Digital Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Graphic Designer II, Web

Company: Columbia Sportswear Company

Location: Portland, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 09, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days onsite expected)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce comprehensive digital design executions for sorel.com to enhance brand awareness, engagement, and sales growth.

• Translate seasonal brand creative directions into omnichannel assets across website, email, paid media, content development, and organic social.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to bring creative concepts from ideation to execution.

• Maintain and enhance the existing creative marketing strategy with a focus on expanding reach across digital channels.

• Develop bespoke design initiatives and deliver creative solutions tailored to specific business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on digital design for the SOREL brand within Columbia Sportswear, with a strong emphasis on e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels. The hybrid nature requires a balance of in-office collaboration and remote work, with a clear expectation of onsite presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Website & Digital Asset Creation: Design and produce layouts and visual executions for SOREL's website, product graphics, banners (static and rich media), email campaigns, and email templates, ensuring adherence to seasonal brand guidelines and SOREL's brand voice.

• Omnichannel Content Development: Create multimedia and graphic projects for various platforms including the SOREL website, email marketing, retail displays, paid media, content development, and organic social media.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Site Managers, Brand Marketing, internal design teams, development, Europe/Canada partners, and the internal operations team to ensure cohesive and effective creative execution.

• User Experience Translation: Translate wireframes into simple, intuitive, and responsive user interfaces across multiple platforms, prioritizing an effective and engaging end-user experience.

• Paid Media Production: Create paid media assets, including light video edits and static executions, to support marketing campaigns.

• Creative Concept Presentation: Communicate and present design concepts and creative executions for approval to internal and external departments, articulating the strategic rationale behind design decisions.

• Production Design & Workflow Management: Apply exceptional production design skills across all marketing channels, navigating quick-turn deadlines and managing multiple projects efficiently and accurately.

• Retail & In-Store Visuals: Design window displays, posters, and in-store signage to maintain brand consistency in physical retail environments.

• Trend Analysis & Innovation: Stay updated on digital innovations, competitor strategies, and industry trends to broaden and enhance knowledge and inform creative output.

• Campaign Leadership: Assist in leading and producing large-scale digital campaigns for key periods such as Cyber Monday, Holiday promotions, and Seasonal Sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile designer capable of working across a wide range of digital and some physical marketing touchpoints. The emphasis on "omnichannel" and "cross-functional collaboration" indicates a role deeply integrated into broader marketing and operational efforts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Digital Arts, Graphic Design, or a closely related field. Experience:

• A minimum of 2-4 years of progressive design marketing experience, gained either in-house or at an agency.

• Experience within the footwear, apparel, or retail industry is strongly preferred.

• Proven experience working cross-functionally with digital marketing teams.

• Demonstrated involvement in the execution of large-scale digital brand campaigns. Required Skills:

• Expert Proficiency in Design Software: Macintosh computer skills with expert-level knowledge in Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Strong Production Design Skills: Ability to complete design tasks efficiently and accurately, with a keen eye for detail.

• Typography & Layout Expertise: A solid foundation in typography, layout design, and a strong understanding of color, scale, contrast, balance, and visual hierarchy.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Understanding of web design principles, including browser usability and cross-platform compatibility.

• Motion & Animation Skills: Experience with transitions, animation, motion design, and dynamic interaction.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent visual, written, and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation and negotiation abilities.

• Organizational Skills: Penchant for details and organization, with the ability to prioritize tasks, communicate progress, and meet deadlines effectively.

• Collaboration & Autonomy: Ability to effectively take direction and work both collaboratively and autonomously.

• Problem-Solving: Strong design and problem-solving skills with an acute eye for detail.

Preferred Skills:

• Responsive Design & E-commerce Platforms: Experience with responsive design and e-commerce platforms such as Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a plus.

• Fashion/Footwear/Apparel Industry Experience: Direct experience within these specific industries is highly desirable.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity or experience with AI tools for design purposes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical skill requirements are very specific, emphasizing a broad suite of Adobe Creative Cloud applications plus Figma. The mention of AEM suggests potential interaction with a content management system common in e-commerce. The preference for fashion/footwear/apparel experience and the mention of AI tools indicate a focus on industry relevance and emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design work that demonstrates the ability to solve business problems through effective design solutions.

