Rhode Island graphic designer employment contract template

Rhode Island Graphic Designer Employment Agreement

This Rhode Island Graphic Designer Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date] by and between [Employer Name], a [State] [Entity Type] with its principal place of business at [Employer Address] ("Employer"), and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address] ("Employee").

Job Title and Responsibilities

Option A: Job Title: Graphic Designer

Option B: Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

The Employee is hired as a Graphic Designer and shall perform the following duties:

• Create original graphics, illustrations, and layouts.
• Develop branding materials, including logos and style guides.
• Design print and digital assets for marketing campaigns.
• Produce advertising visuals and social media images.
• Create interactive content.
• Collaborate with marketing, product, and web development teams.
• Work with external vendors (printers, photographers, agencies).
• Report to [Manager Title].
• Participate in client reviews and incorporate feedback.
• Maintain proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD, After Effects).
• Adhere to color management standards.
• Ensure accessibility compliance (ADA/Section 508 where applicable).
• Prepare print production files and pre-press specifications.
• Optimize digital assets.

Work Location

Option A: Employer's Premises: The Employee will primarily work at the Employer's premises located in Rhode Island.

Option B: Remote Work: The Employee will work remotely from [Remote Location], subject to Employer approval.

Option C: Hybrid Work: The Employee will work both at the Employer’s premises and remotely, as determined by the Employer.

Remote/hybrid work procedures:

• Secure handling of company devices is required.
• Proprietary designs must be stored securely.
• Confidential project files must be safeguarded.

Employment Classification and Hours

Option A: Full-Time: The Employee is employed on a full-time basis.

• Standard working hours are 40 hours per week.
• Core hours are [Start Time] to [End Time], Monday through Friday.
• Breaks and meal periods will be provided as required by Rhode Island law.

Option B: Flexible Schedule: The Employee's schedule will be flexible, subject to project deadlines and Employer approval.

Compensation

Option A: Salary: The Employee's base annual salary is [Salary Amount], payable in [Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly] installments.

Option B: Hourly: The Employee's hourly wage is [Hourly Wage], payable in [Frequency, e.g., bi-weekly] installments. The hourly wage is compliant with Rhode Island's minimum wage laws.

Overtime:

Option A: The Employee is eligible for overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, as required by Rhode Island law.

Option B: The Employee is not eligible for overtime pay due to their exempt status.

Other compensation:

Option A: Performance Bonus: The Employee is eligible for a performance bonus based on [Bonus Criteria].

Option B: Profit Sharing: The Employee is eligible for profit sharing, according to the company's profit sharing plan.

Option C: No Additional Compensation: The Employee will not receive any additional compensation beyond their base salary/hourly wage.

Pay Method:

Option A: Direct Deposit: The Employee will be paid via direct deposit.

Option B: Check: The Employee will be paid via check.

Benefits

The Employee is eligible for the following benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the Employer's benefit plans:

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Retirement/pension or SIMPLE IRA coverage.
• Paid vacation time.
• Paid sick leave (at minimum three sick days, as required by Rhode Island law).
• Personal days.
• Family leave.
• Holidays (state and federal observed).
• Professional training or design workshop reimbursement.
• Technology allowance (software, hardware).
• Ergonomic/creative workspace accommodation.
• Commuter or parking support.

Intellectual Property Ownership

All design works, sketches, drafts, source files, style guides, fonts (as permitted by license), and any related creative output created by the Employee during their employment for Employer's clients shall be the exclusive property of the Employer.

Treatment of pre-existing works: [Details on treatment of pre-existing works].

Procedure for company-approved open-source or stock asset usage.

Confidentiality

The Employee agrees to hold all client branding, campaigns in development, unpublished design materials, trade secrets, client lists, and proprietary design processes in strict confidence, both during and after their employment, consistent with the Rhode Island Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

Conflict of Interest and Outside Work

Option A: The Employee must obtain prior written approval from the Employer before engaging in any freelance, personal, or side graphic design projects.

Option B: The Employee is prohibited from engaging in any freelance, personal, or side graphic design projects that compete with the Employer's business.

Non-Solicitation and Non-Compete (If Applicable)

Option A: Non-Solicitation: The Employee agrees not to solicit the Employer's clients or employees for [Duration] after the termination of their employment.

Option B: Non-Compete: The Employee agrees not to work for a competing business within [Geographic Area] for [Duration] after the termination of their employment. This clause is narrowly tailored to protect the Employer's legitimate business interests and is enforceable under Rhode Island law.

Option C: No Non-Solicitation or Non-Compete: The Employee is not subject to a non-solicitation or non-compete agreement.

Anti-Harassment and Equal Employment Opportunity

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under Rhode Island law.

Occupational Health and Safety

The Employer will provide a safe workspace and comply with all applicable Rhode Island occupational health and safety laws, including ergonomic requirements for computer-based work.

Employment Status and Termination

Option A: At-Will Employment: The Employee's employment is at-will, meaning that either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Option B: For Cause Termination: The Employee’s employment may only be terminated for cause.

Termination procedures:

• Voluntary resignation requires [Notice Period] written notice.
• Upon termination, the Employee must return all company property, including design files and hardware.
• Final pay will be provided on the next business day after termination, as required by Rhode Island law.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved through negotiation, mediation, and then arbitration, before litigation. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island.

Compliance with Laws

The Employer will maintain workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance and comply with all applicable Rhode Island labor, wage, leave, and benefit statutes, including the Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act and the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act.

Creative Content Compliance

All visual content, fonts, images, and design elements used by the Employee must comply with applicable copyright, privacy, and advertising laws, including model releases and consent for usage of user-generated content.

Professional Development

The Employee is expected to [attend design trend sessions/participate in company forums/etc.] to maintain their skills and knowledge.

Other Provisions

• Company branding policies: [Details of company branding policies].
• Use of personal portfolio after employment: [Terms for use of personal portfolio].
• Public credit for collaborative works: [Policy on public credit for collaborative works].
• Company policy on social media sharing or attribution of works: [Policy on social media sharing].

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

____________________________

[Employer Name]

By: [Employer Representative Name]

Title: [Employer Representative Title]

Date: [Date]

____________________________

[Employee Name]

Date: [Date]