Brand and Creative Design Strategist

Job Summary

The Brand and Creative Design Strategist is responsible for implementing ElectriCities’ strategic communications plan through the conceptualization, strategy, and design of print materials, web assets, and digital projects/programs in support of overall corporate brand management and raising the visibility of public power and public power communities, as outlined in ElectriCities’ strategic plan. The Brand and Creative Design Strategist coordinates with ElectriCities internal departments, manages external vendors and partners, and interfaces directly with ElectriCities member communities to ensure high degrees of satisfaction and brand alignment. These projects are created for ElectriCities of NC, Inc., NCEMPA, NCMPA1 and those members of ElectriCities collectively known as public power.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create visual pieces that present complex information in a way that is easy to comprehend.
• Modify stock and custom photography for use in print, web, and digital projects.
• Develop, revise, and maintain branded PowerPoint and presentation materials for internal and external audiences
• Ensure all creative work aligns with the ElectriCities Corporate Style Guide, brand standards, and internal policies.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure brand alignment; review projects for accuracy, clarity, and quality; route work for approval and archive according to established procedures.
• The ability to work as a team player, but also independently, take direction well, and define and solve project challenges with minimal guidance and good humor.
• Provide design support and leadership for ElectriCities conferences and events.
• Manage prepress production and vendor coordination to include preparing files, obtaining quotes, and supporting relationships with printers, freelancers, and external creative partners.
• Monitor design industry trends and emerging technologies; recommend improvements and tools to enhance creative output and efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, members, and external partners; apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills to meet project objectives.
• Support team capability building by participating in training initiatives and providing basic software guidance to others as needed.
• Support member projects across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, including occasional travel and photography support.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements

Controls

The Brand and Creative Design Strategist works under the general supervision and guidance of the Supervisor, Production, who reviews the employee’s work performance under ElectriCities’ guidelines in terms of overall effectiveness and provides professional guidance as needed. The Supervisor, Production approves all requests for vacation and other time off. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Physical Requirements

The Brand and Creative Design Strategist must maintain the physical condition necessary to perform tasks in an office setting such as operating a personal computer, keyboard, and other peripheral equipment. Periodic travel is required within North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia for special projects and/or within the U.S. for training and development purposes.

Qualifications

• An associate degree in graphic design with 2+ years developing content for a B2B/B2C advertising agency, internal corporate communications division, design studio, electric utility/energy provider, local, state, or federal government agency required; hands-on knowledge of graphic design and print production processes is also required.
• Conceptual, typographic, and brand management skills; creative at taking complex information/ideas and formulating them successfully into print and online campaigns and marketing collateral; experience with web/interactive/digital project development is a plus.
• Proficiency in Adobe Design Premium CS4 (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and MS Office programs.
• Experience in providing professional copywriting, proofreading, and editing.
• Experience collaborating successfully with multidisciplinary teams; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills to both internal and external stakeholders; ability to present a portfolio of design work.
• Proven ability to multitask and adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent research and proofing skills.
• Experience in producing short-form animation and video (explainers, animated infographics) is a plus.
• The ability to use digital cameras and multimedia/audiovisual equipment is required.