• The portfolio must be accessible via a link included on the resume or within the application.

• Examples of work should span various digital mediums, including website design, email campaigns, paid media, and social graphics.

• Demonstrations of how design thinking translated into tangible business outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, enhanced brand perception).

• Visual representation of understanding and application of brand guidelines and visual hierarchy. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of ability to manage design projects from concept to final execution, detailing the workflow and decision-making process.

• Examples of translating wireframes or creative briefs into finalized, user-friendly designs.

• Case studies or project examples highlighting collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, development, operations) to achieve project goals.

• Documentation of how designs were adapted for different platforms and devices, showcasing responsive design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio link is critical. The portfolio should not just showcase aesthetics but also demonstrate problem-solving capabilities, process understanding, and a clear connection between design work and business objectives, particularly within an e-commerce context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The typical salary range for a Digital Graphic Designer II with 2-4 years of experience in Portland, Oregon, falls between $65,000 and $85,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for creative roles in the Pacific Northwest, considering the specified experience level and the hybrid work arrangement. Factors such as specific skill proficiencies, portfolio strength, and interview performance can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Financial Protection: Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Voluntary Benefits: Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, and Legal Services.

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan with a generous company match.

• Well-being Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services, extensive wellness benefits, and a generous time off program.

• Employee Perks: Employee discounts on Columbia products.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position.

• The standard workweek is approximately 40 hours.

• The role is designated as hybrid, with an expectation of working onsite at the Portland, Oregon headquarters four days per week. The specific schedule and potential for adjustment are at the company's discretion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is a benchmark. The detailed benefits package provided by Columbia Sportswear is robust and covers physical, financial, and emotional well-being, which is attractive to mid-level professionals. The hybrid work arrangement with a 4-day onsite expectation is a key detail for work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Footwear Retail. Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in designing, marketing, and distributing outdoor and active lifestyle products. SOREL is a prominent brand within its portfolio, known for its premium boots and footwear.

Company Size: Large (typically 5,000-10,000+ employees globally). This size indicates a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for cross-functional interaction across various departments and brands.

Founded: 1938 (Columbia) / 1962 (SOREL). This long history suggests a company with deep roots, a strong brand heritage, and a proven track record in the market, contributing to a culture of stability and established practices.

Team Structure:

• Brand Creative Team: The Digital Graphic Designer II is a member of the SOREL Global Brand Marketing Creative team. This team likely comprises other designers, content creators, and marketing specialists focused on elevating the SOREL brand.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Brand Creative Director, indicating a clear line of leadership and creative oversight.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires significant collaboration with Site Managers, Brand Marketing, internal design, development, international partners (Europe/Canada), and the internal operations team, highlighting a matrixed and integrated work environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes translating "seasonal brand creative directions" and "sales growth objectives" into visual designs, suggesting a blend of creative execution informed by performance metrics and marketing strategies.

• Workflow Optimization: Responsibilities include navigating "quick turn deadlines across multiple platforms" and applying "exceptional production design skills," pointing to a focus on efficient and streamlined design processes.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated as a primary focus for the designer, the context of digital marketing and e-commerce implies an awareness of and potential contribution to automated marketing workflows and efficient content delivery.

Company Website: https://www.columbiasportswearcompany.com/ and https://www.sorel.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong heritage and the specific focus on the SOREL brand provide context for the design aesthetic and marketing priorities. The team structure suggests a collaborative environment where design is integrated with broader business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level (II) Digital Graphic Designer. It signifies a step beyond entry-level, requiring independent execution of design tasks, significant proficiency in design tools, and the ability to contribute to campaign strategy and execution under the guidance of a Creative Director. The responsibilities involve translating high-level creative direction into tangible marketing assets.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Brand Creative Director, implying mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader. This structure allows for learning best practices in brand creative strategy and execution. Collaboration with Site Managers and other marketing teams indicates exposure to different functional areas within the business.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts SOREL's brand perception, consumer engagement, and sales performance across digital channels, particularly on sorel.com. By creating compelling visual assets for websites, emails, and paid media, the role contributes to driving traffic, conversions, and customer lifetime value, thereby supporting overall revenue generation and brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, UI/UX for e-commerce, or campaign creative direction.

