Design & Content Designer - iCrossing TEST

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design & Content Designer

Company: Hearst (iCrossing)

Location: Chicago, IL, United States / New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Technology

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing compelling visual and written content that drives brand engagement and supports marketing objectives.

• You will be instrumental in translating strategic concepts into impactful creative assets across diverse digital platforms.

• The position requires a blend of strong design sensibilities, creative copywriting, and a deep understanding of brand storytelling.

• Success in this role contributes directly to enhancing the company's visual identity and its ability to connect with its target audience through integrated campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design & Content Designer," the context provided by iCrossing's description as a "marketing and technology partner" and their focus on "outcomes architects" suggests this role will lean heavily into performance-oriented design and content that directly supports marketing and growth initiatives. The "Temporary" employment type is noted but the extensive benefits suggest a role with significant responsibilities and potential for longer-term engagement or a high-value project.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce visually engaging graphics, layouts, illustrations, and marketing materials for social media, websites, presentations, email campaigns, and digital advertising.

• Craft, edit, and adapt compelling copy for social media posts, marketing campaigns, website content, and presentation decks, ensuring alignment with brand voice and messaging.

• Develop innovative creative concepts and content themes for integrated marketing campaigns and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, product, and business development teams to effectively translate complex ideas into clear, engaging creative assets.

• Maintain and rigorously enforce brand consistency across all visual and written communications, acting as a brand guardian.

• Create and edit short-form digital content, including video, animations, reels, and other social-first formats, to maximize engagement.

• Manage multiple design and content projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery without compromising creative quality or strategic alignment.

• Proactively identify and propose improvements to the company's visual identity, storytelling capabilities, and overall customer experience through creative solutions.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in graphic design, content creation, social media, and emerging creative technologies to inform strategy and execution.

• Contribute to the development of data-backed strategies by providing creative insights that enhance campaign performance and customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "outcomes architects" and "connected digital systems" implies that this design role is not purely aesthetic but must be results-driven. Responsibilities should be viewed through the lens of contributing to measurable business growth, performance improvements, and enhanced customer experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of professional experience in graphic design, content design, visual communications, marketing, or a closely related discipline, demonstrating a track record of creating impactful digital assets.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in visual design and content creation, evidenced by a strong portfolio.

• Expertise in design software such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and Canva.

• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles including typography, layout, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale clearly.

• Demonstrated ability to write clear, engaging, and brand-appropriate content for various marketing channels.

• Meticulous attention to detail, with a keen understanding of maintaining brand consistency and quality standards.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Strong collaborative spirit and effective problem-solving capabilities, essential for cross-functional teamwork.

• Demonstrated ability to take a project from conceptualization through to final execution with a high degree of autonomy. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics, video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects), or animation software.

• Proven track record of creating highly effective content specifically for social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn).

• Foundational knowledge of UX/UI principles and digital product design, enabling collaboration on user-centric experiences.

• Familiarity and practical experience with AI-powered creative and content generation tools to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Additional skills in photography or illustration, adding further depth to creative output.

• Previous experience working directly with marketing, growth, or digital advertising teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2+ years" experience level, combined with the requirement for a strong portfolio and autonomy, suggests this is an intermediate-level role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase a diverse range of work that demonstrates both creative flair and strategic thinking in their portfolio. The "Nice to Have" section indicates areas where candidates can differentiate themselves significantly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of projects demonstrating expertise in visual design across digital marketing channels (social media, web banners, email, presentations).

• Case studies or examples showcasing content creation, including copywriting for campaigns, social media, or web.

• Projects that highlight your ability to translate strategic objectives into creative visual and written outputs.

• Evidence of maintaining and applying brand guidelines consistently across various deliverables.

• Examples of work that demonstrate problem-solving through design and content, ideally with measurable results. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of your workflow from brief to final asset, illustrating project management and iteration.

• Include any documentation or case studies related to developing creative concepts and campaign themes.

• Present examples where you've adapted content for different platforms or audience segments.

• Demonstrate how you collaborate with stakeholders and incorporate feedback into the design and content process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design & Content role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to be easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or dedicated platform) and clearly categorized. For this role, focus on showcasing how your design and content skills directly contributed to marketing outcomes or improved user engagement. Include a mix of graphic design, copywriting, and any motion/video work if applicable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a temporary role within a large organization like Hearst, and considering the hybrid work arrangement and locations in Chicago and New York, the estimated salary for a Design & Content Designer with 2-5 years of experience would typically range from $55,000 to $75,000 annually, or approximately $28-$38 per hour, depending on specific project scope, duration, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, effective from Day 1.

• Competitive 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.

• Access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events for professional development.

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement to promote work-life harmony.

• Opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster connection and belonging.

