employee handbook.

• Support and embody the organizational values of respect, communication, integrity, innovation, recognition and appreciation, continuous learning, fun, empowerment, and people.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution, digital asset management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are core to operations roles focused on marketing and brand execution. The requirement to work with sponsors and printers highlights a vendor management aspect often found in operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Art Design or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating successful campaign execution and brand management.

• Proven experience in managing and updating website content and social media platforms.

• Experience in photography and video content creation is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Strong understanding and practical application of video editing software, specifically Adobe Premiere.

• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Sites).

• Basic knowledge of HTML coding for web content integration (embedding text, images, video, tables, lists, and links).

• Demonstrated knowledge of various Social Media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

• Experience with email marketing platforms, such as Constant Contact or similar campaign software.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.

• Ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines consistently across all collateral. Preferred Skills:

• Background or related experience in photography, video, and audio production.

• Experience working with printers for the execution of print projects.

• CPR/AED certification or the ability to obtain it within 60 days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years) and the breadth of software proficiency, including web development basics and multimedia production, suggest this role is more than just a standard graphic design position; it requires an operations-level understanding of digital content pipelines and marketing execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on marketing campaigns for public sector or non-profit organizations.

• Demonstrations of digital asset creation for websites, social media, and email marketing campaigns, highlighting user engagement and conversion metrics where applicable.

• Examples of brand guideline implementation and evolution across multiple platforms to maintain a cohesive organizational image.

• Case studies detailing the conceptualization, design, and execution process for key marketing initiatives, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.

• Evidence of photography and videography skills, showcasing the ability to produce high-quality visual content that aligns with marketing objectives. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design workflows and asset management processes to ensure efficient storage, retrieval, and reuse of digital assets.

• Experience in outlining the process for collaborating with printers, including file preparation, proofing, and production management.

• Demonstrated understanding of website content management processes, including uploading and optimizing images and videos.

• Experience in documenting social media content strategy and execution workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative output but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage projects, adhere to brand standards, and contribute to the overall marketing operations strategy. The emphasis should be on the process of creation and management, not just the final product.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $82,000 annually

Benefits:

• Full-time exempt position, indicating eligibility for standard full-time benefits.

• Health insurance coverage (specifics not detailed but standard for full-time roles).

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays) as per Park District policy.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401k or pension, typical for public sector).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including attending conferences and workshops.

• Access to Park District facilities and programs (potential employee perks).

• Potential for overtime compensation or compensatory time off, depending on policy and project needs. Working Hours:

• Full Time, typically 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work to attend meetings and events as required by the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is within the typical market rate for a Senior Graphic Designer with 10+ years of experience in the Chicago metropolitan area. Benefits are inferred based on it being a full-time, exempt position within a public park district.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector (Parks and Recreation)

Company Size: The Wheeling Park District likely employs a moderate to large number of staff, typical for a municipal organization serving a significant population. This suggests a structured environment with established processes.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, park districts are long-standing public entities, implying a stable and established organizational history.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Public Relations and works closely with the Superintendent of Marketing and Communications.

• This role is part of the Administration department, indicating a central operational function.

• Collaboration is expected with other District Departments and potentially with external partners and sponsors.

• There is no direct supervisory responsibility mentioned, positioning this as a senior individual contributor role. Methodology:

• The role emphasizes a data-driven approach through website and social media analytics, and the creation of promotional materials aligned with marketing goals.

• Workflow optimization is implied through the need for efficient design processes and asset management.

• Automation is indirectly supported through the use of design and web development software for content creation and website updates.

• Collaboration is a key methodology, requiring interaction with various stakeholders to ensure unified messaging and campaign success.

Company Website: https://www.wheelingparkdistrict.com/ (Inferred from domain and context)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the public sector context is crucial. This often means a focus on community service, adherence to regulations, and a structured, process-oriented environment. The emphasis on "organizational values" suggests a culture that prioritizes employee conduct and alignment with mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" individual contributor role, signifying a high level of expertise and experience in graphic design and related multimedia functions. It is a crucial operational position within the marketing and communications function, responsible for the visual output that supports the district's outreach and engagement efforts.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Director of Public Relations.

• Works closely with the Superintendent of Marketing and Communications.

