Graphic Designer (1099)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (1099)

Company: Sunstone HR Consulting (operating as School Harbor)

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Creative / Design Operations

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a 1099 contract role focused on graphic design and visual communication for an EdTech services company.

• The role involves creating client-facing marketing and sales collateral, ensuring brand consistency across all visual assets.

• Responsibilities include designing social media content, internal materials, and proposal components to support business development.

• The Graphic Designer will work collaboratively within the Creative Team, reporting to the Program Lead, and must manage diverse design projects effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is graphic design, its placement within an EdTech services company and the focus on client-facing deliverables, proposals, and brand systems positions it adjacent to GTM (Go-To-Market) and Sales Operations support functions. The 1099 status implies a need for strong self-management and project prioritization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design compelling client-facing deliverables, including presentation decks, one-pagers, and comprehensive reports, ensuring high visual appeal and clarity.

• Develop and meticulously maintain brand guidelines, standardized templates, and cohesive visual systems to ensure consistent brand representation across all company materials.

• Create engaging and on-brand social media content designed to reflect the company's voice and attract the target audience.

• Support the creation of internal materials for company events, internal presentations, and informational guides.

• Design visually appealing proposals and supporting materials to aid in securing new clients and business opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the creation of "client-facing deliverables" and "proposals for prospective clients," which are critical components of sales enablement and GTM strategy. This suggests the designer will play a direct role in supporting revenue-generating activities through effective visual communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of design work. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Estimated 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in creating marketing and sales collateral.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design software, specifically Canva and Figma, for creating and managing visual assets.

• Strong portfolio showcasing social media design capabilities, demonstrating an understanding of platform-specific content strategies.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments, adept at receiving and incorporating feedback to refine designs.

• Proven self-starter with the capacity to manage multiple, concurrent design projects efficiently.

• Skill in context-switching between internal company initiatives and external client-focused design work.

• Ability to maintain visual consistency and adhere to brand guidelines across diverse projects. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design software like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• Familiarity with UX/UI principles for digital design.

• Experience in the EdTech or SaaS industry.

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and GTM strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Canva and Figma suggests a need for efficiency and collaboration, as these tools are often used for rapid prototyping and team-based design. The requirement to "work in ambiguity" and "adjust based on feedback" points to a need for adaptability and strong communication skills, crucial for operations-adjacent roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that demonstrate proficiency in creating client-facing deliverables, such as presentation decks, one-pagers, and reports.

• Examples showcasing the development and application of brand guidelines and visual systems for consistency.

• A robust collection of social media designs that reflect an understanding of engagement strategies and brand voice.

• Case studies or examples illustrating the ability to manage multiple projects and adapt designs based on feedback. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly required, candidates with portfolios that include documentation on their design process (e.g., initial concept, iterations, final output, rationale) will be highly regarded.

• Demonstrations of how design processes contribute to efficiency and brand consistency are a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a 1099 role supporting GTM functions, a portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of the candidate's ability to deliver on core responsibilities and integrate with the company's visual strategy. The emphasis on "brand guidelines" and "visual systems" indicates a need for organized, repeatable design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a 1099 contractor, the compensation will be project-based or hourly. Based on industry standards for remote, contract Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the US, an estimated hourly rate would range from $30 - $50 USD per hour. This range can vary based on the complexity of projects, specific skill set, and the volume of work provided.

Benefits:

• Contractor Status: This is a 1099 role, meaning benefits typically provided by employers (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are not included. The contractor is responsible for their own benefits and taxes.

• Flexibility: The role offers significant flexibility in terms of work schedule and location, aligning with the "Remote Solely" work arrangement.

• Potential for Additional Hours: The stated 10 hours per week is a baseline, with potential for increased hours, offering opportunities for greater earning potential.

• Professional Experience: Opportunity to gain experience with an EdTech services company and contribute to various client and internal projects.

