The Creative Specialist serves as the company’s primary graphic design resource and is responsible for the implementation of Blue River PetCare’s brand strategy across various channels. Reporting directly to the Marketing Manager, this role focusses on creation of digital/print materials and asset management, supporting both Corporate and Hospital creative needs. Additionally, this position oversees brand guidelines, builds and maintains sub-brands, and develops library of templates to ensure consistency and efficiency of designs throughout the organization. The Creative Specialist must stay ahead of design trends, adapt to the evolving marketing landscape, and apply strategic thinking to strengthen brand awareness within the veterinary industry.

• Collaborate with Marketing team to implement branding and marketing strategies at the corporate and hospital levels
• Serve as company’s primary graphic design resource for creative projects, including but not limited to the creation of graphics, marketing materials, advertisements, event and internal program materials, and logos, ensuring all creative aligns with Blue River’s brand guidelines and identity
• Participate in enterprise-wide integrated marketing campaigns across offline and online channels through asset management and brand utilization
• Manage and optimize brand guidelines, develop sub brands
• Oversee Digital Asset Management tool, catalog images and assets
• Edit company photos in Adobe Photoshop to create stock image library
• Layout internal manuals and course books in Adobe InDesign
• Perform website design updates
• Design and manage a library of branded templates for employee use: social media, email headers, SOPs, Word and PowerPoint documents, etc.
• Support hospital-level branding projects: logo design, vectorizing logo assets, promotional materials, new brand development, etc.
• Manage brand assets across platforms and train team members on utilization of brand standards
• Collaborate with marketing team members on brand positioning across digital channels (social media, website, email, advertising, etc.)
• Execute competitive and audience research to shape future brand strategies and positioning
• Develop junior marketing team members by providing training and guidance on design-related processes and programs
• Stay up to date on the latest brand and design best practices/tools, and apply them when creating graphics and developing strategies
• Seek opportunities to strengthen brand awareness and build relationships within veterinary industry
• Adhere to company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned including special projects
• Acts as brand steward for all entities across Blue River PetCare organization

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or related field OR associate’s degree with 6+ years of professional experience in a related field

• Minimum three years of professional graphic design or marketing experience with heavy focus on graphic design required (internships will not serve as a substitute for this requirement)
• Portfolio of previous creative work showing variety of materials across channels including social media, print/digital materials, and email required
• Advanced graphic design and creative thinking skills required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, prioritization, organization and project management skills
• Flexibility and drive to meet tight deadlines, prioritize multiple projects appropriately
• Ability to work well with people at all levels of the organization
• Highly professional, with strong work ethic and self-direction
• Veterinary industry experience or ability to develop a strong working knowledge of the industry

• Remain in a seated position at least 75% of the time
• Ability to navigate around the office to access file cabinets, supplies, office machinery,
• Ability to communicate with others via in-person verbal communication, as well as frequent emails and phone Must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to utilize a computer, keyboard and mouse when working
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30lbs
• Must be able to travel domestically via plane and motor vehicle as needed

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Advanced experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign required
• Experience in Premiere Pro, Figma, and Canva is a plus
• Experience using brand asset management tools and software
• Working knowledge of project management tools, such as Monday and Basecamp
• Exceptional writing skills, including composition, grammar, and spelling
• Excellent verbal communication, time management, and organizational skills

Blue River PetCare is a multi-state owner and operator of high-quality veterinary hospitals, with our corporate office located in downtown Chicago. We provide an exit strategy for owners of veterinary hospitals who are looking to reduce the headaches of business and diversify their asset base while continuing to practice or who are seeking to transition their practice as they consider retirement. We believe strongly in the local franchise and work with our hospitals to strengthen their existing hospital brands and carry on the legacies which have been established.

Diversity is embraced at Blue River PetCare and the uniqueness of all individuals is supported. All qualified applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or ancestry.

Salary Range: 75-80K

Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.

Blue River PetCare offers the following benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement plans with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Volunteer Time-off
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
• Childcare discounts with KinderCare
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts
• Hybrid and remote opportunities