Graphic Design & Communications Specialist

Graphic Design & Communications Specialist

The Arizona Education Association (AEA) is the labor union for Arizona public school educators. We are more than 22,000 people—librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers, counselors, classroom teachers, and more —who believe in public education and care deeply about the work we do each day.

Position :

Graphic Design & Communications Specialist

Date of Posting : Thursday, November 6

Reports to :

Senior Director of Public Affairs

How to Apply :

Please submit your résumé, work samples (Graphic Design Portfolio that contains 6-8 pieces of branding, print, digital, social media graphics, web design, infographics, 1-2 writing samples), and a cover letter to the hiring team.

Position Summary :

The Graphic Design & Communications Specialist is a member of the Program Team who works closely with the Communications Director to advance the Arizona Education Association’s (AEA) communications strategy. This role produces high-quality, brand-consistent graphic design, print, and digital materials—including newsletters, press releases, and other internal and external documents—and supports local affiliates with their communication.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned graphic design professional with excellent writing and copywriting skills. They can turn complex ideas into engaging visual stories and feel comfortable working in collaborative, cross‑functional teams.

Key Responsibilities :

Apply knowledge of design and communication principles to develop layouts and production designs for AEA communications, including but not limited to :

Quarterly magazine

Website content and updates

Brochures, flyers, and digital communications

Event signage and promotional materials

Logos and other creative projects

Review and refine visual and written content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency—providing proofreading and copyediting support as needed.

Manage the full design process—from concept development through final production for both commercial print and digital platforms.

Collaborate with AEA staff, field organizers, and local affiliates to support their communications efforts, including graphic and logo design (as needed).

Ensure consistency across all materials by managing and maintaining AEA’s image and brand standards.

Maintain and organize AEA’s digital asset library, including photo files, graphics, and design templates for easy staff access and retrieval.

Gather, organize, and present information effectively to inform design work and communication strategies.

Provide creative recommendations and exercise sound judgment in visual storytelling and layout decisions.

Schedule, operate, and complete in‑house print jobs as needed to support events and outreach.

Proofreading and copywriting (as needed) in collaboration with the Communications Director.

Maintain and update the organization’s website, ensuring accessibility, functionality, and brand alignment in collaboration with the Communications Director.

Operate and maintain a high‑speed production printer; perform copy shop duties as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications :

Strong graphic design and layout skills, with attention to detail and quality

Expert understanding of 4color printing process and production knowledge to skillfully prepare files for commercial printing, screen printing, large format, as well as in‑house color digital printing

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator proficiency required, Premiere and After Effects proficiency preferred)

Strong writing and proofreading skills

Proficiency in HTML / CSS and basic web editing

Experience with Drupal, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Cvent, or similar CMS platforms.

Understanding of print production processes and best practices

Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines

Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively across departments

Ability to take initiative, provide creative input, and work both independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Art / Design, Marketing, or a related field.

Prior experience in a union, nonprofit, or advocacy‑based organization

Experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of equity‑focused communications

Compensation and Benefits :

This is a bargaining unit position with a salary based on experience and proven track record in the area of member recruitment. Excellent comprehensive benefits package provided—including health, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick, personal, and vacation leave.

The Arizona Education Association is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action employment program. Candidates from communities of color and women are encouraged to apply. The Arizona Education Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. AEA will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Seniority Level : Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type : Full‑time

Job Function :

Design, Art / Creative, and Information Technology

Industry :

Education Administration Programs

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