County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, produces and coordinates promotional, informational and educational materials; incorporates graphic design, writing and photography as needed to achieve desired objectives; coordinates the production of print and digital media, advertisements, newsletters, and other promotional materials including but not limited to displays, exhibits and multimedia presentations; and performs related duties as assigned. This classification is expected to have broad in-depth working knowledge of graphic art concepts, techniques, and processes including aesthetic design concepts, layout principles and advanced file preparation and output.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents in the Graphic Designer position are responsible for the graphic design; plan, develop and produce materials in printed or electronic formats. Incumbents use a range of communication, creative, project management and team working skills to develop and design a variety of effective marketing tools that heighten the visibility of specialized programs and/or increases public interest and audience participation. The incumbents often work independently with limited supervision while coordinating the design and production of graphic projects; and ensure consistent, credible, and professional visual communications which enhance the professional image and branding of Agency/Department programs and services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Develop concepts/themes for publications, exhibits and multimedia presentations and productions after considering relevant constraints such as, content, intent, audience, budget and technical processes; incorporate aesthetic design concepts and layout principles.

2. Coordinate the production of graphic materials such as brochures, logos, newsletters, flyers, reports, posters, invitations, displays and environmental graphics (signage and street banners) multimedia presentations and productions, advertisements and news supplements, program guides, digital/web support graphics and map layouts.

3. Participate in the development of marketing/promotion strategy of assigned programs; assist with goals and objectives for messaging; meet with staff to identify project needs and develop production schedule.
 
4. Administer intranet website content; prepare and develop graphic content for internet web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects.

5. Provide technical expertise to departmental staff on design strategies and implementation of graphic materials. Assist staff with the design and development of presentations using PowerPoint and other presentation software.

6. Assist with design and development of outreach materials for community services, events and information.

7. Photograph pertinent sites and/or subject matter for documentation, reproduction and exhibits; maintains a photo/art library.

8. Obtain bids on printing and related production processes; prepare specifications, notes and electronic files for vendors.

9. Develop and maintain relationships with media vendors, prepare request for quotes (RFQ) for competitive costs and quality; review and select vendors who meet specific project criteria, works with contractors and staff to assure that departmental quality and quantity standards and production deadlines are met; approve estimates and monitor payment to vendors; review and approve proofs and color matches.

10. Research and recommend new technology and trends, supplies, software, materials and techniques for departmental/agency graphic design needs; order and maintain supplies/inventory, determine materials needed for assigned project, and provide input into graphic design cost. Maintain a file management system for projects and photos and stock graphics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in graphic design.

Two years of progressively responsible full-time experience working in graphic design and digital arts.

Or II

Possession of the equivalent of an AA degree in Graphic design, Communications design, Visual communications, Interaction design, Advertising design, Multimedia design, or related field.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, principles, tools and materials of graphic art design and production
• Wide range of media, computer operating systems and various software programs
• Principles and practices of marketing and promotion
• Advanced graphics-related computer programs, software and applications, including proficiency of Adobe Design Suite, MS Office and web-related applications
• Principles and methods of project management and digital file management
• Cost estimating for printing and reproduction services

Ability to:

• Design and produce high quality graphic design materials and website content
• Work independently, set priorities and adhere to established production schedule
• Coordinate multiple projects with departments and contract staff while meeting critical deadlines
• Write and edit copy for graphic materials, presentations and exhibits
• Work well under pressure and quickly make responsible decisions; identify and resolve problems quickly
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships, and work collaboratively with a team of department staff and vendors
• Prepare cost estimate specifications for outside vendors
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Assess and assist in selection of qualified vendors
• Employ and keep abreast of developments in information technology and trends, particularly design programs and hardware

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: BG:kb
7/26/77
New document: Jobspecs/1865
ys/1/01
CSC Date: 11/1/77
DRH:cs Revised 7/20/15
Old Title: Graphic Artist
CSC Date: 11/10/15

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.