• This structure places the role within a clear hierarchy, with opportunities for strategic input from senior leadership and tactical collaboration with peers. Operations Impact:

• The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the public perception and engagement with the Wheeling Park District's programs and services. Effective visual communication drives participation in events, registration for programs, and overall community support.

• By maintaining brand integrity and creating compelling content, this role contributes to the district's mission of providing quality recreational opportunities and enhancing community life.

• The role supports the district's revenue-generating activities (e.g., program registrations, facility rentals) by creating attractive promotional materials. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, advanced video editing, or UX/UI design for web.

• Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers or interns, or to lead specific creative projects as a subject matter expert.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience in marketing strategy, public relations, or digital content management by collaborating on larger initiatives.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in Adobe Creative Suite, digital marketing, or project management relevant to operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, growth often involves increased strategic input, mentorship, or specialization rather than a direct hierarchical promotion, especially within a public sector entity. The emphasis on continuous learning and supporting organizational values suggests a commitment to employee development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work location is Chevy Chase Country Club, which suggests a professional office setting within a recreational facility. This environment likely offers a blend of administrative office space and access to outdoor/event-related areas.

Office Location(s):

• Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling, IL 60090.

• Occasional travel to other park facilities may be required for content creation or meetings. Workspace Context:

• A professional office environment equipped with necessary design software and hardware.

• Access to collaboration spaces for meetings with the Marketing & Communications team and other departments.

• Potential for varied work settings, from office-based design tasks to on-location photography and videography at park district sites.

• Exposure to standard office chemicals like cleaning agents and toner, typical in most office environments. Work Schedule:

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

• Flexibility may be required for attending evening or weekend events and meetings to capture content or ensure promotional needs are met, consistent with the demands of a public service organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is clearly stated. The mention of Chevy Chase Country Club suggests a potentially scenic and amenity-rich work environment, which can be a unique selling point. The need for occasional travel to other facilities is a common aspect of operations roles in multi-site organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative output against job requirements.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion about relevant experience, design philosophy, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. May include behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• In-Person Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session, likely including a presentation of the candidate's portfolio. This stage will assess technical skills, creative approach, and cultural fit. Candidates may be asked to discuss specific projects and their impact.

• Skills Assessment (Optional): A practical design exercise or a short project might be assigned to evaluate specific skills in design software or content creation.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Public Relations, Superintendent of Marketing and Communications) to discuss strategic alignment and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in graphic design, digital media, photography, and video, aligning with the Park District's needs (e.g., community programs, events, branding).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the design process, challenges encountered, and the final outcome/impact.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize projects where you managed multiple assets, adhered to strict brand guidelines, worked with vendors (printers), or contributed to measurable marketing goals.

• Digital Focus: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, web content integration (HTML basics), and social media asset creation. Include examples of photography and video if available.

• Tailor to Public Sector: If possible, include projects that show an understanding of communicating with diverse community audiences, common in public service.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing collateral for a new community program or a park renovation announcement.

• Think about how you would ensure brand consistency across print, digital, and social media for a district-wide event.

• Consider how you would manage feedback from multiple stakeholders (Director of PR, Superintendent of Marketing, other department heads).

• Practice articulating the ROI or impact of your design work, even if indirectly (e.g., increased engagement metrics for social media posts, successful event attendance driven by promotional materials).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the interview process will likely be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and the ability to articulate strategic thinking behind design choices. The "operations" aspect will be assessed by how well candidates can manage projects, collaborate, and contribute to the overall marketing execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, flyers, program guides, and other print materials.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Premiere: For video editing and content creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (for copy integration), Excel (for tracking/data), Publisher (for basic layouts and flyers).

• Google Workspace: Docs (for collaboration on copy), Sheets (for tracking), Sites (for basic web content management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions for web content.

• Familiarity with social media analytics to track engagement and performance of visual content. CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with Constant Contact or similar platforms for designing and distributing email campaigns.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with website CMS for uploading and managing images, videos, and text content.

Integration & Workflow:

• Familiarity with cloud storage solutions for asset management and collaboration.

• Understanding of file transfer protocols for working with printers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed tools are standard for a graphic designer, but the inclusion of web content management, social media analytics, and email marketing platforms highlights the operational aspect of this role – creating and deploying visual content across multiple channels.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Demonstrating respect for colleagues, community members, and the diverse programs offered by the Park District in all design and communication efforts.

