Senior Visual Designer

About EXPLO

We are the People of the Possible

Imagine a place where all of your "what ifs" are transformed into "and thens." Where what you imagine is met with a "Yes! And" instead of a "not right now." EXPLO is that place. Though, we like to think of EXPLO as a mindset rather than something defined by the limits of space and time.

Founded in 1976 as a non-profit startup out of MIT, EXPLO has benefitted from decades of entrepreneurial leadership since day one. The mindset that created a community of intellectual adventure beyond academic routine - filled with variety, innovative spirit, and a fusion of fun and learning - has supported EXPLO's evolution from the first hybrid summer program for high schoolers to a multi-campus summer program for students in grades 2-12 to a sought-after resource for student engagement and innovative teaching and learning worldwide. We are the people of the possible. The kind of people who go on to do things like co-found BuzzFeed and Honest Tea, lead Virgin Galactic, transform the plant-based food industry, and illuminate their home country after a natural disaster. We are Forbes 30 Under 30 winners, Inventors of the Year, Watson Fellows, Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars. EXPLO is where we have big ideas; learn to collaborate, fail, and iterate; say yes to opportunities and chart uncharted territory.

For more information, please visit: https://www.explo.org/about-us/our-story/

While we have a rich history to be proud of, we firmly believe that the best part of EXPLO's story is yet to be told. And we would like you to help us do so

Job Description

EXPLO drives educational innovation, returning curiosity and exploration to teaching and learning so that every child can thrive. The Senior Visual Designer is central to that initiative and will be responsible for developing and executing smart, disruptive, and engaging visual concepts and solutions across EXPLO's customer lifecycle that align with our mission and values. Specifically, the Senior Visual Designer provides solutions for enrollment and brand-based marketing initiatives using a variety of mediums. They own projects and support others in creating compelling visual experiences to help further the EXPLO brand and move the organization forward to meet benchmarks and goals.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with Customer Engagement Group team members and program partners to conceptualize and execute creative solutions across multiple platforms from multimedia advertising campaigns, environmental signage, social content, email, digital (UX and UI), apps, sales presentations, and print.
• Leads the design process from brainstorming sessions to mockup stage, to the final product, regardless of medium. Provides users with the support and guidance necessary to get from point A to point B in visually intuitive ways.
• Translates brand strategies to user-centered campaign concepts and tactics. Provides creative solutions with a "digital first" approach to ensure elements transfer to other mediums with ease.
• Designs for and within all mediums including but not limited to website UX, social media, physical environments, presentations, and long-form print reports.
• Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders across EXPLO to further the brand through the creation and execution of compelling visual experiences.
• Keeps track of advancements in visual design technologies and applications, as well as industry trends.
• Directs photo and video shoots.
• Manages external production vendors; provides estimates, obtains specs for, and provides final production files.
• Serves as design lead in the absence of the VP, Customer Engagement.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as required.

Basic Qualifications and Attributes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Design or Graphic Arts (or a closely related field)
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience working in a fast-paced agency or in-house environment.
• A portfolio of examples across the media spectrum (landing pages, social, physical environments, print, etc.) that demonstrates concept thinking.
• Exceptional organization, collaboration, communication, presentation, and project management skills.
• Analytical mind with proven ability to dissect problems, devise solutions, and drive business outcomes.
• Strong desire to define the look and feel of what is next in visual and interactive design and an interest in the latest design trends, technology, and social media.
• Demonstrated interest in the latest design trends, technology, and social media.
• Expert in Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, InDesign), PowerPoint.
• Expert in print production processes, including press checks.
• Expert in digital design principles including accessible design principles and application. Familiarity with HTML and CSS.
• Experience in building digital experiences within a CMS.
• Experience with Prezi.
• Experience in building animations natively or in collaboration. Knowledge of AfterEffects is a plus.
• A positive attitude, commitment to being an active team participant, and the ability to work with a variety of constituents in and outside of the Customer Engagement Group.
• Anticipates and embraces change; demonstrates a willingness to achieve, acquire, and utilize new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.

Benefits

EXPLO has an extensive benefits package:

• Insurance on Day 1 of Employment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 403(b)
• 401(a)
• Employer-Sponsored Life Insurance
• Generous vacation and sick pay
• Employee Discounts and More

EXPLO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and believe that diversity strengthens our team and enhances our ability to serve our customers. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.