Hours: Full Time/ 32-40hrs

Compensation: $19.21/hour

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for staff working 28 hours a week, 15% staff discount on all purchases, paid time off, flexible spending account, EAP, and an inclusive atmosphere. Plus get an extra paid day off for Supermarket Worker Appreciation Day!

Position Summary

As a key member of the marketing team of First Alternative, the Graphic Design Specialist creates the artistic graphical representation of the Co-op through and all other general graphic design needs following First Alternative brand standards. The Graphic Design Specialist also assists with other marketing department tasks as assigned by the Brand Manager and participates in implementation of effective, revenue-generating marketing strategies for the stores.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• Design, marketing or communications degree or equivalent experience
• Web design course work or experience preferred

Experience:

• Please submit a portfolio or 3 graphic design work samples with your application.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Graphic design experience including design and layout, understanding of how to effectively communicate priority messages, and proficiency in CS Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other graphic design software
• Demonstrated ability to manage design projects from an initial concept to execution
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with non-design stakeholders on graphic design projects
• Demonstrated ability to design and create print and digital graphic design materials
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to obtain a Food Handler’s Card and Alcohol Server’s Card is required
• Web design experience preferred
• Time management (ability to independently schedule and organize work to meet deadlines)
• Flexible, dependable and resourceful
• Able to work as a cooperative member of a team and/or with minimal supervision
• Professional presentation skills; able to communicate one-on-one and in larger groups
• Demonstrated ability to carry out multiple projects at one time, and projects involving multiple priorities and tasks
• Strong customer service skills, both over the phone and in person
• Familiarity with natural foods, organic foods, and basic cooperative philosophies preferred
• Willingness and ability to grow to meet the changing requirements of the job; obtain continuing education on up-to-date marketing, and design software trends
• Understanding of First Alternative’s customer programs (ownership, cooperative principles, community outreach programs, etc.) preferred
• Enthusiasm about and commitment to First Alternative, its products, philosophies and principles preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Website:

• Collaborate with Brand Manager to manage First Alternative website:
• • Updates Co-op web page communicates with other departments to ensure information is timely and relevant
  • Keeps current on web capabilities to keep website fresh and interesting
• Coordinates with Communications Specialist to provide graphic design content as needed to support social media strategy

Graphic Design & Marketing Support:

• Leads design and creation of promotions to advertise in-store and other Co-op events
• Create branded in-store signs and promotions
• Collaborate with Brand Manager to identify graphic design project needs within the organization & execute plans in an organized manner

• Develop new ideas for graphic design projects to support marketing goals of increasing sales and gaining new customers

• Interacts with internal and external stakeholders as necessary to accomplish marketing goals
• Assist with publication creation & supporting graphic design content as needed
• Assists the marketing team with special events (both on and off site) as needed
• All other duties as assigned by management

General Merchandising:

• Works with Brand Manager to assist retail departments with merchandising needs (i.e. displays, resets, store audits, hanging signs as requested, etc.), as needed
• Makes print and digital weekly sales flyers for retails departments
• Updates website with weekly promotions

Public Relations:

• Establishes and maintain relationships with media contacts and printers.
• Ensures that First Alternative is represented positively and accurately.

Must also follow those expectations as outlined on the most current company standards for:

• Staff Performance Standards