Contract Graphic Designer

About ICMA

ICMA is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing professional local government since 1914, serving over 14,000 members worldwide. The association supports local government leaders and professionals by providing essential research, tools, and knowledge needed to foster vibrant communities. ICMA promotes effective service delivery, resident engagement, sustainable economic growth, strong leadership, ethical practices, and innovative management.

Diversity and inclusiveness are central to ICMA’s workplace culture, embracing varied backgrounds and perspectives to enrich collective learning.

Position Overview

ICMA seeks a skilled and meticulous Contract Graphic Designer to create visual content for conferences, publications, educational materials, marketing efforts, and organizational projects. This role requires a seasoned professional with 5 to 8 years of experience who enjoys diverse assignments, thrives on collaboration, and is passionate about designing brand-aligned visuals.

Working in partnership with the Design Manager and multiple teams, the designer will craft visual media that resonate with local government professionals and advance ICMA’s mission. This contract role spans one year with potential conversion to full-time. Weekly commitment ranges from 25 to 35 hours aligned to core operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET). Compensation is hourly between $30 and $37, based on experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with marketing, project managers, writers, and other stakeholders to create compelling visual communications.
• Transform briefs into effective design concepts and polished final assets.
• Develop both print and digital materials adhering to ICMA branding guidelines.
• Support branding and visual identity initiatives for conferences, educational programs, campaigns, and organizational projects.
• Manage design projects from ideation through production.
• Create diverse visual components such as publications, conference branding systems, event signage, presentation templates, infographics, marketing graphics, social media visuals, booth and banner graphics, digital ads, and web imagery.
• Ensure brand consistency across all visual touchpoints.
• Engage in creative reviews and integrate feedback appropriately.
• Clarify design choices to stakeholders when necessary.
• Provide regular updates and collaborate with the Design Manager through scheduled check-ins.

Required Qualifications

• Five to eight years of professional graphic design experience in agency, in-house, freelance, or contract roles.
• A robust portfolio showcasing brand identity, publication/editorial design, marketing campaigns, typography, event-related creative work, and digital/print communications.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Proficiency in Canva, Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, and file sharing platforms like SharePoint or Dropbox.
• Experience prepping materials for print and digital output.
• Strong grasp of graphic design principles, information hierarchy, visual storytelling, brand systems, and contemporary design trends.
• Capability to handle multiple projects efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote setting.

Preferred Skills

• Background in creating conference/event graphics and environmental design.
• Experience with associations or nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of social media campaign visuals.
• Ability to design presentations, reports, and educational content.
• Basic familiarity with motion graphics, video editing, or Adobe After Effects.
• Understanding of accessibility standards in design.
• Awareness of responsible AI integration in creative workflows.

Additional Information

The contractor must have a reliable high-speed Internet connection and provide their own computer, telephone, printer, and other necessary technology. All related expenses are borne by the contractor.