Design Coordinator at 826 Valencia

POSITION SUMMARY

The Design Coordinator works closely within the Design team to develop creative solutions and assets across a wide range of projects including publications, identity systems, illustrations, newsletters, environmental graphics, store products, posters, flyers, etc. With the support of the Design Director, they coordinate eight to twelve projects per year. The ideal candidate is committed to amplifying student voices and maintaining the integrity of the 826 Valencia brand through strong, imaginative, and whimsical designs that reflect the rich imaginations and diversity of the students we serve. 

POSITION SNAPSHOT

• Design and illustrate assets that elevate student writing and embody the 826 Valencia brand
• Communicate in a prompt, effective, and solutions-oriented manner 
• Coordinate multiple projects at a time

WHO WE ARE

826 Valencia is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our innovative model has inspired more than 40 like-minded organizations world-wide.

REPORTING STRUCTURES

The Design Coordinator reports to the Design Director.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design projects, ranging from concept sketches to refined end products, for publications and various collateral
• Assist with sourcing and production
• Typeset manuscripts following established processes and style guidelines
• Illustrate and design collateral for social media, events, celebrations, publications, web, and fundraising (eg. impact report, end of year appeals, etc.)
• Coordinate projects by serving as a primary liaison to assigned teams and managing two to three projects at a time; communicating effectively with all stakeholders
• Respond to feedback, editing illustrations and designs as needed
• Participate in design brainstorms & critiques
• Correspond with creative volunteers to ensure adherence to deadlines and the 826 Valencia style guide
• Support identity system design (logos, typography, signage, posters, direct mail)
• Maintain organizational systems and transparent working files

 Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in 826 Valencia meetings, internal committees on diversity, equity and inclusion, performance appraisal systems, and other work events, such as anti-racism trainings, professional development workshops, the annual 826 National conference and in the 826 Network Development Cohort
• Support the 826 Valencia programs team as needed in order to gain a broad and deep understanding of our work. All non-programs staff are expected to tutor with at least one program per week (approx. 2-4 hours)
• Meet all deadlines and support others to maintain accurate timesheets
• All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Supervisor

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
• Strong portfolio showing sensitivity and understanding of composition, hierarchy, layout, color, typography, illustration of diverse human characters
• Strong illustration skills and proficiency in Procreate for illustration
• Production experience, attention to detail, clean handcraft skills
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) (preferred)
• Animation (gifs, AfterEffects) (preferred)
• Photography (portraits & events) (preferred)
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word programs and Google Suite
• Able to complete a background check and Tuberculosis screening. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment, pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, but will not hire anyone with a record that includes a conviction of a serious or violent felony, sexual offense, or controlled substance offense
• Able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or participate in an interactive process for accommodations. Able to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines

Required Competencies 

• Develops individual work plans with goals and interim milestones to manage one’s own work, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery
• Produces crisp, engaging and quality communications, both written and verbal; openly and regularly communicates information about progress towards goals with the Supervisor and team
• Excellent interpersonal skills; builds authentic relationships with colleagues across roles, teams, and identities, demonstrating curiosity about others’ backgrounds and perspectives
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and a variety of stakeholders and audiences; seeks to embody 826 Valencia’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness; supports the work of colleagues, engages meaningfully to provide input or partner when appropriate
• Approaches new ideas, changes in work, or challenges with a sense of possibility, openness, positivity, and solutions-based aptitude; demonstrates ability to adapt to various working and management styles.

COMPENSATION

• $60,000 Annual Salary
• Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days per year (increases to 20 days after two years), approximately 9 wellness days per year, 14 holidays, and winter office closure, sabbatical at five years 
• Employer contributions to health insurance coverage for employees and dependents (medical, dental, vision), Employee Assistance Program, group life insurance
• Pre-Tax Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match, Flexible Spending Account for commuter, health and dependent care expenses
• Professional development funds (budget permitting)
• Relocation support may be available if moving to California from another state
• 40% discount at all 826 Valencia stores

This is a hybrid role, which may include working from home up to 3 days per week. In office work takes place at our Tenderloin Center, 180 Golden Gate Ave. in San Francisco, which is an open-office environment with substantial ambient noise and overheard conversations.

• $60,000 Annual Salary
• Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days per year (increases to 20 days after two years), approximately 9 wellness days per year, 14 holidays, and winter office closure, sabbatical at five years 
• Employer contributions to health insurance coverage for employees and dependents (medical, dental, vision), Employee Assistance Program, group life insurance
• Pre-Tax Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match, Flexible Spending Account for commuter, health and dependent care expenses
• Professional development funds (budget permitting)
• Relocation support may be available if moving to California from another state
• 40% discount at all 826 Valencia stores

Please send a résumé, portfolio or link, and cover letter to hiring@826valencia.org with "Design Coordinator" in the subject line. Please also fill out this short application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 27. Position will begin July 1.

826 Valencia is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 826 Valencia does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, veteran status, or gender identity or expression. For more information, read the 826 Stand: https://826valencia.org/the-826-stand/. You can read about our core values at https://826valencia.org/core-values/.