Associate Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

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SUMMARY

The Associate Graphic Designer is responsible for supporting the design and production of final art files and assets for marketing purposes such as print collateral, web pages, email campaigns, digital advertising, social media, etc. for a variety of internal and external projects. As a technical expert, the Associate Graphic Designer ensures final files are accurate and adhere to industry standards and prepares production-ready artwork for vendors and partners. Projects are expected to be completed within a set timeline to meet pre-determined deadlines and budgets. The Associate Graphic Designer will support the development of concepts, processes and solutions designed to create strong materials that drive the Advance brand.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Work closely with Marketing, Merchandising and other strategic partners to design and produce individual projects, including concept development, production and final execution of layout for print collateral, web pages, email campaigns, digital advertising, social media, etc. for a variety of internal and external projects.
• Prepare illustrations, photographs, and text for materials, products and services and help maintain image resource files.
• The Associate Graphic Designer should work with the assigned Senior Designer or Associate Creative Manager to determine scope of the project. Must be able to work within set brand standards for layout, typography and overall look and feel of each project.
• Projects often go through revisions. At each stage, the Associate Graphic Designer should work with the assigned Senior Designer to work through revisions, issues or questions left on proofs, and to determine the changes that need to be made prior to the next proof, then present final layout to supervisor and requestor for approval.
• Organize content within a layout, suggest improvements as needed and present final layout to assigned Senior Designer or Associate Creative Manager for approval; create finished artwork or prepare instructions and electronic files for final output or vendor.
• Work with project team to provide input, instruction and supervision required to complete production of approved design smoothly; provide all required specifications to Marketing Operations.
• Execute design solutions as directed against established creative or repurpose existing designs and artwork for new uses.
• Maintain equipment/supplies for use in the Creative Team and recommend upgrades for design-related computer hardware/software.
• Provide technical guidance based on project needs/complexity to meet production specifications and standards.
• Assist in updating and organizing the digital asset management system.
• Research competitor and other retailers for approach and solutions.
• Maintain graphic and brand standards to further establish brand consistency.
• Correct all inconsistencies and errors within the final art files before release, including typesetting revisions, scaling artwork, photo retouching, correcting vector artwork, color corrections/adjustments and page sequence/imposition revisions.
• Responsible for pre-flighting and preparation of all production-ready final art files to appropriate production specifications. Conduct quality control verification by ensuring all files contain the correct elements needed for production of final deliverables including color, image resolution and output settings.
• Work with print vendors to troubleshoot and problem solve production issues on files.
• Ensure all final project files are collected and archived to creative server.
• Creative review audits conducted every other month.
• Print/digital support for other promotional and non-promotional initiatives as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Digital and print design experience required. Retail design experience preferred.
• Ability to organize and maintain multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment is required.
• Expert-level proficiency on Mac platform and design-related programs and content management systems including:

Adobe Creative Cloud

• InDesign
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• XD
• Acrobat Pro
• Bridge
• Dream Weaver
• After Effects
• Premier
• Animate
• Media Coder
• Lightroom

Basic coding experience is preferred:

• CSS
• Javascript
• HTML
• HTML 5

Salesforce CRM Software

• Marketing Cloud
• Communities

Project Management Software

• Workfront
• Proof HQ
• Jira

Microsoft Office Suite

• PowerPoint
• Excel
• Word
• OneDrive
• Teams

Conceptual understanding of social media for business:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

• Superior visual conceptual skills, knowledge of media requirements/terminology and vendor requirement capabilities.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized and committed to quality control.
• Consistently produces accurate artwork in a timely manner.
• Ability to interpret and implement client changes to artwork during proof cycles.
• Strong typographic skills in print and digital channels.
• Ability to create high quality CMYK or RGB images for print or multimedia.
• Understanding of dot gain, color separations, trapping, Pantone to CMYK conversions, imposition work and retouching.
• Knowledgeable on how to troubleshoot problem art files.
• Good written, oral and listening skills and undertakes actions to develop them further.
• Process oriented with ability to track project time from beginning to end.
• Flexible problem-solving approach with ability to be proactive by anticipating needs, issues and opportunities.
• Demonstrated portfolio experience.
• Demonstrated ability to create materials that drive customer experience and sales results.
• Understanding of and ability to communicate design details, specifications, proficient with photo retouching and manipulations.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills; ability to effectively and professionally interact with others. Present information and respond to questions across all levels of the organization; and cultivate relationships with internal and external customers to achieve business objectives.
• Fully bilingual and comfortable in an English language environment.
• Adobe Certification in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop a plus.
• Membership in National Advertising or Design organizations preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university or reputable design school; and minimum of 3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

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