Associate Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Visual Designer

Company: Truth Collective

Location: Rochester, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative Operations / Visual Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-11T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-location with remote flexibility)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical support function within a dedicated creative & production model, specifically designed for a Fortune 50 client, emphasizing rapid design execution and production.

• The Associate Visual Designer will be responsible for creating, adapting, versioning, and preparing a wide range of design materials, including print, digital, presentation, environmental, and fabrication applications.

• A core aspect of this position involves leveraging Generative AI tools to enhance design exploration, accelerate production efficiency, and support content adaptation across various media.

• The role operates within a unique, shift-based coverage model (3 days on / 3 days off with alternating Sundays), requiring on-call availability and responsiveness during assigned shifts to meet fast-moving client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate Visual Designer," the responsibilities and required experience level (2-5 years) suggest a mid-level contributor rather than an entry-level position. The emphasis on supporting a "Fortune 50 client" and the unique shift structure point towards a highly specialized and demanding role within creative operations. The "Remote OK" AI attribute seems to contradict the "on location" aspect implied by the shift coverage, suggesting a hybrid model where the primary work location is Rochester but with potential for remote work within the US during specific coverage periods or for specific tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute daily design, production, revision, and delivery needs under the guidance of the Lead Visual Designer during assigned coverage shifts.

• Create, update, adapt, resize, and version creative assets across diverse applications including digital, presentation, print, environmental, fabrication, and installation.

• Deliver design and production assignments with speed, accuracy, and strict adherence to client brand standards, creative direction, approved templates, or specific client feedback.

• Utilize Artificial Intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly) to expedite design exploration, generate imagery/video, increase production efficiency, facilitate content adaptation, and streamline workflows.

• Fulfill day-to-day client requests by producing layouts, updating existing files, preparing presentation decks, organizing source materials, and implementing design revisions efficiently.

• Prepare accurate, organized, and production-ready files for various outputs such as print, digital, fabrication, presentations, installations, and vendor handoffs.

• Construct print-ready files, ensuring correct bleeds, crops, color settings, image resolution, linked assets, packaged files, PDFs, and vendor-specific requirements.

• Collaborate with the Lead Visual Designer to manage workflow, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, facilitate handoffs, coordinate printing, and address urgent or high-volume requests.

• Juggle multiple concurrent assignments with a focus on speed, precision, responsiveness, composure, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Participate in real-time collaboration sessions and live working sessions as required by client needs or project demands.

• Adhere to all approved technology protocols, confidentiality agreements, file management standards, naming conventions, and operational procedures.

• Clearly communicate progress updates, any questions or concerns, timing estimates, potential issues, and essential handoff notes to the Lead Visual Designer and Truth Collective leadership.

• Handle all confidential client materials and communications with the utmost discretion, professionalism, and care.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities strongly emphasize production and execution within a client-service model. The explicit mention of AI tools highlights a forward-thinking approach to design operations. The shift-based model implies a need for robust communication and workflow management to ensure seamless transitions between team members.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Art, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant work experience, training, and/or education may be considered.

Experience: Proven and relevant experience in design execution, production design, creative operations, project coordination, or agency/client-service environments is required. Experience preparing files for print and digital, generating AI images and videos, coordinating with vendors, managing production details, and working directly with clients is essential.

Required Skills:

• Developing visual design, graphic design, production design, and layout skills, with a strong foundation in typography, composition, hierarchy, image selection, and brand systems.

• Demonstrated ability to execute design assignments based on creative direction, templates, briefs, client feedback, or established brand guidelines.

• Proficiency in macOS and the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat. Familiarity with Figma and other relevant digital design and collaboration tools is also required.

• Competency in preparing files for print and digital production, including understanding bleeds, crops, color profiles, resolution, linked assets, packaging, PDF settings, proofing, and vendor-ready production files.

• Proficiency with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grok, Google Gemini, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and other emerging platforms to accelerate creativity, production, animation, versioning, research, and workflow efficiency.

• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, organization, file management, naming conventions, and version-control habits.

• Strong ability to prioritize tasks, communicate progress effectively, ask pertinent questions, manage deadlines, and support handoffs within a shift-based coverage model.

• Capacity to work quickly without compromising accuracy or craft, while effectively balancing multiple assignments in a highly responsive service environment.

• Effective problem-solving skills, a proactive willingness to learn from feedback, and the ability to readily accept and implement direction.

• Aptitude for working both collaboratively and independently with internal teams, Lead Visual Designers, vendors, and client stakeholders.

• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and cloud-based storage platforms, particularly Box.

• Basic understanding of digital file optimization, accessibility considerations, and cross-platform design requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with environmental design, fabrication, and installation applications.

