Corporate Communications Specialist

General Job Description:

The Corporate Communications & Graphics Specialist will combine both writing and graphic design skills to produce compelling visual content for the print, digital and other interactive channels at ACCO. As part of ACCO's Corporate Communications team, the Corporate Communications & Graphics Specialist will play a vital role in developing creative content for various channels (with a high degree of ownership and responsibility) that are engaging and consistent with the ACCO brand in support of Corporate Communications efforts.

Under the general direction of the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, the Corporate Communications & Graphics Specialist will perform the following duties. The duties below are a sampling of responsibilities associated with this position, but the needs of the role may shift with the needs of the department or company.

Supervises: None

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the other members of the Corporate Communications team to understand department objectives, target audiences and key messaging.
• Assist the Senior Manager, Communications with creating, writing and editing content for various communications channels (such as emails, memos, newsletters, internal websites, etc.), ensuring adherence to ACCO's brand and style guidelines.
• Assist with the creation, updating and management of content on digital screens.
• Edit all communications for consistent messaging, voice and style.
• Ideate and produce high-quality, visually appealing and easily understood content for various platforms including emails, digital screens, websites, engagement events and other materials using graphics, photography and video.
• Generate clear ideas, concepts and designs of creative assets from beginning to end that align with overall department or corporate goals.
• Create and maintain visual assets (graphics, photos, templates, etc.) for future use.
• Ensure designs are consistent with brand guidelines (typography, color, imagery and designs) and are of a high quality.
• Actively participate in visual design project meetings to align creative efforts with overarching business strategies or goals.
• Work collaboratively to ensure that the message communicated is consistent, engaging and creative.
• Develop strong relationships with, and serve as an internal resource providing graphic design and visual communications counsel and support in a collaborative manner to a wide range of internal business partners, such as Construction, Facility Service, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Safety, etc.
• Keep up with industry trends to ensure ACCO's creative output is cutting-edge and compelling.
• Liaise with external agencies, freelancers and vendors as needed to ensure the seamless execution and completion of creative projects.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and ensuring deliverables are of the highest quality.
• Keep stakeholders informed of project progress and seek feedback to refine creative work.
• Monitor and track editorial calendars to ensure that communications support for scheduled messaging and activities are completed and approved at least two weeks ahead of the due date.

Position Requirements (Skills, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Licenses, etc.):

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, or related field preferred.
• At least three years of writing, editing and proofreading skills and knowledge of AP Style.
• Experience with software applications such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• At least three years of relevant work experience in graphic design capacity.
• Proficiency in graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and other relevant design software.
• A solid foundation in typography, layout, and design.
• Strong understanding of design principles and the ability to translate them into effective visual content.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellent visual and design skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to a variety of personalities.
• Experience creating designs with input and guidance from others.
• Proficiency in G-Suite applications (Gmail, Sheets, Sites, Forms, etc.)
• Detail oriented, quick learner who can take direction and work under pressure.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of handling sensitive and confidential information and documentation.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service.

ACCO Competencies:

• Proactivity/Initiative: Recognizes what needs to be done and accomplishes it in a manner appropriate for one's level/position and with minimal supervision.
• Perseverance: Shows the wherewithal to fight for difficult goals despite challenges and bounce back from adversity.
• Insight: The ability to gather and make sense of information that suggests new possibilities.
• Engagement: Shows a knack for using emotion and logic to communicate a persuasive vision and connect with people.
• Teamwork: The ability to effectively work toward common goals with others by supporting, encouraging, and sharing information in an authentic and approachable manner.
• Big Picture: Understands and contributes to organizations' short- and long-term business strategy. On a personal level, has independently developed a vision for short- and long-term career success.
• Motivation/Dedication: Commits to excellence in pursuing unselfish goals. Initiates action with collective goals takes responsibility, and shows personal humility.
• Technical Curiosity/Willingness to Learn: Interest in seeking out new experiences, knowledge, and candid feedback; demonstrating an openness to learning and change.
• Problem-Solver: Ability to identify, analyze, and solve a problem in support of personal, group, department, or organizational objectives.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee may regularly lift and move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Distance vision.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk and sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl (for purposes of assisting with project job walks and site inspections).
• The employee is occasionally required to reach above shoulder height to access storage cabinets and shelves.

Hours:

This is a non-exempt position from Monday through Friday. Work hours begin and end between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm with one-hour break for lunch and two rest breaks. Eight hours per day is required and other occasional overtime may be necessary per business needs.

Travel:

Travel is 0-5% of the time to and from the primary office to regional branch offices.

Competitive Wages:

$29.57 to $37.87 per hour. Applicants please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensation.

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