Principal Graphic Designer- Open Competitive Exam

This is a technical position in the Bureau of Communications which involves responsibility for coordinating and producing promotional material for all City departments and bureaus. This employee is also responsible for coordinating and monitoring the City's Graphic Identity Program. The employee works under the general supervision of higher level management within the Bureau. Related work is performed as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervises the planning and production of all graphic materials for the City of Rochester;
• Supervises internal and external production of digital artwork created for printing vendors;
• Advises, guides and coordinates work of graphic designers hired under professional services contracts;
• Prepares cost estimates for graphic material requested by City departments;
• Prepares specifications for the purchasing of professional services to provide departments with needed graphic materials;
• Coordinates the City’s Graphic Identity program to include supervisory application of the City Mark on all printed materials;
• Reviews, approves, and coordinates all project design work and printing for all City agencies;
• Creates visual materials for all City departments to include brochures, posters, logos, displays, programs, certificates, banners, ads and advertising specialties;
• Ensures that all City Employee business cards are printed the same and that all cards follow specifications supplied to the vendor;
• Meets with City clients to discuss specific graphic pieces that suit their needs;
• Establishes timelines for clients to include deadlines for bid process, copy, artwork, changes, printing time and delivery of material;
• Obtains final approval from City clients before releasing a job;
• Prepares detailed specifications to printing vendors and obtains quotes for the City’s Purchasing Department;
• Works with the Purchasing Department to obtain bid results and coordinate job awards;
• Maintains and monitors inventory of all supplies for the graphic unit;
• Backs up all digital files of all jobs that have been completed onto CDs and keeps an updated directory for tracking past jobs.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or G.E.D. PLUS:

1. Master’s degree in Graphic Design AND two (2) years of full-time experience or its part-time equivalent in the field of graphic design; OR
2. Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design AND four (4) years of experience as described in (A) above; OR
3. Associate's degree AND five (5) years of experience as described in (A) above; OR
4. Six (6) years of full-time experience as described in (A) above.

Scopes/Subjects of Examination:

A test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the following areas:

Principles and Practices of Publication Production:

These questions test for knowledge of the basic principles, practices and terminology related to the production of printed materials. Topics may include size, format, layout, paper and ink, reproduction methods, and design of text and graphics.

Preparation and Utilization of Graphics:

These questions test for knowledge of the principles, practices, terminology, and equipment related to preparing graphic materials for print or display. Questions may cover such aspects as choosing graphic materials, producing and manipulating hand-drawn or computer-generated illustrative materials, and making choices regarding graphic layout and design.

Preparing Copy for Printing/Reproduction:

These questions test for knowledge of the principles, practices, and terminology related to the preparation of copy for print or display. Topics may include such aspects as entering text using a computer or composing machine, making choices regarding copy layout and design, and following copy specifications and guidelines.

Test Guide:

• The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at: .
• The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County may have exam-related material, as well as, other branches.