Chicago Artists Coalition is hiring: Graphic Designer in Aurora

Chicago Artists Coalition helps people connect with opportunities including calls for artists, jobs, and available studio space.

The Paramount Theatre/Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), an innovative organization located on Stolp Island in the Fox River in the heart of the richly diverse community of historic Aurora, Illinois (one hour from downtown Chicago), is seeking a Graphic Designer. ACCA is the parent organization, which also includes a 501(c)3 arm under the name of Paramount Arts Centre, Inc. It operates four performance venues: the 6,000-person RiverEdge Park, the 1,843-seat landmark Paramount Theatre, the 165-seat, newly renovated Copley Theatre, and the brand new Stolp Island Theatre: a 9,000 square foot development that includes an intimate 98-seat 4,600 square foot theater. ACCA produces and presents over 500 performances each year, including star-studded touring productions, a self-produced Broadway Series of musicians (which has the largest theatre subscription base in the country) and an intimate experience of Million Dollar Quartet for an annual audience of 350,000 patrons from over 250 communities. ACCA proudly operates the Paramount School of the Arts in the new John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, right next door to Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. Paramount Theatre also hosts free community events, $1 Classic Movie Mondays and its opulent interiors provide a spectacular backdrop for private functions such as wedding receptions or corporate galas. Across the street from Paramount Theatre are the gorgeous Meyer Ballrooms, which play host to multiple wedding receptions and rental events throughout the year.

The Paramount Theatre/Aurora Civic Center Authority is committed to being a defining catalyst for personal and community transformation by:

• making the performing arts accessible for every age and socioeconomic background,
• introducing the magic of live theatre across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world,
• contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown.

The highest purpose of any theatre is to inspire its community toward a more perfect humanity. Such humanity can exist only when every member of the community is included and valued, empowered and heard. To express this truth, ACCA commits its leaders, volunteers, artists and staff to the active, continual and accountable pursuit of the following principles: equity, inclusion and diversity.

DEPARTMENT – Marketing

DIRECT REPORTING – Art Director

POSITION STATUS & SCHEDULE – Full time exempt; some weekends and evenings; not a 9‑5 job.

COMPENSATION – Salary of $55,000 - $65,000

BENEFITS INFORMATION – Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, vision and group life insurance, 401k, and paid time off

HIRE DATE – Immediate

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of the design team, the Graphic Designer will help execute all organization’s marketing and promotional efforts. This will include working closely with marketing staff, web developers, photographers, videographers, internal clients, and outside contractors.

The Graphic Designer must have a passion for communicating visually; outstanding design skills; the ability to guide, evaluate and elevate design execution; have strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated experience in leading cross-functionally without direct supervision; be a team player who shares the Company’s artistic vision for a broad and inclusive audience; and want to work in a creative and fun atmosphere.

This position is part of the team responsible for the development behind the visual representation of the brand and material produced by the organization. It supports departments ranging from content to marketing to fundraising and more. This role offers an opportunity to play a major role in the creative direction and output of a highly respected regional theatre that is looking for an interesting, unique, fun and strong visual contributor and message strategist.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design marketing materials including advertising campaigns for digital and print, website graphics, posters, brochures, mailers and more, all from conception through completion
• Support branding efforts and maintain a high level of creativity and visual consistency in all work produced
• Support social media efforts with outstanding graphic content as needed by the content and marketing teams
• Build relationships internally and externally, collaborate with photographers, videographers, and internal teams to create engaging visuals.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines, adapting to revisions and shifting priorities while delivering on time and within budget
• Perform other related duties as assigned

In addition to the duties listed above, ACCA expects the following of each employee: adheres to ACCA’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets productivity standards; participates in ACCA events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience, preferably in a fast‑paced studio, agency, or creative department, working across platforms, developing campaigns that work in both digital and print
• Strong portfolio showcasing print and digital design work required
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) required
• Video editing and motion graphics/animation skills required
• Knowledge of WordPress and/or HTML is a plus
• Ability to thrive in high‑speed atmosphere while still delivering quality, impactful work on time
• The ability to balance multiple projects and be accountable for meeting deadlines
• Experience in managing creative development with proven team‑building skills and a flexible, upbeat attitude in the workplace
• Well organized and detail‑oriented
• Previous experience in the entertainment industry or event marketing a plus
• Fun, engaging, creative, passion for learning and sharing, thrives by being a part of a team, wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves, a nice person.

Join us in redefining the boundaries of artistic expression and community impact, contributing to Aurora's downtown's cultural enrichment and stability. ACCA is not merely an arts organization, but a catalyst for personal and community evolution.

Or mail/drop off to: Aurora Civic Center Authority, ATTN: Hollis Sienkiewicz, Senior Marketing Director, 8 East Galena Blvd., Suite 230, Aurora, IL 60506.

ACCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ACCA encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who are eager to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

ACCA participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E‑Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, ACCA is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating the employment. Employers can only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9.

Location: 8 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506