• Collaboration with top-tier professionals across dynamic industries such as media, advertising, technology, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing.

Working Hours: A standard full-time commitment is expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work arrangement. Specific daily hours may vary based on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Temporary" employment type is noted, but the inclusion of comprehensive benefits like medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with a company match is highly unusual for a typical temporary role. This suggests the "temporary" classification might refer to a contract-based engagement or a specific project duration, rather than a lack of benefits. The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Chicago and New York, considering the experience level and the employer's profile.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Technology Services, Media & Publishing. iCrossing operates at the intersection of marketing technology and media, serving as a partner for brands seeking to optimize their digital presence and achieve measurable growth. Hearst, its parent company, is a diversified global media and information services company.

Company Size: Hearst is a large, global organization with a significant employee base (over 25,000 employees). iCrossing, as part of Hearst, likely operates with the agility of an agency while benefiting from the resources and reach of a major corporation. This size offers stability and broad opportunities.

Founded: Hearst was founded in 1887. iCrossing has evolved over the years, positioning itself as a modern marketing and technology partner. This long history, combined with iCrossing's modern approach, suggests a culture that values both established practices and forward-thinking innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Design & Content Designer will likely be part of a broader marketing or creative team within iCrossing, potentially reporting to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager.

• This role will require close collaboration with other designers, content strategists, copywriters, digital marketers, media planners, engineers, and data analysts.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, where diverse skill sets converge to solve complex client challenges. Methodology:

• iCrossing's approach is grounded in "data-backed strategy" and "connected execution," implying a data-driven, analytical process for developing and optimizing creative solutions.

• They focus on "outcomes architects," suggesting a methodology centered on achieving measurable business results and continuous performance improvement.

• The integration of "media, experience, engineering, data, and AI" points to a holistic, multi-disciplinary methodology that leverages technology to enhance creativity and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.icrossing.com/ and https://www.hearst.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights iCrossing's unique position as a "Hearst-backed marketing and technology partner." This dual identity is crucial: it suggests an agency-like environment focused on client outcomes, but with the financial backing, data resources, and industry insights of a large media conglomerate. This blend can offer a stable yet dynamic work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Design & Content Designer. It requires practical experience (2+ years) and the ability to work independently on projects from concept to completion. It's a hands-on creative role focused on execution and contributing to broader marketing strategies.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a Creative Lead, Art Director, or Marketing Manager within iCrossing. This manager will provide direction, feedback, and oversight on projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand standards.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role (like Revenue or Sales Ops), this Design & Content Designer plays a vital role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating the tangible assets that attract, engage, and convert customers. Their work directly impacts brand perception, campaign effectiveness, and ultimately, client performance and revenue. The "outcomes architect" philosophy means design and content are viewed as strategic levers for business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, video editing, UI/UX design, or AI-driven creative tools.

• Creative Leadership: Progress to a Senior Designer role, leading smaller projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to strategy, media planning, and data analysis, potentially leading to roles in integrated marketing or campaign management.

• Industry Breadth: Work across diverse client industries within Hearst's portfolio, broadening experience and understanding of different market dynamics.

• Advanced Tooling: Become proficient in emerging AI creative technologies, a key differentiator in the evolving design landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Temporary" designation, if it indeed means a contract role, might limit traditional career progression within the company. However, the skills gained and portfolio built can be a significant stepping stone for future roles, either within Hearst or elsewhere in the industry. The emphasis on "transforming for what's next" suggests a culture that values adaptability and continuous learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Opportunities are available in both Chicago, IL, and New York, NY. Candidates will likely be expected to work from one of these office locations for a portion of their work week. These are major metropolitan hubs, offering access to vibrant professional communities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open workspaces, meeting rooms, and creative studios.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided, supporting efficient workflow.

• Expect opportunities to connect with colleagues from diverse teams (marketing, tech, media, etc.), encouraging a dynamic and cross-pollinating exchange of ideas.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative, idea-generating sessions in the office.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in scheduling in-office days, while ensuring core collaboration hours are met. The focus is on productivity and output, rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule, especially when working remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding the number of days in the office per week and the primary office location they would be assigned to. Given the creative nature of the role, in-office days are likely to be prioritized for collaborative brainstorming, client presentations, and team syncs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of their work. A practical design or content challenge may be assigned, requiring candidates to create a deliverable based on a brief within a set timeframe.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (e.g., other designers, marketing leads) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural alignment.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a senior leader to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall fit with iCrossing's "outcomes architect" philosophy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases both design and content creation skills, and ideally, demonstrates measurable impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the results achieved. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Show examples where you've successfully applied brand guidelines or developed new brand elements.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work (social media, web, presentations, copywriting) to showcase your breadth of skills.