• Leadership Development: Progression to Senior Digital Graphic Designer or Art Director roles, potentially leading smaller projects or design initiatives.

• Brand Expansion: Opportunities to work on creative strategies for other brands within the Columbia Sportswear Company portfolio.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through industry conferences, workshops, and exposure to emerging design technologies (like AI in design) and platforms (like AEM).

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader marketing experience by working closely with digital marketing, e-commerce operations, and international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a creative function, with opportunities to expand technical skills, take on more strategic responsibilities, and potentially move into leadership positions within the SOREL brand or the larger Columbia Sportswear Company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, based out of the company's headquarters near Portland, Oregon. This implies a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work, alongside the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is near Portland, Oregon, which is the company's headquarters. The specific address is not detailed, but it's implied to be a central hub for creative and marketing teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a dynamic workspace where designers interact with marketing teams, developers, and brand managers.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially AEM or other relevant e-commerce platforms is expected within the workspace.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and project reviews with colleagues, fostering a supportive and creative atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement requires 4 days onsite per week, with the understanding that this expectation may be adjusted by the company. This structure allows for dedicated time for in-person collaboration and focused remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant aspect of the work environment, requiring self-discipline and effective time management for both onsite and remote work days. The office environment likely supports creative output with necessary technology and collaborative spaces.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the submitted resume and portfolio link to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and the business impact of their work. This is a critical step to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a more in-depth discussion about specific software proficiency (Figma, Adobe CC) and design principles.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers, team members, and potentially stakeholders from marketing or development to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of e-commerce/brand marketing needs.

• Final Interview: May involve higher-level management or a final review of cultural alignment and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for this specific role (digital design, e-commerce, brand marketing).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, your creative solutions, and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Emphasize how your designs addressed specific business challenges or marketing objectives.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples across different digital mediums (web, email, social, paid media) and showcase your proficiency with key tools like Figma and Adobe CC.

• Ensure Accessibility: Make sure the portfolio link is easily found and functional on your resume or application.

• Tailor to SOREL: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation or project selection to reflect an understanding of SOREL's brand aesthetic and target audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to tackling design problems, from initial brief to final asset.

• Tool Proficiency: Brush up on advanced features and efficient workflows within Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.

• E-commerce Context: Understand key e-commerce design principles, responsive design, and user experience best practices for online retail.

• Brand Consistency: Be ready to discuss how you maintain brand voice and visual identity across various digital touchpoints.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about your choices and their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must present not just aesthetically pleasing work but also demonstrate a strategic, problem-solving approach and an understanding of the business objectives relevant to an e-commerce and brand marketing context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Expect to use it extensively for web and mobile interface design.

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design, particularly for any print-related assets (though the focus is digital) and potentially complex email templates.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, creating web graphics, banners, and digital assets.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animations, video editing, and dynamic digital content creation.
  • Premiere: For video editing and producing paid media video content.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For presentations, concept mockups, and internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for the designer, familiarity with how designs are tracked and measured is beneficial. This may involve understanding data from tools like Google Analytics or platform-specific analytics. CRM & Automation:

• AEM (Adobe Experience Manager): Preferred, as it's a common platform for managing web content and e-commerce experiences. Experience here is a significant plus for understanding content integration and deployment.

