Visual Communications Designer

Visual Communications Designer

West Suburban Center - Geneva, IL 60134

Overview

Position Type Full Time

Description

Who We Are: Are you ready to join a team where your talent creates lasting change? At Northern Illinois Food Bank, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Neighbors, so that everyone in Northern Illinois has the food they need to thrive! Together we are a dedicated and innovative team committed to ending hunger in Northern Illinois. We embrace diverse perspectives, collaboration, and continuous learning, we celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and foster a culture of growth, optimism, and teamwork.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Northern Illinois Food Bank will embrace opportunities to stand in solidarity with our community and center the voices of those most impacted by systematic injustices. We affirm our commitment to anti-racism, to gender equity, to allyship, and to fairness as we work towards a hunger-free future and to create a better and more just world.

The Opportunity: The Visual Communications Designer collaborates across the organization and is part of the Marketing, Volunteer, and Philanthropy team to promote the Food Bank's work and raise its visibility. This role develops and executes visual communications across print, digital, web, social media, presentations, and other communication channels. It brings to life the brand "Neighbors. Empowered." for donors, volunteers, advocates, partners, and neighbors seeking food assistance while strengthening internal communications with team members. The role also serves as a steward of the Food Bank's visual identity, translating organizational priorities, marketing strategies, and communication objectives into clear, compelling, and consistent visual experiences.

This Full-time position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the marketing team and internal teams to conceptualize and execute visual communications, marketing materials, and communication campaigns.
• Independently create and manage print, digital, social, web, presentation, and multimedia projects from concept through completion, including display ads, collateral materials, reports, infographics, website assets, and photo editing.
• Translate marketing, branding, and communication strategies into effective visual communications for internal and external audiences.
• Articulate and present design concepts and visual communication solutions to the marketing team, internal teams, and organizational leaders.
• Serve as a steward of the Northern Illinois Food Bank brand by maintaining visual consistency across communication channels and materials.
• Oversee, organize, and maintain visual assets, templates, brand resources, and shared design files.
• Select colors, fonts, photographs, illustrations, layouts, and other design elements to communicate creative concepts and key messages.
• Support website and digital communication efforts by developing web graphics, digital content, landing-page assets, and user-focused visual experiences.
• Collaborate with marketing staff on integrated campaigns across print, website, email, social media, presentations, and other digital channels.
• Complete projects by coordinating with outside agencies, photographers, printers, web vendors, and other creative partners as needed.
• Manage external vendors and suppliers as needed to deliver quality work on time and on budget.
• Assist key leaders with messaging, copy, presentations, and communication materials for internal and external events.
• Monitor visual communication, design, digital, and web best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen brand engagement and accessibility.
• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

Why Join Us:

• Make a Difference: Every role at Northern Illinois Food Bank directly impacts the lives of those we serve.
• Flexible Work Environment: We value work-life balance and support flexible work arrangements.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, travel reimbursement and more. The starting range for this position is $ 55,644 - $59,122/ annually, based on skills and experience.
• Growth Opportunities: Invest in your career with professional development, career mapping, and leadership training.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team that values equity and belonging.

How to Apply:

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply online at Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter that highlights your passion for our mission and your relevant skills.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualifications

Who You Are: You're driven, compassionate, and excited to bring your unique skills to a purpose-driven organization. You have a strong commitment to our mission and:

• Bachelor's degree in visual communications, graphic design, marketing, communications, digital media, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in graphic design, visual communications, branding, or a related field.
• Portfolio demonstrating experience across print, digital, web, social media, presentation, and visual communication projects
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and related applications.
• Experience translating communication objectives, audience needs, and brand standards into effective visual communications.
• Understanding of branding, visual storytelling, audience engagement, and cross-channel communications.
• Experience creating visual content for websites, digital communications, email marketing, social media, and presentations.
• Knowledge of website content management systems, user-centered design principles, and digital accessibility best practices.
• Strong presentation, collaboration, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• General computer skills required in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Photography, videography, motion graphics, or related multimedia experience preferred.
• Spanish language skills a plus.