The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is dedicated to creating long-lasting positive change, whether it’s through health and wellbeing, early education, violence prevention, or one of our other programs and services. We’re looking for talented individuals who are committed to empowering our community by creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages growth and support — individuals like you!

The Creative Director will lead the creative and brand services function and support the creation of engaging and on-brand graphic art and visual materials across mediums. You will serve as a creative visionary and innovator that pushes boundaries, sets the standards, and finds new approaches to opportunities through the brand.

Salary for this role is $90,000- $110,000 annually

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees
• Opportunity for eligible employees to participate in the Y's retirement fund
• Be part of a team that is passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, volunteers, and members
• Do meaningful work and contribute to the advancement of the YMCA vision by meeting the needs of the people in our communities
• Complimentary YMCA membership and an employee discount on select programs
• Career advancement opportunities - grow your career at the Y!

Scopes and Responsibilities

• Oversee all creative work across the YMCA of Metro Chicago and produce new ideas for the brand, campaigns, and marketing and communications
• Own and maintain the organizations brand styleguide
• Create a diverse and engaging portfolio of design deliverables (i.e. emails, social media assets, brochures, sell sheets, presentations, website assets, etc.) in accordance with the brand strategies and standards
• Prepare and maintain production calendars and timelines to set priorities and ensure projects are completed on-time, on-budget, and with the highest quality
• Coordinate production of design work, including estimates, budgets, and logistics with outside vendors for production and art direct photo and video shoots, as needed
• Attend kickoffs, internal creative reviews, and walk-throughs; and any status meetings or touch bases relating to projects
• Manage small team of graphic and multimedia designers and creative vendor/partners
• Monitor creative projects through all phases of production
• Maintain compliance with brand guidelines and quality standards for projects by reviewing and approving printing proofs, verifying color, and consistent accuracy

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, design, graphic design, or preferred equivalent
• Minimum of 6-8 years of related work experience
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
• Excellent communication skills, including written and verbal, as well as strong presentation skills
• Creativity and originality with demonstrated knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles
• Ability to achieve results by taking a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required