Graphic Designer & Public Engagement Consultant (full time) at Soundings

Main purpose of job

Responsible for design and production of all communication material related to consultation projects, working as part of the Soundings team as an outreach and consultation assistant on projects in the built environment.

The job can be broken down into 2 main areas:

• Graphic Design
• Public Engagement & Consultation

Keywords describing the role: Innovator, Researcher, Analyst, Visualiser

Graphic Design Key Tasks:

• Identity / look and feel design for consultation projects (includes logo design, design of all communication material)
• Design of communication material (this includes designing consultation tools, research reports, newsletters, posters, leaflets and exhibition boards)
• Information visualisation – analysing and visualising comments and research material collected during consultation process
• Website design ­– layout design for basic websites related to consultation projects

Skills Required:

• Have experience in graphic design and visual communication
• Excellent working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in print production
• Understanding of web technologies

Public Engagement & Consultation Key Tasks:

• Conduct project research (includes conducting desk-based research and action-based research through site visits and interviews)
• Facilitate / host consultation events – work as part of the Soundings team on various consultation events related to projects (tasks include ad-hoc street interviews, conducting more focused group / one-to-one interviews and facilitating group discussions at large-scale public events).
• Database findings and analyse information – log research insights and work with the project team to interpret the data gathered and draw out relevant insights to inform the consultation process.
• Write project reports – be able to articulate research findings in a clear and concise way and write summary reports of the process.
• Idea generation – work with the Soundings team to come up with creative ways to engage the general public on projects, collect and display information and draw out stories / information from people.

Core Skills:

• Be passionate about public engagement & consultation
• Be able to work as part of a team
• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Proficient use of English language
• Enjoy working with people and being out of the office
• Have an interest in place making and architecture

Added Value:

• Experience in workshop facilitation and outreach work
• Knowledge / experience of the planning process / urban design / masterplanning / architecture
• Website development and construction technical skills
• Graphic design professional experience over 3 years

Key qualities:

• Be Proactive – take initiative to add creativity to consultation projects / events.
• Be energetic and friendly - willing to engage with people
• Deliver projects on time - be able to complete tasks on time and able to react positively to last minute changes.
• Collaborate with others - projects often involve working as part of a larger team that consist of architects, the council/developer and various other practitioners related to a development / regeneration project.
• Be flexible with time - on select occasions be willing to work at consultation events scheduled over weekends or after hours.

Three months probation, permanent

20 days annual holiday (and public holidays)

Application process: CV to Shanel Spence: shanel@soundingsoffice.com

Shortlisted applicants: interview with directors

Starting date: as soon as possible