• Communication: Maintaining clear, open, and timely communication with the Director of Public Relations, Superintendent of Marketing and Communications, and other departments to ensure design projects align with objectives.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design, ensuring accuracy in all materials, and maintaining the trustworthiness of the Park District's brand.

• Innovation: Proactively seeking new and creative design solutions to enhance marketing effectiveness and engage the community in novel ways.

• Recognition and Appreciation: Acknowledging the contributions of team members and partners, and celebrating successful campaigns and initiatives.

• Continuous Learning: Actively seeking to improve design skills, learn new software, and stay updated on marketing and communication trends relevant to the public sector.

• Fun: Contributing to a positive and enjoyable work environment through creative expression and collaborative spirit.

• Empowerment: Taking ownership of design projects, making informed decisions, and contributing ideas that drive the Park District's mission forward.

• People: Focusing on creating designs that resonate with and serve the people of the Wheeling community, enhancing their experience with the Park District.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with various departments to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual communications.

• Feedback Exchange: Openly receiving and providing constructive feedback on design concepts and project progress.

• Partnership: Collaborating effectively with external partners like sponsors and printers to ensure seamless execution of marketing materials.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise and insights with the marketing team and other colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of organizational values provides a strong framework for understanding the expected behavior and operational approach within the Wheeling Park District. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work and interactions align with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and public sector communication requirements.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the design requests and feedback from multiple departments and senior leaders, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences.

• Content Creation Demands: Consistently producing high-quality photography and video content, which may require significant time commitment outside of traditional office hours or in varied environments.

• Staying Current with Technology & Trends: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of design software, digital platforms, and visual communication trends while managing existing responsibilities.

• Budgetary Constraints: Working within the typical budget limitations of a public sector organization for print production and potential software/tool upgrades.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications or explore new design software.

• Multimedia Skill Enhancement: Developing advanced skills in photography, videography, and motion graphics through workshops, online courses, or hands-on project experience.

• Digital Marketing & Web Design Fundamentals: Expanding knowledge in areas like SEO for images, web accessibility, and user experience (UX) to optimize digital content.

• Project Management for Creative Teams: Learning methodologies for managing design projects efficiently, from brief to final delivery.

• Public Sector Communication Best Practices: Gaining insights into effective communication strategies for government and community-focused organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acknowledging potential challenges and framing them as opportunities for growth is a key aspect of senior roles. This section helps candidates anticipate potential hurdles and prepare strategies for overcoming them.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's (or internal stakeholder's) creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you navigate that?" (Focus on process, communication, and problem-solving).

• "How would you approach designing a comprehensive marketing campaign for a new community recreation program, considering print, digital, and social media channels?" (Assess strategic thinking, channel integration, and process).

• "Walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What were the objectives, your process, the obstacles, and the final impact?" (Demonstrate portfolio presentation skills, problem-solving, and ability to articulate results).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new technologies, and how do you integrate them into your work?" (Assess commitment to continuous learning and innovation). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a Park District, and specifically the Wheeling Park District?" (Research the district's mission, recent projects, and community impact).

• "How do you align your work with organizational values like 'continuous learning' and 'empowerment'?" (Prepare specific examples of how you embody these values).

• "Describe your experience collaborating with different departments and stakeholders. How do you manage conflicting feedback?" (Highlight communication and interpersonal skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by impact. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the solution, and the outcome.

• Narrative: Tell a story for each piece. Explain the "why" behind your design choices.

• Metrics: Wherever possible, quantify the impact of your work (e.g., increased social media engagement, successful event attendance, positive feedback).

• Technical Showcase: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used. For this role, highlight your proficiency with Adobe Suite, video editing, and web content integration.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewers' time. Focus on the most relevant and impactful projects. Aim for a presentation that lasts 15-20 minutes, leaving ample time for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not only creative talent but also the operational capabilities required for a senior role, such as project management, stakeholder communication, and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Access the application portal via the provided URL and complete the online application form.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your digital portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your 10+ years of experience, focusing on marketing campaigns, digital asset creation, photography, and video. Prioritize examples relevant to public sector or community-focused organizations.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Video Editing," "Web Development," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "Social Media Management," and "Marketing Communications." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you embody the Wheeling Park District's organizational values. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on the strategy and impact of your work.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Wheeling Park District's mission, current initiatives, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their community focus and how your creative contributions can support their goals.

⚠️ 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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