Position Overview

Michels Communications Corporation is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Graphic Designer to join our team and support the design, layout, and visual development of our portfolio of regional publications and marketing products.

This role will be responsible for designing magazine layouts, advertisements, branded content, marketing materials, and digital assets across multiple publications and client campaigns. The designer will work closely with our editorial team, sales team, and leadership to ensure that all visual content aligns with brand standards and maintains a high level of design quality.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment with firm deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Publication Design & Layout

• Design and layout editorial content for Michels Communications publications.
• Create visually compelling magazine spreads, feature layouts, and editorial pages.
• Ensure consistency in typography, spacing, color usage, and visual hierarchy across publications.
• Prepare files for print production according to printer specifications.

Advertisement Design

• Design print advertisements for clients across various publications.
• Work with the sales team and clients to create professional, effective ad designs.
• Ensure advertisements align with both client branding and publication standards.
• Make revisions and corrections as needed based on client or internal feedback.

Editorial Collaboration

• Work closely with the editorial team to bring stories and articles to life through design.
• Coordinate with editors on layout adjustments, corrections, and visual enhancements.
• Ensure editorial content is presented in a clear, engaging, and visually appealing way.

Production & Deadline Management

• Manage design workflow across multiple publications and projects.
• Ensure all layouts and advertisements are completed within production deadlines.
• Review and finalize files for accuracy before submission to print.

Brand & Visual Consistency

• Maintain brand consistency across all Michels Communications publications and marketing materials.
• Follow established design guidelines while bringing creativity and fresh visual ideas to projects.
• Assist in evolving the visual identity of publications when appropriate.

Digital & Marketing Support

• Design digital graphics for social media, email marketing, websites, and promotional campaigns.
• Assist with visual assets for marketing initiatives, events, and client campaigns.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field
• 2–5+ years of professional graphic design experience
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Experience designing for print publications and layouts
• Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and layout design
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting production deadlines

Preferred:

• Experience working in a magazine, publishing, or media environment
• Familiarity with print production processes and prepress requirements
• Experience designing both print and digital marketing assets
• Ability to work collaboratively with editorial and sales teams

Key Skills

• Magazine layout and editorial design
• Advertisement design
• Typography and visual hierarchy
• Print production and prepress preparation
• Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Creative problem solving
• Time management and project organization
• Strong attention to detail

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

• Highly organized and deadline-driven
• Creative with a strong eye for layout and visual balance
• Detail-oriented with strong quality control habits
• Able to work collaboratively with editorial and sales teams
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Motivated to produce high-quality design work consistently

About Michels Communications Corporation

Michels Communications is a regional media and publishing company producing multiple print and digital publications serving communities across South Dakota and the Midwest. Our publications focus on lifestyle, business, real estate, tourism, events, and community storytelling.

Our team is committed to producing visually compelling publications that reflect the quality and energy of the communities we serve.