Graphic Designer (Publications Design)

Position Title: Graphic Designer

Location: USA – Remote / Flexible

Would you like to join a small but high-energy team supporting the messaging of rural utilities across the United States? Supporting high-speed rural connectivity, electrical grid resilience, relationship building, and gold old-fashioned community-based fun... could one job possibly incorporate them all?

This position requires a detail-oriented, deadline-driven and collaborative content and Graphic Designer. Pioneer Utility Resources and its communications subsidiaries work to support the efforts of rural electric and telecommunications companies across the U.S. as they engage with their communities.

In this position, you will primarily be responsible for producing magazine page designs, ads and other materials in support of fast-paced magazine projects. You will work with the Publications Design director and integrate with a magazine-production team to collaborate with the deputy editorial director, assistant editors, photo editor, clients and others to create high-quality products.

We are looking for someone with excellent task-management skills, the ability to remain organized and a demonstrated capacity for juggling multiple priorities throughout a multiweek production cycle. You will need strong people skills. Team engagement and morale are critical to the success of our Pioneer team. The only way to do this job well is to be deeply engaged with all members of the production team.

We may each work on our own, but we succeed through our ties with each other and thrive through collaboration!

Responsibilities

• Understanding the magazine design requirements and the need to maintain the existing visual brand.
• While each designer may have a specialty or design passion, this role requires the capacity and willingness to participate in all elements of production, including internal and client-facing planning and proofing.
• Team members must prioritize communication, including cross-team meetings and one-on-one discussions to craft the most compelling designs for Pioneer members and clients.
• Deadlines are critical, and you must work effectively with team members to deliver polished magazines on time, which will require a willingness to understand the production process.
• Professional communication, which includes timely responses to all team members, is essential, as is a willingness to learn tools like Monday.com and Slack.
• Designers are expected to take the initiative when workloads are slow and back up co-workers or get ahead on other projects.
• Maintaining a professional relationship with clients and team members, including best practices in all areas, including, but not limited to, communications, timeliness and account management.
• Identify opportunities that arise for additional work.
• Manage “quick-turn” design requests and last-minute changes as needed.
• Proofread/error check your content.
• Create new content that will generate positive attention and inspiration.

Skills

• Ability to assist and support others while maintaining independent thought and individual opinions.
• Ability to exercise and promote creative thinking and problem solving while under pressure.
• Thinking outside the box and trying new techniques is appreciated and encouraged. When doing so, it’s recommended to get buy-in from Assistant Editor/Account Manager with early communication.
• Ability to work in a variety of circumstances and environments.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to manage and meet multiple concurrent deadlines.
• Ability to work well in a team or independently, with minimal direction or supervision.
• Resourceful and open-minded.
• Ability to help suggest and craft solutions to problems.
• Willingness to learn new software as needed.
• Ability to promote a supportive and fun working environment.

Reports to

This position reports to the Editorial Design Director.

Direct Reports

None (non-supervisory, non-managerial)

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field.
• 5 years in a graphic design role. (An understanding of print design requirements, with experience in digital design as well)
• Experience designing marketing collateral and taking themes across various pieces of a campaign.
• 5 years of experience utilizing Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience may be substituted for higher education (if applicable).

Desired Attributes

• Proof of ongoing professional development, classes and/or certifications demonstrating continuous learning.
• Proven ability to manage processes and personnel.
• Software skills in or willingness to learn a variety of CC apps, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop (After Effects is a bonus).

Notes

• Compensation will be dependent on a variety of factors including experience

and geography. Anticipated salary range of $43,000 - $49,000 will be discussed during the hiring process with leading candidate(s).

• Job Type: Full-time, exempt (where permitted by state law), at-will, remote. Limited after-hours time may be required during certain annual meeting periods or when workloads are higher than normal. This does not happen regularly.
• This position will be subject to the following physical demands: sitting approximately 80% of standard workday, standing at desk for approximately 20% of standard workday, ability to lift or carry approximately 50 pounds (office equipment etc.), ability to meet basic physical demands of travel (if necessary).
• Travel may be required once or twice a year for this position to attend tradeshow/training events.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Thank you for considering Pioneer Utility Resources in your job search. Pioneer Utility Resources is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or other nonmerit-based factors. No applicants will be rejected as a result of a disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices that, with reasonable accommodation, do not prevent performance of the essential job duties. Any person requiring special accommodation should contact us through Indeed to assist in arrangements.

Retirement Benefits:

Subject to other eligibility requirements, employees working 20 hours or more per week are generally eligible for our 401(k) retirement program through Vanguard beginning with the first of the month after six months of employment.

Health and Wellness Benefits:

• So long as your scheduled work hours remain at or above 30 per week, your eligibility to join our health care plan through Cigna begins the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
• So long as your scheduled work hours remain at or above 20 per week, your eligibility to join our dental and vision coverages begins the first of the month after your start date.

Holiday and PTO:

We believe that time away from work is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. When rested and energized, team members do better work. Pioneer provides full-time staff with 12 paid holidays per year (all federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving), and a PTO plan that starts at an accrual rate of four weeks per year. Holiday and PTO benefits are prorated for part-time staff.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,000.00 - $49,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience with (or an affinity for) rural living, rural communications, or the utility sector? If so, please describe. If not, please enter "none." Please do not leave this question blank. Thank you!
• A cover letter is not required for this application, but is strongly encouraged. Your resume may tell us what you've done and where you want to go, but a good cover letter will help us understand your "why"!

Experience:

• Adobe Creative Suite: 3 years (Required)
• Graphic Publications Design: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote