About Us:
Black Ensemble Theater (BE), Founded in 1976 by the phenomenal actress, producer, and playwright Jackie Taylor, has grown from a small community arts organization to a vibrant nationally and internationally renowned arts institution. A leader and innovator in the African-American and mainstream arts communities, Black Ensemble Theater is recognized as one of the most diverse theaters in the country, producing excellent musical theater. On November 18, 2011, BE celebrated the Grand Opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, the theater’s first permanent home located at 4450 N. Clark Street, in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. BE is the only theater in the nation whose mission is to eradicate racism. We utilize theater and educational outreach programs to bring races together in a community which embraces similarities and fosters dialogue, understanding and acceptance.
Position Overview:
The Black Ensemble Theater is seeking a talented and creative Graphic Designer to join our dynamic team. The Graphic Designer will play a crucial role in crafting visual content that communicates our mission, engages our audience, and enhances our brand. This role involves designing marketing materials, promotional graphics, and other visual assets to support our theatrical productions and community outreach initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and Production: Create compelling visual content for various platforms, including posters, brochures, social media graphics, email campaigns, and website visuals.
- Brand Consistency: Ensure all designs adhere to the Black Ensemble Theater’s brand guidelines and visual identity.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing team, artistic staff, and other departments to understand project needs and deliver design solutions that align with our mission and goals.
- Creative Development: Conceptualize and execute innovative design ideas that effectively communicate our messages and capture the essence of our productions.
- Project Management: Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards of quality.
- Feedback and Revisions: Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and make necessary revisions to designs to achieve the best possible outcome.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably in a non-profit or performing arts environment.
- Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design tools. Knowledge of web design principles and experience with digital content creation is a plus.
- Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including print and digital media.
- Creativity: Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas and translate them into visually appealing designs.
- Attention to Detail: Excellent attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and explain design concepts.
- Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and contribute positively to a creative environment.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, and a portfolio of their design work to Lyle Miller at lmiller@blackensemble.org. Please include "Graphic Designer Application - [Your Name]" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Black Ensemble Theater is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
