Graphic Design & Digital Accessibility Specialist

The Des Moines Public School District is seeking a Graphic Design & Digital Accessibility Specialist to help shape high-quality visual communication across print and digital channels. Working within the Communications & Public Affairs department, this onsite role supports district brand consistency while leading accessibility-focused improvements for websites and digital materials to align with federal standards.

This position combines hands-on graphic design for the DMPS brand with expertise in digital accessibility, using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress. The specialist will partner across teams and with vendors to ensure district content is both visually effective and accessible.

Role Focus

• Create print and digital visual content that supports district messaging across multiple school and program channels.
• Lead district-wide accessibility efforts for websites and digital materials to meet state and federal guidelines.
• Keep visual and accessibility practices current with evolving design and accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop print media such as brochures, posters, signs, newsletters, and special publications.
• Maintain compliance with the district’s brand and graphic guidelines.
• Support design and visual elements for the DMPS website and other district schools, programs, and sites.
• Assist with coordinating other graphic design projects, including school logos, signs, DMPS social media pages, and related materials as assigned.
• Lead efforts to maintain accessibility standards across district websites by partnering with vendors and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Stay current on emerging graphic design and accessibility standards.
• Attend evening events to assist with the design and construction of visually appealing spaces for staff, students, and families.
• Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, coursework, and collaboration.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field.
• Three years of professional design experience.
• Demonstrated graphic design experience including marketing, promotional, and informational pieces; billboards; social media content; event branding; and logo development.
• Proficiency in WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of digital storytelling and how it connects to content design.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and adaptability.
• Ability to recognize and champion meaningful content opportunities in fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of current social media trends, platform algorithms, audience behaviors, and emerging digital content strategies.
• Knowledge of accessibility platforms designed to help the district meet federal guidelines.
• Ability to work independently or collaborate effectively within a team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license with a driving record aligned with the district’s motor vehicle record requirement while employed.
• Ability to work a varied schedule as needed, including evenings and weekends.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
• Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• WordPress
• Accessibility evaluation platforms
• Accessibility platforms

Compensation, Schedule, and Location

• Location: Des Moines, IA (onsite)
• Salary: USD 62,264 - 74,458 per year
• Department: Communications & Public Affairs
• Reports to: Director of Communications & Public Affairs
• Classification: Specialist
• FLSA status: Exempt
• Calendar: 12 Month / 8 Hour Day
• Date: 10/8/2026
• Approved by: Josie Lewis

Benefits and Pre-Employment Checks

• Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check and a child and adult abuse registry check.
• Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test, and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Working conditions: Constant inside, occasional outside, and exposure to extremes of weather and humidity.
• Frequent: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, computer use, and driving.
• Occasional: Climbing/stairs, driving, lifting, carrying, and telephone use.