Lead Designer

Applicants must include a portfolio link on their resume in order to be considered for this position.

Love What You Do and Why You Do It! 

Participate Learning is a force for good that connects teachers and students through global education programs to foster human understanding and create peace around the world. We offer purpose-driven, challenging work in a collaborative environment, a flexible and open culture, and encourage employees to pursue their professional and personal passions.

What You’ll Do: 

The Lead Designer, reporting to the Design Manager, will produce high-quality digital, print, and branding materials that align with marketing goals. You’re a seasoned designer with a passion for visual storytelling, bringing new ideas and perspectives to the table. You have the ability to work on large and conceptual projects, while being willing to jump in on smaller and more straightforward projects. As a highly critical member of the Product and Marketing team, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with the opportunity to contribute to the overall creative strategy of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Work side by side with the Design Team to create visual solutions that support business objectives and align to the brand guidelines. 

• Design a wide variety of digital, print, and branding materials.

  • Some examples include website landing pages, social media graphics, motion graphics, badges, slide decks, postcards, posters, templates, and unique sub-brands.

• Distill abstract business concepts and client needs into engaging icons, illustrations, and infographics that align with the brand’s style.

• Manage freelancers and interns, delegating tasks, overseeing project workflows, and providing creative direction.

• Maintain a workload that’s a combination of conceptual and high-level projects, as well as day-to-day production projects that meet business needs.

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills, mentoring and inspiring other members of the design team.

• Build relationships and serve as a thought partner to stakeholders, contributing to the overall creative strategy of the organization.

• Lead multiple concurrent projects from conception to completion in accordance with deadlines and in alignment with high quality standards.

• Grow a design mindset across all levels of the organization.

• Be proactive in suggesting design solutions.

• Ask smart questions, take risks, and champion new ideas.

Experience You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional design experience that includes ensuring that work flows efficiently through various production stages. Previous leadership experience preferred.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work

• Advanced knowledge of design software - Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop. After Effects and XD are a plus.).

• Experience in web design with an understanding of user experience and digital accessibility. 

• Ability to work within an established brand as well as create sub-brands for specific events and product offerings.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to justify your design choices. Comfortable giving and receiving feedback.

• Ability to effectively manage workloads in a fast-paced environment.

• Super attentive to details with a keen eye for design aesthetics, trends, and best practices.

• Interest in emerging technologies and how they can be utilized to create innovative designs and streamline the design process.

• Production skills at the end of the creative process (editing within content management system, facilitating print production)

• Self-motivated and eager to take initiative. Able to work independently while also engaging and communicating in a dynamic team and organization

• Both creative and organized

• Even-tempered, proactive and positive attitude

• Willing to work hybrid schedule and commute to Chapel Hill

About You

• You are an impact maker who believes in using their career as a force for good. 

• You’re a natural and proactive problem-solver with a process-driven mindset.

• You’ve got great communication skills with key stakeholders across departments.

• You are naturally self-directed, operate at a high cadence, and get things done with minimum supervision.

• You expertly balance and prioritize your daily to-do's, as well as your short-term and long-term planning.

• You are an extraordinary teammate always willing to jump in and offer support and say "yes" to taking on new things.

• Confidence to experiment with different tactics, shake up strategy, adapt to new trends, to incorporate business changes, or to bounce back from subpar results.

• You thrive in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.

What You’ll Love About Us: 

Participate Learning is a B Corporation headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, that partners with K-12 schools and districts to provide cultural exchange teachers, global education, and language immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin. As part of our B Corp commitment, one of the essential measures of the success of our business is the positive impact we make on our employees. Our work inspires everyone to be change agents, bringing more empathy and connection to the world.

• Attractive benefit coverage for medical, dental, vision

• Company paid long-term, short-term disability and life insurance

• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave

• Generous Vacation and Separate Sick Time

• Wellness Program

• Adoption Assistance

• Infant-At-Work and Bring Your Dog to Work Program

• Cell Phone Reimbursement

• Fully-Stocked Kitchen

• Onsite Gym

• Volunteer Time Off

• Professional Development Funds

• Tuition Assistance

• Cultural Experience & Milestone benefit every 3 years