• Prior experience in a Fortune 50 client-facing role.

• Advanced knowledge of specific AI-driven design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is extensive and detailed, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the role. The emphasis on AI tools and production readiness is a key differentiator. The preferred skills are logical extensions of the core requirements given the client type.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A PDF file (preferred) or a link to a portfolio demonstrating a range of design execution and production capabilities.

• Samples should showcase proficiency in creating and adapting materials for online/social media content, editorial design, infographics, charts, and graphs.

• Include examples of Photoshop retouching or compositing, and links to any video content created.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate through portfolio examples or case studies how you have prepared files for print and digital production, detailing the steps taken to ensure accuracy (e.g., bleeds, color profiles, resolution).

• Showcase experience with AI tools in your workflow, illustrating how they were used to accelerate design, production, or versioning processes.

• Provide examples of how you manage multiple concurrent assignments, prioritize tasks, and communicate progress and potential issues within a workflow.

• Evidence of strong file management, naming conventions, and version control practices in past projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is explicit and crucial for this role, emphasizing practical application of design skills, production readiness, and AI integration. The "Process Documentation" aspect is integrated by asking candidates to showcase their workflow and problem-solving within their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35 - $40 per hour.

Benefits:

• Flexible working practice: on location and where you want to be.

• Competitive financial and wellness benefits.

• Generous paid time off for personal use, family, and other pursuits.

• Personal and professional development opportunities to foster continuous growth.

• Regular team activities focused on creative exploration and team building.

• Inclusion in a collaborative environment with talented team members who support each other.

Working Hours: The role operates on a compressed 3 days on / 3 days off schedule, with alternating Sunday coverage. This provides either 3 or 4 days off per week. Holiday coverage will be compensated at time and a half. During assigned coverage shifts, team members are expected to maintain on-call availability and responsiveness throughout the full shift period (typically 7:30 AM ET to 9:30 PM ET, with occasional requests outside these hours). The standard work week is approximately 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided as an hourly rate, which is common for production-focused roles. The unique compressed schedule is a significant benefit that offers extended time off, but it comes with the expectation of on-call availability and responsiveness during shifts, including potential weekend work. The "Flexible working practice: on location and where you want to be" benefit should be clarified in relation to the shift schedule; it likely refers to flexibility during the "on" days or for specific tasks rather than full-time remote work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Creative Agency specializing in Brand Identity and Brand Activation. Truth Collective partners with organizations across various categories to develop work that connects with audiences through clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the description "small yet mighty team" suggests a boutique agency, likely with less than 50 employees.

Founded: Not specified in the provided data. The company description emphasizes strategic thinking and creative craft as core tenets.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a dedicated creative & production model for a specific Fortune 50 client, forming a specialized "team" within Truth Collective.

• This dedicated team includes a Lead Visual Designer who the Associate Visual Designer will directly support.

• Collaboration is expected with other members of this dedicated client team, as well as Truth Collective leadership.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on strategic thinking combined with creative craft.

• Focus on creating work that is clear, considered, distinctive, and true to the client's identity.

• A client-service model that prioritizes responsive, fast-moving execution.

• Integration of AI tools to accelerate creative processes and production efficiency.

• Commitment to a healthy, employee- and team-centered creative working environment.

Company Website: https://truthcollective.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to blend a boutique agency feel with the demands of serving a large, established client. The "small yet mighty" description suggests a collaborative and close-knit environment, but the Fortune 50 client context implies a need for professionalism, discretion, and high-volume output. The team structure is highly specialized due to the client model and shift schedule.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Associate Visual Designer role is positioned as a mid-level production and design execution specialist. It's a crucial support role within a specific client engagement, focusing on delivering high-quality design assets efficiently and accurately. It's an ideal stepping stone for designers looking to deepen their production skills, gain experience with large-scale clients, and master fast-paced creative operations.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Visual Designer reports directly to the Lead Visual Designer within the dedicated client team. They will also interact with and receive direction from Truth Collective leadership.

Operations Impact: The Associate Visual Designer's impact lies in their ability to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of all creative assets for a major client. By efficiently executing design tasks, managing production files, and leveraging AI tools, they directly contribute to the client's brand activation and communication efforts, enabling the Lead Visual Designer and the broader team to focus on strategic and conceptual work. Their efficiency and accuracy are vital for maintaining client satisfaction and project momentum.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in print production, digital file preparation, and advanced AI tool utilization for design.

• Client Management Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working with a Fortune 50 client, understanding their unique demands and operational rhythms.

• Creative Operations Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of creative workflow management, project coordination, and client-service models within a fast-paced agency environment.

• Potential Advancement: With proven performance and skill development, opportunities may arise to move into a Lead Visual Designer role or to transition into other specialized operations or production roles within Truth Collective.

