Job Introduction
Are you a graphic designer ready to create artwork for causes that truly matter? Join us as our next Graphic Designer. Your ideas won’t just sit in a portfolio—they’ll inspire, inform, and spark change across Staffordshire.
From bold campaigns to heartwarming community projects, your designs will do more than look good. They’ll educate residents, spotlight vital services, and celebrate the work we do to support people across the county. Think striking posters, scroll-stopping social posts, and visuals that leave a lasting impression—not just on screens and paper, but on people’s lives.
You won’t work alone. You’ll join a creative team of two graphic designers (you’ll cover for one on maternity leave initially) and two social media content creators. Plus, you’ll collaborate with a wider group of communications professionals. Together, we transform complex information into designs and campaigns that make a real difference.
We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box—and even redesign it when needed—but also knows when to stick to the rules. You’ll confidently follow and interpret our corporate brand guidelines, applying them across a wide range of materials. And while consistency is key, there’s still plenty of room to keep things fresh and engaging.
Are you fluent in Adobe Suite? Do you thrive under tight deadlines and creative challenges? Then we want to hear from you. Bonus points if you’re skilled in accessibility or illustration, but above all, we’re looking for passion, creativity, and bold ideas.
Please note, this is a hybrid role based primarily from home and our head office at Staffordshire Place One, Tipping Street, Stafford. You may be required to work at other locations from time to time.
Main Responsibility
As one of our graphic designers, you will work on a range of different projects at the same time. Your tasks will include things like:
Concept Development
- Generate creative ideas for various projects.
- Work with clients and team members to align on project goals and requirements.
- Conduct research on target audiences and industry trends to inspire your designs.
- Create visual concepts using Adobe Creative software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Design Creation
- Develop branded materials, advertisements, social media graphics, and other visual assets.
- Design layouts for brochures and printed materials.
- Present initial concepts to clients or stakeholders, gather feedback, and refine designs accordingly.
- Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, often adhering to tight deadlines.
- Maintain organised files and version control for all projects.
Research and Inspiration
- Stay updated on the latest graphic design trends, tools, and techniques.
- Explore art, photography, and other creative forms for inspiration.
Administrative and Technical Tasks
- Prepare and deliver final files in appropriate formats for both print and digital use.
- Address emails, attend meetings, and document project progress.
Problem-Solving
- Ensure designs are optimised for various platforms, from print to digital screens.
- Adapt your work to meet branding guidelines and technical limitations.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for you to have
- NVQ level 3 in graphic design or design related subject or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working in a graphic design role in an agency or in-house team.
- Be proficient in designing, creating, imposing, and outputting designs using industry-standard software applications such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Interviews will be held week starting 16 December 2024.
Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact Lara Horsley, Social Media Manager at: lara.horsley@staffordshire.gov.uk
Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council:
Our Values:
The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.
Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:
We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.
We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits:
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire
Our recruitment process:
As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities
As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.