Branding and Signage Design Associate
Under the supervision of the Chief Communications and Strategy Officer (CCSO), the Branding and Signage Design Associate is responsible for creating and managing visual designs that align with SDCC’s brand and mission. This includes producing graphics for digital media, promotional materials, event signage, and merchandise, while ensuring brand consistency across all platforms. The role also involves overseeing the design, production, and placement of signage for SDCC events, coordinating with vendors, managing print supplies, and handling post-event logistics. The Branding and Signage Design Associate collaborates with various departments to meet design needs and ensure effective audience engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop creative concepts and visual designs that align with the SDCC organization’s mission and branding
- Produce graphics and artwork for a variety of platforms, including but not limited to:
- Website banners and digital advertisements
- Promotional decks and presentation materials
- Social media graphics and campaigns
- Event signage and collateral materials
- Merchandise design, such as apparel and promotional items
- Infographics and visual storytelling elements
- Ensure all designs reflect the SDCC brand identity and messaging guidelines across all events, including but not limited to:
- Comic-Con
- WonderCon
- Comic-Con Museum
- SAM: Storytelling Across Media
- Work with cross-functional teams to understand specific design needs and audience engagement strategies
- Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and conduct revisions to enhance visual impact and effectiveness
- Stay updated on design trends and best practices to ensure the SDCC remains innovative and appealing to its audience
- Work closely with the Communications and Strategy team to create a diverse range of graphics, including but not limited to:
- Signage for events and internal communications
- Publications such as brochures, guides, and promotional materials
- Merchandise designs, including logos and product graphics
- Infographics to visually represent data and storytelling
- Web banners and digital content for online engagement
- Contribute to the design and production of key SDCC publications, including but not limited to:
- WonderCon Program Book
- Comic-Con Souvenir Book
- Events Quick Guide
- CCM Museum Insider
- Assist with sales of advertising in SDCC’s publications including but not limited to the WonderCon Program Book, the Comic-Con Souvenir Book, and Events Quick Guide
- Ensure all graphical contributions to publications maintain high standards of design and alignment with branding guidelines
- Collaborate with SDCC’s Award Administrator to develop graphic presentations for events, including awards and recognition ceremonies
- Work with the President and department managers to evaluate signage requirements for upcoming events, ensuring:
- Clear and effective communication of event information
- Appropriate branding and aesthetic alignment
- Coordinate with vendors and designated personnel to request and approve externally created signage, ensuring compliance with event standards
- Manage the documentation and placement of all association signage, encompassing:
- Internally designed signage
- Externally produced signage from vendors
- Design and manufacture various in-house signage solutions, including but not limited to:
- Large format signs
- Clings
- Banners
- Floor graphics
- Hand-held signage
- Collaborate with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the ordering of substrates and printer supplies, including scheduling necessary maintenance and servicing for printing machines
- Maintain current inventory of substrates and supplies
- Prepare, pack, and label printers and supplies for shipping to on-site events, and manage post-event logistics by unpacking and testing equipment to ensure proper functionality following transport
- Perform other duties as assigned
On-Site
- Oversee the setup and operation of the Signs Department, ensuring the timely unpacking, installation, and readiness of printers, equipment, and supplies for the on-site sign shop, with a focus on operational efficiency and quality control
- Lead the placement and distribution of all in-house created signage across the event venue, ensuring that all materials are strategically positioned for maximum visibility and alignment with branding guidelines
- Coordinate on-site with third party vendors to ensure timely delivery and placement of signage as well as any ongoing needs during the event.
- Manage signage requests from various departments, ensuring all submissions are properly reviewed, approved, and executed in a timely manner, while maintaining a clear line of communication with relevant stakeholders
- Supervise and monitor signage needs throughout the event, working with the team to adjust, document, and update signage as necessary based on evolving requirements, and gathering feedback for ongoing improvements
- Direct the retrieval and organization of all in-house signage at the conclusion of events, ensuring that materials are carefully packed, properly cataloged, and stored for future use
- Coordinate the packing, labeling, and shipping of printers, machines, substrates, and signage materials back to the office, ensuring clear labeling and efficient logistics for safe return
- Lead a post-event sweep of the convention areas to collect any stray or forgotten signage, chair backs, or other materials, ensuring that all items are accounted for and properly stored for reuse
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED is required
- An associate’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field is preferred, with a bachelor’s degree being highly desirable. However, relevant experience will be considered in place of formal education.
- Developed understanding of the comic book, pop culture, and entertainment industries, including current trends, key players, and audience preferences
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential
- Knowledge of and proficiency in in-office systems used by the organization, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Google Suite (G Suite, formerly Google Apps), specifically Google Mail (Gmail), Google Drive, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, Configio, and ClickUp; as well as other common office software and applications
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn current and new systems and platforms used by the organization
- Basic understanding of clerical procedures and systems such as recordkeeping and filing
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced and, at times, stressful environment and follow directions, policies, and procedures
- Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor as well as demonstrate credibility, integrity, and confidentiality
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences, including fans, industry professionals, media, sponsors, and internal and external stakeholders, while maintaining privacy and confidentiality
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, ability to respond to customer needs and requests promptly and professionally, especially during difficult and/or high-stress interactions
- Ability to speak persuasively, give group presentations, and participate in meetings
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision and ability to problem-solve in complex situations
- Ability to work within a diverse team, accept differing points of view and feedback, and contribute to a cohesive, supportive, and positive team
Working conditions
- Professional office environment
- Routinely uses standard office equipment
- Standard work schedule (Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm)
- Must be available to work evenings, holidays, and weekends as needed
- Overnight stay may be required during events
- Crowded conditions (both inside or outside event spaces)
- Direct (face-to-face) customer and vendor contact
- May be required to work outside with little or no shade and warm temperatures
- Work at various work site locations
Physical requirements
- This position requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading
- Occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and bend or stand as necessary
- Frequent sitting, walking, and standing for long periods
- Occasionally stand for extended periods of time (8-10+)
- Walk extensive distances (up to several miles daily)
- Perform repetitive tasks with few breaks
salary range:
- $24.00 – $27.62 per hour