The Social Media Graphic Designer will sit within MLS Creative Services but will work on a daily basis with the Social Media department. The Creative department is an in-house team – part of the Brand & Integrated Marketing Department – that services all internal constituents of the League, including Clubs and Soccer United Marketing, the commercial and operational branch of MLS representing soccer-related properties.

The Social Media Graphic Designer is responsible for conceptualization and design of solutions from ideation to completion, with a focus on production of social posts, graphics, ready-made PSD templates, photo-composites and simple animations. Candidate should have strong communication and management skills and understanding of layout, typography and color theory. Some additional projects are print-based and require knowledge of print design and production. Position requires working with both internal and external clients, and there is frequent interaction with other functional departments (e.g. Marketing, Communications, Events, Media, Social Responsibility). 

Primary Responsibilities

• Design of static digital assets (e.g. social media graphics, newsflash, photo-compositions, infographics, etc.).
• Design PSD templates for use by social team members.
• Design and basic animation of digital assets with After Effects.
• Developing concepts around brand touchpoints (e.g. defining style of Social Media assets for campaigns, big events).
• Assist on some Big Events through design and production of print graphics, as well as environmental signage.

Additional Responsibilities

• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3+ years of experience in Graphic Design and animation

Design Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of design concepts and techniques, as well as brand worlds and systems
• Expertise in compositing in Photoshop, retouching and color-correcting photos
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Ability to read data and convert them into clear infographics
• Knowledge of HTML 5 animations a plus (for web banners)
• Ability to bring concepts to life from a brief
• Experience in basic art-direction; define a style and brief other designers

Required Skills  

• Team player and ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment.
• Superior organization and attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills: effective communicator, both written and verbal.
• Schedule flexibility
• High-level of commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.
• Good problem solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage meetings and presentations
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desired Skills  

• Experience in Sports, pop-culture, entertainment and fashion environment a plus
• Knowledge of Spanish Language advantageous
• Knowledge of design in sports (range of applications, technical requirements)
• Knowledge of the sport of Soccer a plus
• Knowledge of eSports and Gaming world a plus