• Be Ready for a Challenge: Prepare for a potential hands-on design or content creation exercise. Think about how you'd approach a new brief under pressure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design or content challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Focus on Strategy: Think about the target audience, the campaign objectives, and how your design/content will achieve them.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between concepting, creation, and refinement.

• Presentation: Be prepared to present your solution, explaining your rationale and process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should treat it as a narrative of their skills and impact. The inclusion of a potential "creative challenge" underscores the need for practical, hands-on problem-solving skills, not just theoretical knowledge.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma (highly likely for collaborative design and prototyping), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, InDesign for layout and print design), Canva (for quick social media graphics and presentations).

• Prototyping/Collaboration: Figma's prototyping features will be key for interactive designs.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress or similar might be beneficial for web content integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics (understanding how design impacts user behavior and conversion rates).

• Social Media Analytics: Native platform insights (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) to measure content performance.

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with A/B testing designs and copy to optimize performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Basic understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and how design/content integrates with lead generation and customer journeys.

• Marketing Automation: Familiarity with tools like HubSpot, Marketo, or Mailchimp for email campaign design and execution.

• Project Management: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing project workflows and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is increasingly becoming a standard expectation for collaborative design roles. Given iCrossing's focus on technology and data, candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of how their creative work integrates with marketing technology stacks and impacts analytics will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Outcomes-Oriented: A strong emphasis on delivering measurable results and driving business growth for clients.

• Data-Driven Creativity: Utilizing data and insights to inform creative decisions and optimize campaign performance.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working closely with internal teams and clients to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and approaches to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• Brand Stewardship: Commitment to maintaining and enhancing brand integrity and consistency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with strategists, media buyers, engineers, and data analysts, requiring clear communication and mutual respect for different expertise.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine creative work and improve processes.

• Agile & Iterative: The ability to adapt quickly to changing project requirements and client needs, with a willingness to iterate on designs and content.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "outcomes architect" philosophy is central to the culture. This means design and content are not just about aesthetics but are strategic tools to achieve specific business objectives. Candidates should align with this results-focused mindset.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Performance: The primary challenge will be creating visually appealing and engaging content that also performs effectively against marketing KPIs.

• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with new design trends, platform algorithms, and AI tools requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively gathering requirements, incorporating feedback, and managing expectations across various internal teams and potentially clients.

• Translating Complex Concepts: Simplifying technical or strategic information into easily digestible and compelling creative assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Tooling: Training and hands-on experience with cutting-edge design software, AI creative tools, and motion graphics/video editing.

• Industry Trends & Best Practices: Access to workshops, webinars, and potentially industry conferences focused on digital marketing, design, and technology.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from experts in media, strategy, engineering, and data science, broadening understanding of the GTM ecosystem.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Consistent delivery of high-impact projects that can significantly strengthen a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Temporary" nature, if it implies a fixed-term contract, might mean that long-term structured training programs are less emphasized compared to a permanent role. However, the nature of the work itself, especially with iCrossing's focus on innovation, provides ample opportunity for on-the-job learning and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance strong brand aesthetics with clear performance objectives. How did you approach it, and what were the results?" (Focus on your process, data integration, and outcome-driven design.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how have you incorporated new tools or techniques (like AI) into your workflow?" (Showcase proactivity and adaptability.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with creating content for a new campaign promoting a complex tech solution. What would be your first steps in conceptualizing and designing the assets?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, audience analysis, and phased approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about iCrossing and Hearst's approach to marketing and technology?" (Research their "outcomes architect" philosophy and client examples.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers (e.g., engineers, marketers)?" (Highlight communication skills and ability to translate technical/strategic needs into creative solutions.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design and content work?" (Connect your work to KPIs, engagement metrics, and business impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest project that best aligns with the role's requirements and iCrossing's focus on outcomes.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work (e.g., "Increased engagement by X%", "Contributed to Y% lift in conversions").

• Explain Your Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your role, and the tools/techniques you used.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Tell a compelling story for each project, keeping your audience engaged without overwhelming them with detail.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your presentation covers a range of skills, from graphic design to copywriting, and any motion/video work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not just what you designed, but why you designed it that way and what impact it had. This role is about more than just making things look good; it's about making them work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design & Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, content creation, and marketing, using keywords from the job description such as "Figma," "Adobe Creative Suite," "brand consistency," "social media," and "content strategy." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easy to navigate, and prominently features your best work relevant to this role. Categorize projects clearly (e.g., Graphic Design, Content Writing, Social Media Campaigns).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on explaining your process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work. Be ready to articulate how your skills align with iCrossing's "outcomes architect" philosophy.

• Research iCrossing and Hearst: Understand their mission, client work, and company culture. Be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for their specific approach to marketing and technology.

⚠️ 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.