MISSION & VISION

Open Television (OTV) is a non-profit streaming platform and media incubator that centers intersectional storytelling and the creative visions of artists. Our mission is to transform how the film, television, and entertainment industries support independent artists and marginalized communities. Through intentional artist development and community building, we aim to activate and empower the next generation of storytellers.

OTV is a space where queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled individuals, recent graduates, caregivers, immigrants, and anyone impacted by systemic oppression or gender-based violence can thrive on their own terms. If that’s you, we want you here! At OTV, you’ll be part of a close-knit, nimble team that fosters collaboration and growth, with plenty of opportunities for career advancement. Join us and help shape the future of storytelling.

Aymar Jean Christian, Sarah Minnie, Elijah McKinnon and Chris Walker, OTV Studio Soft Launch, Felton Kizer

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Open Television (OTV) is seeking a talented and creative Visual Designer for a 6-12 month long contract role. This position is critical in bringing OTV’s brand and storytelling to life across multiple platforms. The Visual Designer will be responsible for developing compelling visual assets, including graphics, motion designs, and templates, to support OTV’s campaigns, content releases, and promotional efforts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in graphic design, a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of how to create visuals that resonate with diverse, intersectional audiences. In this role, the designer will collaborate closely with the marketing and creative teams to ensure visual content aligns with OTV’s mission of amplifying underrepresented voices and championing diverse narratives in media.

PROFILE OVERVIEW:
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Visual Designer who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio that demonstrates expertise in graphic design, motion graphics, and branding, with the ability to create visually striking and impactful content. A passion for storytelling and an understanding of how design can amplify diverse voices and perspectives is essential. You should be a proactive, collaborative team player with an eye for detail, capable of producing high-quality work on deadline. Your designs will play a key role in shaping Open Television’s visual identity and engaging our community of artists, storytellers, and audiences across multiple platforms. You must be adaptable, creative, and eager to contribute to an organization dedicated to intersectional storytelling and inclusive media representation.

APPLY TO OPEN CONTRACT

Core Responsibilities // Essential Functions:

BRANDING & IDENTITY:
Develop and maintain visual assets that align with OTV’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across digital and print platforms.

GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Create engaging graphics for social media, email marketing, digital campaigns, and print materials (e.g., brochures, posters, and event collateral). Design visual elements for ongoing promotional campaigns and new content releases.

MOTION GRAPHICS:
Design and implement motion graphics to enhance video content, including animated text, transitions, and other dynamic elements that reinforce brand messaging.

COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS:
Work closely with the Head of Marketing and Exhibition to translate creative concepts into visual designs. Collaborate with other departments (e.g., artist development, programming) to produce multimedia assets that align with organizational goals.

CONTENT CREATION & MANAGEMENT:
Develop templates for video content, social media graphics, and digital campaigns. Manage design content libraries and archives to ensure easy access and organization for future projects.

FEEDBACK & REVISIONS:
Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and adjust designs based on project requirements and deadlines

DESIGN SYSTEMS:
Establish and manage design systems and assets to maintain visual consistency across all media.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS // MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS

RETAINER & COMMITMENT:

Quarterly or Monthly Retainer: This is a contract position with a retainer structure for ongoing work.
Estimated Hours per Week: 10-20 hours, depending on project demands and deadlines.
The retainer will be structured as a monthly or quarterly payment, reflecting the estimated hours commitment and agreed-upon scope of work.
This role is completely remote though the ideal candidate will be based in Chicago, Illinois with reliable transportation through the Chicagoland area.

EXPERIENCE

3+ years of experience in visual design. Experience working within nonprofit, media, or creative industries is preferred. A strong understanding of design principles is essential.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS

Graphic Design: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, and other design software.
Video Editing: Experienced in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and other video editing tools, with a strong understanding of editing techniques and visual storytelling.
Cinematography: Experience or general awareness in capturing high-quality footage, lighting, camera operation, and applying cinematography principles to enhance narrative.
Photography: Experience or general awareness in still photography, including composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques.
Motion Graphics: Ability to design and implement motion graphics to enhance videos and visual content.
Branding & Visual Identity: Strong knowledge of branding principles and creating cohesive visual identities across various platforms.
Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and incorporate feedback into design iterations.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail in all aspects of design and production, ensuring high-quality outputs on time.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Storytelling: A deep understanding of how visual design, cinematography, and photography can enhance storytelling and amplify underrepresented voices.

APPLICATION PROCESS // HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to the OTV Contractors Portal by January 6, 2024. Tentative start date: Feb 15, 2024.

Open Television (OTV) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For questions or inquiries, please email careers [at] weareo.tv. Cover letters and resumes emailed to this address will be deleted..