We are seeking a highly organized and creative Director of Creative Services to lead the design and layout of Cooperative Living magazine’s statewide and local pages and assist to create multimedia content for other communications channels. You will bridge the gap between our editorial team, freelance contributors, and external printers. This role requires an eye for compelling typography and layout, combined with the technical ability to prepare press-ready files and manage strict publication deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Editor(s) and other members of the Communications Team to conceptualize and design engaging layouts, features, and covers for each issue of Cooperative Living.
• Edit, color-correct, retouch, and manipulate photographs and graphic assets to match the publication's aesthetic.
• Ensure all creative materials are produced accurately and delivered on time to the printer.
• Work with other members of the Communications Team to develop and maintain multimedia content as needed.
• Work with cooperative communicators to ensure local magazine pages are print-ready and provide design support and expertise.
• Establish and maintain an organized digital asset management (DAM) system for archiving images, fonts, templates and historic collateral.
• Other duties as assigned to support VMDAEC teams and events.
• Streamline magazine production process to reduce proofing time, remove multiple article touchpoints, and be able to work ahead several issues rather than be in an immediate production crunch each issue.
• Develop content that can be cross-purposed for maximum impact and audience reach across communications channels.
• Ensuring continuity and alignment of association and magazine branding across all platforms and printed materials.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual arts, or equivalent work experience. 5+ years of relevant experience in magazine, editorial, or publishing design.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of industry-standard publishing software, specifically the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator).
• Production Knowledge: Strong understanding of print production processes i.e. file preparation and prepress requirements.
• Experience with handling printing bids.
• Project Management: Exceptional organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight editorial deadlines.
• Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing expertise in editorial layout, typography, and image manipulation.
• This employee usually works in a normal office environment.

Salary range: $60,000-70,000/yr

If interested, please send resume to Mary Soulios at msoulios@vmdaec.com or apply via Indeed.com.

Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.