Brookfieldzoo is hiring: Design Coordinator, Design Procurement in Brookfield

Job description

Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Req #116

Friday, February 14, 2025

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species.

Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision.

It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by providing sign and print procurement support and coordinating Design Department workflow plus additional production projects as assigned and under minimal supervision to educate our guests about animals and conservation, to raise funds, to share the results of research, to enhance the guest experience at the zoo and to drive attendance as assigned and benefitting BZC’s mission and in support of the Zoo’s goals for a Sustainable Future, Extraordinary Guest Experience, and Innovations in Science, Education, Training, and Animal Welfare.

Primary job duties and responsibilities:

• Responsible for bidding and purchasing signs and print.
  
  Consults with Design Director; obtains adequate design specifications to secure competitive bids.
  
  Consults with designers to ensure specifications are accurate.
  
  Supports staff in other department purchasing, record keeping, and other administrative duties.
  
  Purchases copy paper and manages the vendor provided stationery purchasing system for the Zoo.
  
  Coordinates delivery and mailings as requested.
• Receives Design Request forms and enters into tracking database.
  
  Periodically generates user reports to track progress of all projects.
  
  Tracks exhibit maintenance performed.
  
  Maintains signage and purchasing database.
  
  Works with managers to track all projects from concept to completion.
• Keeps abreast of new technologies and new vendor resources.
  
  As requested, researches new materials and sources, serving as the department’s expert in certain areas.
  
  Works closely with Design Director, Production Manager, and Design Manager, including scheduling and monitoring urgent print and sign production and maintenance needs.
• Handles in-house color copy jobs.
  
  Records number of printed copies monthly.
  
  Maintains machines with repair service.
  
  Orders supplies as necessary.
• Assists in in-house sign production using techniques including computerized lettering and other materials and equipment.
• Works independently and collaboratively with design team to design and produce in-house signs in a timely manner.
• Delivers signage for internal requests, plan your day boards, and other in-park marketing needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Graphic Arts, or related field or four years’ equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
  
  High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED) required.
• Three years comparable administrative/office/or sign production experience.
• Proficiency with database and word processing software, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, and Excel) required.
  
  Access is a plus.
• Working knowledge of materials and methods used in digital offset printing.
• Strong organizational, communications, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Ability to monitor and maintain budgets.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Eye for detail and accuracy critical.
• Good judgment.
• Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with diverse individuals and personalities.
  
  Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• A valid driver’s license is required at time of hire.
  
  Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.
  
  A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

Desirable/preferred qualifications:

• Print and sign purchasing experience is desirable.
• Basic knowledge of environmental graphics, such as working with signage, banners, and large format digital printing preferred.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, in Design, Illustrator, and Photoshop is a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.

Must be proactive with respect to communication needs and issues.

Must be able to work within a fast-paced environment.

Incumbent is required to gain an in-depth understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies, and how Design activities impact the Zoo and its programs.

Incumbent is expected to seek out means of enhancing environmentally responsible solutions to design and administration challenges.

Incumbent interacts with all levels of staff.

There may be occasional periods that work weeks will be 40-45+ hours.

This is an on-site position.

If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the BZC Career Portal www.brookfieldzoo.org/careers and use the Advanced Search feature to look for requisition #116 to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile.

We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC).

Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s generous employee benefits.

Non-Union Full-Time Employee

Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week.

Coverage begins on the date of hire.

Have a family?

You can also cover your spouse, civil union partner, and/or eligible children who are under age 26.

Time away from work: Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire.

Unused PTO time carries forward from one calendar year to the next to a specified maximum.

Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year.

1. New Year’s Day
2. Memorial Day
3. Independence Day
4. Labor Day
5. Thanksgiving Day
6. Day after Thanksgiving Day
7. Christmas Day

Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan.

A waiver credit is available to employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance.

Coverage begins on the employee’s hire date.

Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available.

A waiver credit is offered to employees who waive enrollment in the dental plan.

Coverage begins on the employee’s hire date.

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to the employee.

Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees.

Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions.

First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term disability benefits are available which provide up to 60% of the employee’s base weekly wages for the first 90 days, then up to 60% of the employee’s monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year.

Work schedules vary with each position.

This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings.

The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Required Skill Profession

Business Operations Specialists