Creative Media Specialist

Company Description

With a workforce of over 25,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.

Job Description

The Creative Media Specialist develops and produces high-quality graphic design and visual communication materials that support the needs of City of Philadelphia departments. As part of the Office of Innovation & Technology’s Creative Services Group, this position creates accessible and engaging print and digital assets, maintains consistent visual standards, and collaborates with stakeholders to turn project requirements into effective design solutions. The role requires creative problem-solving, strong production skills, dependable project ownership, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Key Responsibilities

• Design and produce creative assets for campaigns, presentations, reports, brochures, signage, social media, and web-based communications.
• Develop visual concepts that clearly communicate information, support project goals, and serve diverse City audiences.
• Apply strong skills in layout, typography, color, composition, and visual storytelling to deliver professional work.
• Adapt creative assets across print and digital formats while maintaining brand standards and visual consistency.
• Collaborate with City departments and Creative Services colleagues to clarify project scope, content, deliverables, specifications, and deadlines.
• Independently manage assigned projects from concept through final production, including revisions, approval coordination, and organized file delivery.
• Proactively communicate project progress, risks, anticipated delays, and changing requirements to Creative Services leadership and stakeholders.
• Balance multiple concurrent assignments and adjust workflows as priorities change, while maintaining quality and accountability.
• Prepare accurate production-ready files for printing, distribution, publication, and handoff to vendors or partner teams.
• Apply accessibility, inclusive design, and plain-language principles where appropriate to help make public-facing materials usable by residents.
• Participate in creative reviews, share design knowledge, and stay current with relevant design practices to strengthen team deliverables.

Qualifications

• Must provide a portfolio of work or will not be considered.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration, or a related field; equivalent relevant professional experience will be considered. Experience

• 2–4 years of professional graphic design experience in an agency, corporate, government, nonprofit, or in-house creative environment.

• Demonstrated experience developing design materials for both digital and print use and taking assignments through final production.

• Portfolio showing strong layout, typography, branding, and visual communication work across multiple formats. Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in advanced graphic design techniques, including typography, layout, branding, and digital illustration; familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, with experience in developing creative assets for print and digital platforms.

• Familiarity with Figma, design systems, web graphics, or collaborative project-management tools.

• Experience designing accessible materials or supporting public-sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven communications. Graphic Design: Strong command of typography, layout, composition, color, and visual hierarchy. Creative Execution: Ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling, audience-appropriate designs. Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign; knowledge of print and digital production workflows. Project Ownership: Ability to plan and organize assignments, manage revisions, prioritize work, and meet agreed milestones. Communication & Collaboration: Ability to present concepts, incorporate feedback, and flag scope or schedule challenges early. Accessibility & Consistency: Ability to follow brand guidelines and apply practical accessibility and inclusive design principles. Professional Judgment: Attention to detail, adaptability, self-direction, and a constructive approach to teamwork.

Additional Information

Salary cannot exceed $75,000 We’re interested in hiring the best possible candidate for the role. We recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and that many skillsets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply. Please include:

• Resume
• A cover letter

Please note: Applications will not be considered without a cover letter. Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer : 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated. The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website:

http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx