Graphic Designer (Contract)

The role of Contract Graphic Designer at ICMA is for a senior-level designer with 5 - 8 years of professional experience. This position supports the development of visual communications across various ICMA initiatives.

About the Role

ICMA is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional local government. The role involves collaborating with marketing teams, project managers, copywriters, and stakeholders to develop effective visual communications.

Responsibilities

• Translate project briefs into compelling visual concepts and polished creative assets.
• Design and produce a wide range of print and digital materials aligned with ICMA brand standards.
• Support the development and execution of branding for conferences, educational programs, campaigns, and organizational initiatives.
• Execute design projects from concept through final production.
• Create visual assets including: Publications and resource guides, Conference branding systems, Event signage and environmental graphics, Presentation templates and PowerPoint decks, Infographics and illustrations, Email and marketing graphics, Booth graphics, banners, and promotional materials, Digital advertising and web-ready imagery.
• Maintain consistency across visual touchpoints and brand experiences.
• Participate in creative reviews and incorporate feedback thoughtfully.
• Provide project updates and participate in recurring check-ins with the Design Manager.

Requirements

• Strong portfolio demonstrating: Brand identity design and application, Publication and editorial design, Marketing and campaign design, Typography and layout systems, Event and conference-related creative work, Print and digital communications.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop.
• Working proficiency in: Canva, Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, SharePoint, Dropbox, or similar file management systems.
• Experience preparing files for print and digital production.
• Strong understanding of: Graphic design principles, Typography and information hierarchy, Visual storytelling, Brand identity systems, Design trends that balance innovation with long-term effectiveness.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Five to eight years of professional graphic design experience in an agency, in-house, freelance, or contract environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting conferences, events, and environmental graphics, Experience working with associations, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations, Familiarity with social media campaign design, Experience designing presentations, reports, and educational resources, Basic understanding of motion graphics, video editing, or Adobe After Effects, Familiarity with accessibility considerations in visual communications, Understanding of how AI can be used responsibly as part of the creative process and design toolkit.

Skills

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
• Canva, Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, SharePoint, Dropbox
• File preparation for print and digital production
• Graphic design principles, Typography and information hierarchy, Visual storytelling, Brand identity systems, Design trends
• Project management and meeting deadlines
• Communication and collaboration skills

Benefits

• Opportunity to build an exceptionally diverse portfolio
• Work on a wide range of projects including conference branding systems, environmental graphics, publications, marketing campaigns, resource guides, presentations, infographics, and digital assets
• Remote work environment

Pay and Schedule

• Pay is commensurate with experience and ranges from $30 - $37 per hour
• The contract will remain in effect for one year, with the potential to transition to a full-time role in the future
• The individual selected must be available 25 – 35 hours per week
• The hours and workload may vary based on organizational needs
• The selected candidate must be available during ICMA's core hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am ET – 5:00 pm ET