Freelance Signage Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Chicago, IL – W. Diversey & N. Lakeview Ave. (Lincoln Park)
Department: Communications
Reports To: Communications Director

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Elks National Foundation are nationally recognized nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through scholarships, youth programs, veteran services, and charitable initiatives. Headquartered in Chicago’s historic Elks Memorial campus, our organizations combine a rich tradition of service with a commitment to innovation.

We are seeking a creative Graphic Designer who is excited to help modernize our visual identity, elevate our communications, and tell compelling stories that inspire service and philanthropy nationwide.

• Mission-Driven Work – Create designs that directly support charitable programs and community impact.
• Creative Variety – Design for print, digital, web, social media, events, apparel, environmental graphics, and more.
• Collaborative Environment – Work alongside communications professionals and leaders across multiple departments.
• Professional Growth – Help shape a modern brand while expanding your creative portfolio.
• Historic Setting – Work from one of Chicago's most architecturally significant campuses.

The Graphic Designer serves as a key member of the Communications team, creating visually engaging materials that strengthen organizational branding and communications for both the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Elks National Foundation. This role balances multiple brand identities while producing creative solutions that communicate complex ideas, support fundraising and membership initiatives, and enhance public engagement across print and digital platforms.

Creative Design & Brand Management

• Design brochures, newsletters, annual reports, advertisements, presentations, social media graphics, event materials, apparel, signage, promotional items, and other print and digital communications.
• Translate concepts into compelling visual designs that align with organizational goals.
• Help develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive brand standards.
• Modernize existing templates and create new design systems for consistency.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Manage multiple creative projects simultaneously from concept through production.
• Collaborate with departments to understand communication objectives and recommend creative solutions.
• Coordinate with printers, photographers, freelance designers, and other vendors.
• Ensure projects are completed accurately, on time, and within brand standards.

Digital Communications

• Update website graphics and content.
• Create engaging digital assets for email marketing and social media.
• Recommend improvements that enhance user experience and visual consistency.

Quality Assurance

• Proof design files for accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain organized digital assets and project files.
• Stay current on emerging design trends, accessibility standards, and best practices.

Serve as a role model and mentor by working hard, committing to organizational goals and objectives; step in to help where needed; treat colleagues fairly and do not engage in gossip; take responsibility for actions, including mistakes; respect colleagues, program volunteers and participants; model positive behavior; and follow the organization’s policies, rules and procedures.

Required

• Bachelor\'s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years of professional graphic design experience.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat).
• Strong portfolio demonstrating both print and digital design.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

Preferred

• Experience with HTML/CSS or basic website content management.
• Experience supporting nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.
• Photography, video editing, or motion graphics experience is a plus.

• Exceptional creativity with strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and collaborative approach.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn.
• Commitment to producing high-quality work and continuous improvement.

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday–Friday)
Location: Chicago, Illinois (CTA accessible; on-site parking available)
Compensation: $60,000-$70,000 annually based on qualifications and experience

• Medical Insurance (multiple plan options)
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued.