Graphic and Digital Communications Specialist

The Digital Design & Communications Specialist supports the development of high-quality, visually compelling communications across digital and print platforms. This role is responsible for translating complex information into clear, engaging visuals and maintaining a consistent brand identity across materials, while also supporting website updates and digital content development.

• Design and produce a wide range of visual materials, including reports, presentations, social media graphics, event materials, and public-facing communications
• Support website content updates and design in WordPress, ensuring content is current, accessible, and aligned with organizational priorities
• Translate complex programmatic, policy, and data-driven content into clear, visually engaging formats for diverse audiences
• Maintain and apply brand standards across all communications; support ongoing development and management of organizational style guides and templates
• Collaborate with communications and program staff to develop cohesive, audience-centered messaging and materials
• Support the creation of digital communications assets, including email graphics, newsletters, and campaign materials

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Additional experience and/or education can be substituted to meet typical qualifications. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communications, digital media, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience – a Bachelor’s degree is not required) and 3 years of experience in graphic design, digital communications, or a related role, preferably within a mission-driven or public sector organization.

Knowledge of:

• Content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal or similar platforms for website updates and maintenance
• Digital accessibility standards and best practices (e.g., ADA compliance for digital content)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) and social media management tools
• UX/UI or digital engagement best practices
• Basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar) for creating simple, visually engaging graphics and digital content.
• Collaboration and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, Asana, Trello, or similar) to support workflow coordination and team productivity.
• Executive and stakeholder communication strategies, including tailoring messaging for diverse audiences.
• Quality control practices, with strong attention to detail in proofreading and ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Effective cross-team collaboration and relationship-building practices

Experience & Ability to:

• Manage and update websites using WordPress or similar CMS
• Proficiently use design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) and Canva (or similar platforms)
• Apply strong visual design principles (layout, typography, color theory, information hierarchy), to create engaging graphics and infographics
• Translate complex information into clear, accessible content for diverse audiences
• Develop and maintain brand guidelines, templates, and visual standards across formats
• Write and edit high-quality content across websites and multiple communication channels.
• Produce digital communications, website content, and multi-channel communications.
• Manage multiple communications projects, deadlines, and approvals simultaneously.
• Draft and edit content for leadership and executive audiences.
• Ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in messaging and brand standards.
• Communicate and work effectively with program staff, leadership, and external partners.

Please note:

We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested.

All First 5 employees must live and work in California.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $123,000 and as an independent government agency, the posted salary is the set salary range for this position. We cannot offer salaries above this posted range.

We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County believes every child in Alameda County should have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential. Through innovative programs and policy advocacy, we help provide children and their families access to resources that support their first five years of development.

Join our mission-driven team that in partnership with the community, supports a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves peak years of child development.

First 5 Alameda County Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package with health care options to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage, $1,500 credit per year to spend on benefits, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Employer Paid & Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Retirement Plans including the ACERA Pension Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Plan and more.

We also offer paid vacation, paid time off and sick time. We have 17 paid holidays including the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as paid time off.