Brand Designer

WQED Multimedia | Pittsburgh, PA | Full-time | Exempt

Location: Pittsburgh

Salary Range

$65,000-$78,000

Reports to: Marketing Director

About The Role

WQED seeks a Brand Designer to create and strengthen the visual identities that shape how audiences recognize our programs, services, campaigns, and community initiatives.

Reporting to the Marketing Director, this role works upstream: developing logos, sub-brands, campaign systems, and core creative that can be applied consistently across direct mail, print, digital, video, and broadcast platforms.

We’re looking for someone with a strong point of view who can create visually compelling graphics while also seeing the big picture — thinking strategically and practically about brand alignment, scalability across channels, and the cumulative impression each design makes on our audience.

The ideal candidate will bring expert knowledge of current design software, skill across every step of the design process from concept to completion, and a strong understanding of branding and marketing.

Application Requirements

Portfolio Required: To be considered, candidates must include a link to an online portfolio as part of their resume or cover letter. In your cover letter, please also describe your creative process: how do you develop an original visual direction while ensuring the final system supports the project’s strategy, audience, and practical uses across platforms?

Key Responsibilities

• Develop logos, sub-brands, visual identities, and campaign systems for WQED programs, services, events, fundraising, education, and community initiatives.
• Create core campaign materials and design applications for direct mail, print collateral, advertising, email, web, social media, presentations, signage, merchandise, and other audience touchpoints.
• Lead the design process from initial concept through review, refinement, production, and final delivery.
• Translate marketing objectives and audience needs into clear visual concepts, not simply execute predetermined ideas.
• Create practical brand guides, templates, and asset packages that others can apply consistently across platforms.
• Collaborate with the Broadcast Promotion Manager and Motion Graphic Designer to ensure brand identities translate effectively and consistently to video, animation, broadcast, and streaming content.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support cohesive audience experiences.
• Protect and strengthen WQED’s overall brand, while allowing individual programs and initiatives to have appropriately distinct identities.
• Prepare accurate, production-ready files and coordinate with printers, fabricators, or other vendors as needed.
• Maintain organized source files, templates, brand assets, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of professional graphic-design experience, including demonstrated work in brand identity and campaign development.
• Portfolio showing strong concept development, logo design, typography, layout, color, and application across print and digital formats.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience preparing production-ready files for print, direct mail, digital, and large-format or environmental applications.
• Ability to build coherent visual systems that are distinctive, scalable, and practical for others to use.
• Strong creative judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain design decisions and incorporate constructive feedback.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across marketing, content, production, fundraising, education, and digital teams.

Preferred

• Experience with motion graphics, 3D design, or designing identities intended for animation.
• Experience managing print production or working with outside creative and production vendors.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation band for this full-time position is $65,000-$78,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include a PPO health insurance plan; employer-paid dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and—after 12 months—a 5% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.

About WQED

WQED Multimedia is an iconic public media institution, one of America’s original educational broadcasters. Today, we reach hundreds of thousands of neighbors across southwestern Pennsylvania through five broadcast television channels, streaming platforms, 24/7 classical radio, and education and community engagement programs.

This is a moment of real transformation. With major shifts in media consumption, the launch of new digital products like WQED+, the elimination of our federal funding, and growing demand for trusted, hopeful, local storytelling, WQED is evolving from a traditional broadcaster into a multi-platform community resource.

Joining WQED now means an opportunity to help shape how Pittsburgh connects through stories, culture, learning, and shared experiences: on air, online, and in person.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WQED Multimedia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of the communities we serve and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace for all. Applicants with disabilities or those needing reasonable accommodation may contact careers@wqed.org.