• Email Marketing Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or similar is helpful for understanding email template design constraints and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite indicates a need for a highly skilled and versatile digital designer. Experience with AEM is a strong differentiator, suggesting that understanding content management systems is valuable for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A commitment to upholding and enhancing the SOREL brand's visual identity and voice across all digital touchpoints, ensuring consistency and quality.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the end-user experience in mind, focusing on creating intuitive, engaging, and effective interfaces and content that resonate with consumers.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open communication, constructive feedback, and teamwork to achieve shared goals, working effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, design trends, and creative approaches to stay ahead in the digital landscape and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Efficiency & Accountability: A dedication to producing high-quality work efficiently, meeting deadlines, and taking ownership of design projects from inception to completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to working with marketing, e-commerce operations, development, and international teams to ensure design strategies align with broader business objectives and technical capabilities.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open-door policy for design critiques and feedback, fostering a culture where constructive input is welcomed and used to refine creative outputs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and emerging trends within the creative team and across departments to elevate collective understanding and skillsets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative excellence, brand stewardship, and collaborative execution. The values suggest a dynamic environment where designers are expected to be both creative problem-solvers and effective team players.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Channel Specificity: Ensuring that designs adhere to overarching SOREL brand guidelines while being optimized for the unique requirements and best practices of each digital channel (website, email, social, paid media).

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders & Quick Turnarounds: Juggling requests and feedback from various internal teams and external partners, often under tight deadlines, requiring strong project management and prioritization skills.

• Translating Complex Concepts into Simple Visuals: Effectively communicating product features, brand stories, and marketing messages through compelling and easily digestible visual designs.

• Keeping Pace with Digital Evolution: Continuously updating skills and knowledge to incorporate new design tools, platforms, technologies (e.g., AI in design), and consumer behavior trends in the fast-paced digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in After Effects for motion graphics or explore advanced features in Figma and Adobe CC.

• E-commerce & UX Specialization: Gaining deeper knowledge in user experience design, responsive web design principles, and the intricacies of e-commerce platforms like AEM.

• Brand Strategy Exposure: Learning from the Brand Creative Director and marketing teams about strategic campaign planning, consumer insights, and brand storytelling.

• Industry Events & Certifications: Potential for attending relevant design conferences, webinars, or pursuing certifications to enhance professional development.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior creative professionals within the SOREL and Columbia Sportswear Company teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level designer in a fast-paced brand environment, requiring strong organizational and adaptive skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering pathways for specialization and advancement within creative and digital marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex marketing brief into a clear and compelling visual design for a digital campaign. What was your process?" (Focus on problem-solving, process, and outcome).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple digital channels while optimizing for each platform's unique requirements?" (Assess understanding of brand guidelines, channel best practices, and adaptability).

• "Walk us through a project where you collaborated with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, development) to bring a digital design to life. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluate collaboration, communication, and project management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the SOREL brand and its target audience? How would your design approach reflect that?" (Test research and brand alignment).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest digital design trends and emerging technologies, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Assess proactivity and forward-thinking).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a hybrid setting." (Gauge cultural fit and understanding of work arrangements). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each selected project, present the "Problem," your "Solution" (including process and tools used), and the "Results/Impact."

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, improved engagement).

• Highlight Technical Skill: Be prepared to briefly discuss your specific contributions and the technical aspects of creating the assets, especially concerning Figma and Adobe CC.

• Showcase Collaboration: If a project involved significant teamwork, highlight your role and how you effectively collaborated with others.

• Enthusiasm for SOREL: Express genuine interest in the SOREL brand and how you envision contributing to its visual presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, all within the context of e-commerce and brand marketing for a company like SOREL.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit Your Resume & Portfolio: Apply through the official application link provided. Ensure your resume includes a prominent link to your online portfolio or is attached with your application.

• Curate Your Portfolio for Impact: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your digital design skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with e-commerce and brand marketing. For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your process, the solution, and any measurable results.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere), web design, responsive design, e-commerce, and any relevant industry experience (footwear, apparel, retail). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge & Presentation: Be ready for potential design exercises or to walk through your portfolio in detail during interviews, explaining your design rationale and process. Practice articulating your work clearly and concisely.

• Research SOREL & Columbia Sportswear: Understand the brand's aesthetic, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Familiarize yourself with Columbia Sportswear Company's overall mission and values to better articulate your cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.