Brand Designer

smartdept. is searching for a Brand Designer for a leading professional association client located in Rosemont, IL. The ideal candidate will come with 5+ years of experience. This is a project-based, hybrid, 5-month contract opportunity with the possibility of an extension.

Brief Summary :

Join this creative team as a Contract Brand Designer to lead and support a major brand redesign initiative. You'll collaborate closely with marketing and creative staff, help establish and implement new brand guidelines, and handle a variety of day-to-day design projects. This role is ideal for a designer with agency experience who thrives in both independent and team settings.

What You'll Do :

Work as part of a collaborative team to execute a comprehensive brand redesign, from concept through launch.

Develop and implement brand guidelines across digital and print channels.

Create visual assets, templates, and presentations that align with the new brand identity.

Support the team's ongoing design needs, including digital, print, and event collateral.

Attend 1-2 in-person meetings per month at their office in Rosemont, IL (otherwise remote).

Utilize Adobe Creative Suite (heavy focus on Adobe XD), Canva, and occasionally Adobe Express.

Ensure all design deliverables are on-brand, timely, and meet project objectives.

Provide expertise and guidance to help the team ramp up on new tools or processes as needed.

What You'll Need :

Education / Experience :

5+ years of professional design experience, preferably in an agency or in-house creative team.

Demonstrated experience with brand launches and applying brand guidelines in a professional setting.

Technical Skills :

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD).

Experience with Canva for quick-turn projects.

Familiarity with Adobe Express is a plus.

Nice-to-Have Skills :

Strong portfolio showcasing brand identity and multi-channel design work.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.

Experience working with mission-driven or professional association clients.

Comfortable presenting and explaining design concepts to stakeholders.