Designer

SFJAZZ is seeking a creative and collaborative Designer to join our Marketing Team! The Designer creates engaging, accurate print and digital materials that support SFJAZZ performances, education programs, fundraising, and institutional initiatives. Working under the guidance of the Design Manager, closely with the Marketing Director, and colleagues across departments, this role combines creative concept development with hands-on production. The ideal candidate brings strong design judgment, attention to detail, proactive communication, and ownership of projects from initial brief through final delivery.

Responsibilities

Creative development and brand consistency

• Design advertising, brochures, program books, posters, web and social media graphics, email assets, presentations, and print and digital signage, including pre-show, post-show, and lobby screens.
• Develop multiple distinct concepts for major assignments and explain how design choices support the brief, audience, and communication goals. Bring fresh ideas and layout approaches to recurring projects.
• Apply SFJAZZ brand standards consistently, using typography, hierarchy, composition, spacing, imagery, and color to create clear, compelling work across formats.

Production and quality control

• Prepare accurate print-ready and digital files, including image cropping and resizing, resolution, color settings, bleeds, dimensions, linked assets, and export specifications.
• Proof every submission for spelling, grammar, artist names, dates, times, content accuracy, and visual consistency. Verify information against current approved copy and designated sources, and flag discrepancies before delivery.
• Incorporate agreed feedback thoroughly, confirm that requested corrections carry through subsequent versions, and obtain required approvals before production, publication, or distribution.

Project ownership and collaboration

• Manage assigned projects from brief to delivery, plan time for concept development and quality checks, and meet deadlines while balancing multiple priorities.
• Keep project status and next steps current in Asana. Proactively flag missing information, conflicting feedback, workload concerns, and deadline risks, and propose practical solutions.
• Discuss feedback respectfully, ask focused questions, and apply creative direction with increasing independence. Adapt to changing priorities while communicating the impact on scope and timing.
• Take responsibility for the quality and completion of assigned work. Address errors promptly and maintain organized source files, templates, linked assets, and final deliverables in shared storage.

Qualifications

Required

• At least 5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating original concepts, strong typography and layout, brand consistency, and effective print and digital execution.
• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, plus experience creating presentations in PowerPoint or comparable software.
• Solid knowledge of print and digital production, including prepress preparation, image handling, file setup, and delivery specifications.
• Sound creative judgment and the ability to explain design decisions, explore alternatives, and solve communication challenges within an established brand.
• A consistent approach to self-proofing, checking source information, and reviewing revisions before submitting work for approval.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing deadlines, and follow through with appropriate independence.
• Clear written and verbal communication, openness to constructive feedback, and a professional, collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Practical proficiency with AI-assisted creative and productivity tools for tasks such as ideation, image editing, proofreading, and workflow improvement. Ability to write effective prompts, evaluate results critically, and refine outputs using professional design judgment.
• Ability to use AI responsibly: verify accuracy and suitability, protect confidential information, and follow SFJAZZ guidance on approved tools, brand standards, and usage rights. The Designer remains accountable for all final work.
• Interest in music and the performing arts, and enthusiasm for contributing to SFJAZZ's mission.

Preferred

• Canva experience is a major plus, particularly creating and managing branded templates, using Brand Kits, and preparing materials that colleagues can update consistently.
• Experience with Asana or comparable project management software.

Working Conditions

This full-time position requires reliable attendance and availability during the agreed work schedule, including designated in-office days. Occasional evening work and schedule flexibility may be needed for performances, events, and critical production periods. Other related duties may be assigned.