CREATIVE DIR

Job Announcement Creative Director Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Marketing and Communications Division Number of Positions: 1 Starting Salary: $76,476 Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 5/26/2026. All qualified and interested candidates must apply online at Chi.gov/DCASEJobs The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. Under direction, the Creative Director supervises the graphic design and production of materials for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and a host of City of Chicago sponsored events, festivals, and programs. The position also supervises the activities of graphic artists engaged in the design of artwork and print materials. In this capacity, the position performs the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Oversee the graphic design and production of departmental print, web, social media and digital advertising Supervise and assess the work of graphic artists Review submitted Design Request Forms and delegate tasks to the graphic design team Confer with requestors to determine project design scope, style, presentation concept, time schedule and other project requirements Review, approve, and prioritize graphic design and reproduction requests for department divisions to ensure cross‑functional collaboration and high‑quality output Ensure quality control of design and print work materials adhere to departmental, city, and industry standards and guidelines Serve as the lead designer for marketing campaigns ensuring strategic thinking aligns with departmental mission and objectives Prepare, manage, and monitor budgets. Keep accurate and regular tracking of all graphic design related expenses Review completed projects assessing overall artistic quality of artwork, layout, drafts, and designs Select and order graphic arts supplies and equipment Prepare reports on projects as needed Assist with other DCASE events, programs, and activities Perform related duties as assigned NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class. Location: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Marketing and Communications Division, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Must be able to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work indoors and outdoors during inclement weather.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience Eight (8) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of this position, OR Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Graphic Arts or a directly related field, PLUS six (6) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts or a directly related field, PLUS four (4) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Graphic Arts or a directly related field, PLUS three (3) years of work experience in graphic design or commercial artwork, of which one (1) year is in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview process will be selected. Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following: Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is preferred, but significant experience and a strong portfolio; five (5) plus years of professional graphic design experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role. Strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of graphic design work, including branding, digital media, print materials, and any other relevant work. Proven experience managing design projects from start to finish, with a focus on quality and on‑time delivery. Experience working with clients or stakeholders to understand their design needs and presenting creative solutions.

KNOWLEDGE

Graphic Design Principles: Deep understanding of design principles such as typography, color theory, layout, composition, and branding. Design Software Expertise: Proficiency in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, or similar design tools. Print and Digital Design: Knowledge of design for both digital platforms (websites, social media, email marketing) and print media (brochures, posters, packaging). Branding: Understanding of how to develop and maintain a consistent brand identity across various touchpoints. Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies to manage design timelines and workflows effectively. Industry Trends: Awareness of current design trends, techniques, and emerging technologies in graphic design and digital media. File Formats and Production: In-depth knowledge of file formats (JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF, etc.) and print production processes, including prepress, color calibration, and file preparation for various outputs.

ABILITIES

Creative Vision: Ability to conceptualize and execute innovative design solutions that align with business objectives and branding guidelines. Leadership: Strong leadership and team‑building abilities, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a diverse team of designers. Attention to Detail: High attention to detail, ensuring that all designs are polished, accurate, and meet high‑quality standards. Multitasking: Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining a high level of creativity and quality. Problem‑Solving: Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to address design challenges and find effective solutions under tight deadlines. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate design concepts, feedback, and strategies. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment and collaborate with other departments to achieve company goals. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities, new design trends, and evolving technologies.

SKILLS

Graphic Design Software Mastery: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, and other relevant software. Typography & Layout Design: Expertise in selecting appropriate fonts, layout composition, and visual hierarchy to create compelling designs. Web Design: Experience designing user interfaces (UI) for websites and apps, with knowledge of UX principles. Social Media Graphics: Proficiency in designing for social media platforms, creating engaging visuals for various social channels. Print Design: Expertise in creating print‑ready designs, including knowledge of color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), bleed settings, and resolution. Creative Suite Plugins: Familiarity with third‑party plugins and add‑ons that enhance design workflows and capabilities. File Management: Ability to organize and manage design files efficiently, ensuring easy access and version control. Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design projects and team tasks.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to work mornings, evenings, and weekends. Creative and Strategic Mindset: Ability to think strategically and creatively, balancing innovative design with business objectives. Time Management: Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines effectively. Feedback Reception: Ability to receive constructive criticism and apply feedback to improve design work. Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Availability: Flexibility to work outside of normal hours when needed to meet project deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. General office environment, using standard office equipment.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio‑Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT. The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Chicago