Schedule: 10+ hours per week (scheduled and on-call as needed)

Pay: Hourly

Graphic designers at The State News serve as visual storytellers creating compelling illustrations, graphics, and visual content that brings our publication to life. This hourly position encompasses both editorial design and marketing/advertising work, encouraging designers to explore both disciplines as the crossover builds a comprehensive and versatile skill set essential for modern media design.

Designers handle the complete visual production of our print publication and special editions, crafting layouts that enhance reader engagement while producing custom editorial illustrations, infographics, gifs, photo illustrations, and graphics as requested by newsroom staff. They also develop advertisements and marketing materials for both digital and print platforms, ensuring each creative piece meets the specific quality standards and technical requirements of its intended medium. Core projects include contributing to bi-monthly print through page placement and cover design, producing our special issues and editions, and executing various promotional campaigns under the guidance of our Creative Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain regular newsroom office hours as determined with the Creative Director and incorporate time management, reliability, and responsibility into every project
• Generate original ideas for designs and illustrations that meet respective needs, using out-of-the-box thinking to improve State News products
• Consult with reporters, Creative Director, and managers to understand design needs and collaborate with newsroom teams, advertising staff, and general management to strengthen The State News brand identity
• Draft and complete illustration concepts digitally through Adobe suite or digital drawing platforms, working with reporters and editors to develop effective ideas and designs for stories
• Collaborate with the design team and Creative Director on design workshops and complete critiques that aid in identifying areas for improvement
• Work with the advertisement team to bring client advertisement needs to life and coordinate with SN Works about website graphic problems or new web ideas
• Attend weekly design team meetings held in conjunction with the ads team
• Complete design worksheets and maintain adherence to established design processes
• Understand the print process and how The State News generates revenue as part of a non-profit organization

Essential Qualifications:

• Solid foundation in communication design theories and principles with expert knowledge of modular design systems, typography, and visual graphics
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with platforms such as Basecamp, CEO, and Slack
• Openness to learning new platforms like Canva, Procreate, or similar tools (this is a learning experience - proficiency in all Adobe programs not required, but willingness to learn is essential)
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and execute ideas that align with our brand standards and editorial mission
• Commitment to professional development and craft refinement

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value equity and inclusion. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business needs. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.