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EGD & Visual Communications Specialist IV

Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED)
90000.00 To 115000.00 (USD) Annually
United States, Illinois, Chicago
1 East Upper Wacker Drive (Show on map)
Jul 21, 2026
Position Summary

The Environmental Graphic Designer & Visual Communications Specialist IV is a senior-level professional recognized for advanced expertise in environmental graphic design, visual communications, and branding. This role leads complex assignments from concept through implementation, providing creative and technical leadership in the development of environmental graphic systems and visual communication strategies that support HED's brand, client projects, and business development efforts.

Working collaboratively across disciplines, this position serves as a trusted subject matter expert who integrates graphic communication with the built environment while advancing design excellence, quality, consistency, and innovation. The role exercises independent judgment on complex assignments, mentors team members, contributes to firmwide standards and best practices, and supports successful project delivery.

Essential Functions
  • Lead the planning, design, and execution of environmental graphic design projects from concept through construction, including branded environments, donor recognition, signage, experiential graphics, and wayfinding systems.
  • Develop sign location plans, message schedules, sign types, specifications, graphic details, and related construction documentation.
  • Coordinate with architects, interior designers, consultants, and fabricators to successfully integrate graphics into project delivery.
  • Support construction administration activities to maintain design intent during fabrication and installation.
  • Establish environmental graphics scope, develop fee proposals, and contribute to project budgets and work planning.
  • Ensure compliance with accessibility requirements, applicable codes, fabrication standards, and quality expectations.
  • Lead the development of proposals, presentations, marketing collateral, award submissions, and visual storytelling assets.
  • Develop diagrams, infographics, icons, and presentation graphics that communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.
  • Support the consistent application of HED's visual identity while contributing to standards, templates, asset libraries, and best practices.
  • Prepare production-ready files for digital publishing, print production, and fabrication.
Leadership & Client Engagement
  • Serve as a recognized technical resource and subject matter expert in environmental graphic design and visual communications.
  • Lead complex assignments with minimal supervision while balancing design excellence, schedules, budgets, and technical requirements.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior staff through coaching, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
  • Build collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, and project teams, participating in meetings, workshops, interviews, and presentations.
  • Support business development through strategic visual communications, pursuit materials, fee proposals, and client presentations.
  • Exercise sound professional judgment, identify opportunities to improve workflows and project delivery, and contribute to firmwide standards and best practices.
  • Remain current with industry trends, technologies, materials, and best practices, sharing knowledge across the firm.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Environmental Graphic Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, or a related field.
  • 8-12 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental graphic design, visual communications, and/or branding within a multidisciplinary AEC practice.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office.
  • Experience with Revit and Rhino is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of typography, layout, branding, visual storytelling, spatial communication, signage systems, fabrication methods, specification writing, and construction documentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex projects, mentor others, and collaborate across disciplines.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, organization, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
  • Portfolio demonstrating excellence in environmental graphic design and visual communications.
Key Competencies
  • Technical Expertise
  • Design Excellence
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Client Focus
  • Problem Solving
  • Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Visual acuity required to perform design and documentation responsibilities.

Work Environment

Hybrid work environment supporting flexibility, collaboration, and professional growth.

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