Graphic Production Specialist

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Graphic Production Specialist supports the Creative Services team by overseeing the production process for various graphic materials. Collaborating closely with project managers, copywriters, and designers, this position prepares files for printing, produces printing specifications, obtains print bids, facilitates the production of printed materials, ensures the smooth execution of production tasks, and contributes to the overall success of creative projects.

Note: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

1. Assist the design team with production of printed and digital (static) deliverables to support customer communications, marketing efforts, agency operations, and employee communications:

• Coupons
• Employee manuals
• Certificates
• Downloadable passes
• Miscellaneous signage for internal and customer needs

2. Collaborate with the creative team to tailor promotional campaign artwork for specific formats and dimensions, ensuring consistent branding and visual integrity of the campaign vision

3. Collaborate with internal departments to design and update forms that meet their processing/recording needs

4. Design Metro Transit electronic newsletters:

• Insights (weekly)
• Connect (monthly)

5. Manage production supplies and troubleshooting for large format printer and others

6. Manage all print annual purchase orders for the Creative Services team

• Seek out estimates for frequent project types
• Work with Purchasing to set up purchase orders
• Document annual purchase order process and outcomes
• Ensure tracking reports are updated

8. Determine the most cost-effective production option for printed projects by selecting appropriate print vendors, media types, and production methods

9. Research and evaluate vendors appropriate for goods and services leading to the completion of assigned deliverables

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of progressively responsible experience in graphic production including fluency in the language of design and ability to create clean, printer-ready files and completed education in a recognized graphic production program:

• High school diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience
• Associate degree or a two-year college/technical school certification with three (3) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree or higher with one (1) year of experience

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Strong knowledge of print production processes and technologies
• Experience with file preparation, color management, and prepress workflows
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Experience fostering equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion competency and understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail
• Proven experience obtaining print bids and managing vendor relationships

• Knowledge of electronic file production and printing processes.

• Knowledge of paper types, weights, sizes, finishes, grain and how those affect printing.
• Knowledge of printing terms, techniques and processes, such as die-cutting, varnishing, ink types, scoring, folding, stitching, and binding.
• Strong knowledge of Mac operating system, font management and file management, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Strong graphic design skills.
• Ability to quickly learn new software.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and change focus quickly if priorities change.
• Ability to collaborate with a wide variety of employee teams.
• Ability to present ideas and accept constructive criticism.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information

Union/Grade: Non-Represented / Pay Grade E
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site to other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview (includes a portfolio review).
4. We conduct a selection interview.