• Learning & Development: Access to personal and professional development opportunities, encouraging continuous learning and skill enhancement in design and creative operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is less about traditional design hierarchy and more about mastering specialized production, client service, and operational efficiency within a demanding client model. The unique schedule also offers significant personal time for development outside of work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "on location" within Rochester, New York, but also offers "Flexible working practice: on location and where you want to be." This suggests a hybrid model where significant work is performed at the agency's office in Rochester, but there may be flexibility for remote work within the US during certain periods or for specific tasks, especially given the shift-based model.

Office Location(s): Rochester, New York, United States. Specific office details beyond location are not provided but imply a professional creative agency setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Lead Visual Designer and potentially other team members on the dedicated client account. The "team activities" benefit suggests a focus on building camaraderie and fostering a positive working atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with macOS, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, AI tools, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and cloud storage platforms like Box. This indicates a tech-forward environment designed for efficient creative production.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with the Lead Visual Designer is expected, along with potential collaboration with other internal teams and client stakeholders during live working sessions or handoffs.

Work Schedule: A unique compressed schedule of 3 days on / 3 days off, with alternating Sundays, providing extended weekends. On-call availability and responsiveness are expected during assigned coverage shifts (approx. 7:30 AM ET - 9:30 PM ET, with some flexibility), totaling around 40 hours per week. This schedule is designed for professionals who thrive in responsive environments and value extended time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on location" aspect needs careful consideration due to the "remote OK" AI attribute and "flexible working practice" benefit. It's most probable that the core work requires presence in Rochester, but remote work is a possibility depending on the specific shift, task, or company policy for US-based employees. The emphasis on responsiveness during shifts is a key characteristic of this work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume, cover letter, and crucially, your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your experience with production, file preparation, and AI tools.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Likely involves a detailed review of your submitted portfolio. You may be asked to walk through specific projects, explaining your process, the challenges you faced, and how you applied design principles and production best practices. Expect questions about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, AI tools, and file preparation for print/digital.

• Technical/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to assess your ability to execute design tasks quickly and accurately under pressure, potentially involving adapting existing assets or creating new ones based on provided direction. This could also test your file prep skills.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to discuss your experience in client-service environments, your ability to work within a shift-based and responsive model, your collaboration style, and your understanding of confidentiality. You'll meet with the Lead Visual Designer and potentially other Truth Collective leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Excellence: Showcase projects that demonstrate impeccable file preparation for print (CMYK, bleeds, resolution) and digital outputs (RGB, optimization).

• Demonstrate AI Integration: Include examples where you've effectively used AI tools for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement. Clearly explain your role and the impact of AI.

• Showcase Adaptability: Include examples of creating variations of assets, resizing designs, or adapting content for different platforms.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, briefly explain your approach, the tools used, any challenges overcome, and the final outcome. Emphasize accuracy, speed, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Confidentiality Awareness: While you can't share confidential work, you can describe your experience handling sensitive client materials and maintaining discretion.

• Organize and Curate: Ensure your PDF is well-organized, easy to navigate, and directly relevant to the responsibilities listed. Prioritize quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice File Prep: Rehearse preparing files for various outputs (e.g., a multi-page brochure for print, social media graphics for digital).

• AI Tool Familiarity: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific AI tools and how you'd apply them to accelerate tasks like image generation or content adaptation for this role.

• Time Management: Prepare to work efficiently under a simulated time constraint, demonstrating your ability to balance speed with accuracy.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when explaining design decisions or production choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and practical skills. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design aesthetics but also robust production capabilities and adaptability to new technologies like AI within a client-focused, fast-paced operational environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat for graphic design, layout, image manipulation, and print-ready file creation.

• Figma: Familiarity with Figma is required for digital design and collaboration purposes.

• Generative AI Platforms: Proficiency with tools such as ChatGPT, Grok, Google Gemini, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly is critical for accelerating design exploration, content generation, production efficiency, and workflow support.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility, basic understanding of digital file optimization and cross-platform design requirements implies an awareness of how designs perform across different digital channels.

CRM & Automation:

• Google Workspace: Familiarity is required for general productivity and collaboration.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard office productivity tools are expected.

• Cloud Storage: Experience with platforms like Box is required for file management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards design and production software, with a significant emphasis on AI tools and standard office productivity/collaboration platforms. This reflects the role's focus on efficient creative execution and output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Clarity & Purpose: A commitment to creating work that is clear, confident, and true to the client's identity, reflecting a purpose-driven approach to design.

• Craft & Consideration: A dedication to high-quality creative output, where design is both distinctive and thoughtfully executed.

