The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.
As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.
The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position is available to participate in a remote, hybrid, or on-site schedule.
Relocation Assistance is available.
Job DescriptionUnder the general direction of the Sr. Manager, Creative and Web Services, this position is responsible for creating and designing graphic solutions to promote and support the organization's message, image, identity, brand and reputation. Creates solutions based on conceptual thinking, high-level design execution, understanding of subject matter and collaboration. Upholds design standards within the ISO's accepted look and feel and according to graphic design best practices. Uses design software and web-based tools to create finished graphics and artwork for internal and external audiences in both digital and print mediums.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Applies graphic design principles to communicate complex themes and messages in a variety of materials such as presentations, reports, fact sheets, web pages, iconography, informational graphics, environmental signage and more. Creates final production-ready files for printing/fabrication as required.
- Assists with the development and maintenance of the organization’s design and graphics standards, corporate identity and manages the digital assets library.
- Provides graphic design support for the organization's various social media and podcast platforms.
- Coordinates vendor services as required.
Level of Education and Discipline:
- A bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training, or experience in Graphic Design or related field.
Amount of Experience:
- Equivalent years of education and training, plus five (5) or more years' related experience.
Type of Experience:
- Experience in creating and designing graphics for external and internal audiences to promote understanding of the organization’s work, challenges and opportunities.
- Marketing, web design, including usability and accessibility, organization and brand management experience is desirable.
- Experience in the energy/utility industry or with illustration and animation is a plus.
- Illustration and animation skills are not required but are a plus.
Additional Skills and Abilities:
- Must have deep understanding of design theory including, but not limited to, the importance of visual hierarchy, sensitivity and consistency with typography, harmonious and meaningful color use, Gestalt theory, understanding audience perspective, interpretation and characteristics.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as both a team member and facilitator.
- Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to design and communication problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required.
- Excellent analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively understand and communicate complex technical topics and concepts in a non-technical manner.
- Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment and work independently.
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud are required.
- Must be self-motivated, have problem-solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.
The pay range for the Sr Graphic Designer position is $45.91 - $64.27 per hour.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field (or equivalent education/experience)
- Five (5) or more years of related graphic design experience
- Experience creating graphics for internal and external audiences to communicate complex topics
- Deep understanding of design theory, visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, and audience perspective
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
- Excellent analytical skills and ability to explain complex technical topics simply
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently; self-motivated with problem-solving skills
- Marketing and web design experience including usability and accessibility
- Experience in the energy/utility industry
- Illustration and animation skills
What We Do
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by "keeping the lights on" 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers. The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.








