Side Hustle - Graphic Design

Plano ISD Visual Communications Lead

Lead districtwide visual communications and creative services, ensuring high-quality, strategic, and consistent design that advances Plano ISD's brand, communications goals, and public-information priorities

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field; OR a strong design portfolio

Special Knowledge/Skills: Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional graphic design skills across print and digital formats, including sophisticated visual storytelling and design solutions for varied audiences and communication objectives. Advanced proficiency in creating vector graphics using Adobe Creative Cloud or similar industry-standard platforms. Expertise in digital photography, photo composition, and photo/video editing, with advanced knowledge of image selection, color correction, and image preparation for print and digital use; Ability to translate complex information and messaging into clear, engaging visual designs that align with district branding and accessibility standards using sound visual judgment and audience-centered design principles. Advanced knowledge of layout, typography, color theory, and design best practices for a variety of channels (print, web, social, presentations). Familiarity with web content management systems and creating graphics optimized for web and social media including knowledge of digital file formats, image optimization and platform-specific visual requirements. Up-to-date knowledge of current design trends, best practices, and technologies. Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to receive and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders, explain design concepts and recommendations clearly, and work effectively with diverse internal clients. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality, accuracy, and professional judgment.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years experience in graphic design Experience in public education preferred

Design and develop compelling visual content for district communications platforms and collaterals across print, digital, web, social media, presentation, video and events, ensuring consistency with Plano ISD brand and style guidelines and alignment with strategic communications objectives

Lead the creative planning, concept development and design execution for visual materials to support district campaigns, social media, website content, presentations, events, video projects and other initiatives led by the communications department

Serve as a primary creative resource and provide design consultation to Communications Department staff, district departments and campuses on visual communication approaches, branding and effective presentation of information

Collaborate with the Assistant Director for Social Media and Public Relations, Coordinator for Creative Services, Coordinator for Web Services and other communications team members to plan and prioritize design needs that support media relations, social media, video production, marketing and internal/external communications

Serve as lead photographer and occasional videographer, capturing and editing high-quality photographs and video for use in publications, web content, social media and other communications materials

Conduct proofreading and quality control reviews to ensure accuracy, consistency and brand alignment across district publications and materials

Support website and digital efforts by creating and updating visual assets, and by serving as a contributor to web content as needed in collaboration with the Web Services team, ensuring digital materials meet visual-quality, usability and accessibility expectations

Lead the visual branding for district events, translating approved themes, event specifications and communications objectives into cohesive event identities and coordinated materials, including signage, digital displays, presentation graphics, programs, promotional materials, social-media assets and other event-related collateral

Manage multiple, concurrent design projects and requests, including project intake, scope clarification, prioritization, timeline development, stakeholder communication, revisions and final delivery

Coordinate with print, photography, freelance and other external vendors, as assigned, to obtain estimates, prepare production files, review proofs and help ensure quality deliverables that meet project specifications and timelines

Leverage analytics and stakeholder feedback, in collaboration with other team members, to refine designs and support continuous improvement of communications materials

Provide creative support for high-priority, time-sensitive and emergency communications needs, including rapid development of accurate, accessible and on-brand visual materials

Stay current on design tools, trends, accessibility standards and best practices to ensure district materials remain modern, inclusive and effective

Equipment Used: Includes (but is not limited to): Computer (Windows OS or Mac), mobile devices, laser printers, copiers, digital camera, telephone, scanner, laminator, and poster maker

Strong attention to detail for design and proofreading; ability to operate a computer and design software; Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Frequent sitting and use of a computer; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds (equipment and materials) SM100826