• Responsiveness & Accuracy: A core operational value, particularly for this client-facing role, emphasizing the ability to execute fast-moving requests with precision and speed.

• Confidentiality & Discretion: A paramount value given the Fortune 50 client, requiring utmost professionalism in handling sensitive materials and communications.

• Collaboration & Support: Fostering a healthy, employee- and team-centered environment where members support each other, exemplified by the "team activities" benefit.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: The primary collaboration is within a dedicated team serving a specific Fortune 50 client, requiring a strong client-service mentality.

• Shift-Based Handoffs: A structured collaboration model that relies on clear communication and efficient handoffs between team members working on different shifts to ensure continuous coverage.

• Supportive & Learning-Oriented: Encouragement of learning through feedback, a willingness to take direction, and participation in team activities suggest a culture that values mutual support and professional development.

• Cross-Functional (Within Client Team): While the direct reports are to the Lead Visual Designer, collaboration will extend to various aspects of client project delivery, potentially involving other members of the dedicated client account team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values both high-performance client delivery and a supportive internal environment. The unique shift schedule necessitates a specific and highly effective collaboration style built on trust and clear communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced, High-Volume Demands: The primary challenge is consistently meeting the rapid and high-volume design and production needs of a Fortune 50 client within a compressed shift schedule.

• Maintaining Accuracy Under Pressure: Balancing speed with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy across a wide range of deliverables.

• Shift Work Adaptation: Adjusting to and thriving within a non-traditional 3-on/3-off work schedule, including on-call availability and potential weekend/holiday coverage.

• AI Tool Integration: Effectively and ethically integrating emerging AI tools into a production workflow to enhance efficiency without compromising creative integrity or client standards.

• Confidentiality Management: Consistently handling sensitive client information with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Production Techniques: Gaining deep expertise in preparing files for diverse applications (print, digital, fabrication) and mastering complex software.

• AI Design Workflow Mastery: Becoming adept at leveraging AI for various design and production tasks, staying at the forefront of industry advancements.

• Fortune 50 Client Experience: Developing a strong understanding of the operational demands and client service expectations of large-scale, enterprise clients.

• Creative Operations Best Practices: Learning and applying efficient workflow management, project coordination, and client communication strategies within a specialized agency setting.

• Personal & Professional Growth: Access to development programs and team activities designed to foster continuous learning and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the demanding client, the unique schedule, and the integration of new technologies. The growth opportunities focus on mastering specialized production skills and client service within this distinct operational framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Service & Responsiveness: "Describe a time you had to deliver urgent design assets under a tight deadline for a high-profile client. How did you manage your time, ensure accuracy, and communicate with stakeholders?" (Focus on process, tools, and communication).

• AI Tool Application: "How have you used AI tools like Midjourney or Adobe Firefly in a professional design/production context? Can you share an example of how it improved efficiency or creative output?" (Be specific about tools and outcomes).

• Production Readiness: "Walk me through your process for preparing a complex print file for a vendor. What are the key considerations you always check?" (Demonstrate technical knowledge of file preparation).

• Adaptability & Learning: "This role involves a unique shift schedule and rapidly evolving AI technologies. How do you approach adapting to new work structures and learning new tools quickly?" (Highlight flexibility and a growth mindset).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Truth Collective's approach to Brand Identity and Brand Activation?" (Research their website and recent work).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a 'small yet mighty' team serving a Fortune 50 client?" (Show understanding of the balance between agency culture and client demands).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, briefly introduce the client/project, your role, the objective, your process (especially AI/production steps), the challenges, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Production & AI: Specifically call out projects where you excelled in file preparation, adaptation, or leveraged AI tools. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced production time by X%").

• Demonstrate Speed & Accuracy: Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy and speed in your work, perhaps through a specific workflow or checklist.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical execution, and how you handle feedback or revisions.

• Confidentiality: If applicable, discuss your experience with NDAs and handling confidential information without revealing proprietary details.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on practical application, technical proficiency (especially in production and AI), adaptability, and a clear understanding of the client-service demands and unique schedule. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Truth Collective careers portal at truthcollective.bamboohr.com/careers/76.

• Customize Your Resume & Cover Letter: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, production, creative operations, client service, and AI tool usage. Use keywords from the job description. If submitting a cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the unique schedule and client focus.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your PDF portfolio is polished, well-organized, and directly showcases your skills in visual design execution, print/digital file preparation, AI integration, and adaptability. Include specific examples that align with the responsibilities outlined.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on explaining your process, technical skills, and how you handle fast-paced, production-oriented tasks. Be ready to discuss your experience with the required software and AI tools.

• Research Truth Collective: Familiarize yourself with their agency's work, values, and approach to brand identity and activation. Understand their commitment to a supportive work environment and how you can fit into their culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.