Working Hours: Expected to provide approximately 10 hours of support per week, with the potential for additional hours as project needs dictate. The contractor will have flexibility in scheduling these hours, provided they meet deadlines and support needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for contract graphic designers in the US, considering the mid-level experience suggested. The lack of traditional benefits is a key characteristic of 1099 roles and should be clearly understood by applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech) and Software Services. School Harbor provides software development, product strategy, and data solutions for K-12 schools and EdTech startups.

Company Size: Sunstone HR Consulting, which operates School Harbor, is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB) given the nature of its services and the contract role offered. This often translates to a more agile and hands-on work environment.

Founded: School Harbor is based in Phoenix, Arizona. The founding date is not specified, but its focus on EdTech suggests a contemporary approach to educational solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the "Creative Team" and will report to the "Program Lead."

• This structure suggests a project-oriented team where designers work closely with program managers or leads who oversee client engagements or internal initiatives.

• Collaboration with other team members (e.g., software developers, product strategists, sales/marketing personnel) is implied for client-facing and proposal work. Methodology:

• The company's focus on software development, product strategy, and data solutions implies a data-driven and agile approach to its services.

• Design work will likely need to align with these methodologies, focusing on clear communication, user-centricity (for EdTech products), and measurable impact.

• Emphasis on "client-facing deliverables" and "proposals" suggests a sales-driven or client-service-oriented operational methodology.

Company Website: https://sunstonehr.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of School Harbor as an EdTech services company implies a culture that values innovation, problem-solving, and client success. For a designer, this means understanding the educational landscape and translating complex technical or strategic information into accessible visual formats.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a specialized, mid-level individual contributor role within the Creative function, supporting broader GTM and operational efforts. It is not a traditional "Operations" role but supports operations through design.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Program Lead, indicating a direct line of communication for project assignments and feedback. This structure allows for focused project management and clear direction.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's external perception, client engagement, and sales effectiveness. High-quality visual assets are crucial for proposals, presentations, and brand building, all of which are key operational components for business development and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Increased Project Load: Demonstrating strong performance and reliability can lead to more consistent and potentially higher-hour contract work.

• Specialization: The opportunity to deepen expertise in EdTech-specific design, social media strategy, or presentation design.

• Portfolio Expansion: Contributing to a diverse range of client projects and internal initiatives will significantly enhance the designer's professional portfolio.

• Potential for Future Engagements: Successful completion of this contract could lead to ongoing engagements or opportunities with Sunstone HR Consulting or School Harbor.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, growth is measured by the quality and volume of work, portfolio enhancement, and the potential for continued engagement. For a designer supporting GTM, growth is often tied to mastering the visual language of the industry and effectively communicating value propositions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is designed for a contractor working from their own location.

Office Location(s): United States. The role is open to designers located anywhere within the US, allowing for a broad talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Independence: As a remote contractor, the designer will have a high degree of autonomy over their workspace and daily schedule.

• Tools & Technology: The role requires personal access to reliable internet, a computer capable of running design software (Canva, Figma), and effective communication tools (email, potentially Slack or other project management platforms).

• Collaboration: While remote, collaboration will occur through digital channels, requiring clear communication and responsiveness. Participation in virtual meetings may be necessary.

Work Schedule: Flexible, with an expectation of approximately 10 hours per week. The designer will need to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and respond to requests promptly, aligning with the needs of the Program Lead and client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote and contract nature of this role emphasizes the need for self-discipline, effective time management, and strong digital communication skills. The "workspace context" is essentially the designer's own home office, requiring a dedicated and professional setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and portfolios will be screened for relevant experience and skills (Canva, Figma, social media design).

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting specific projects relevant to client-facing deliverables, brand systems, and social media content. This is a critical step for design roles.

• Skills Assessment: A brief assessment or a small design challenge may be administered to gauge practical skills and problem-solving abilities in a timed scenario.

• Interview with Program Lead: A discussion to assess cultural fit, communication style, ability to work independently, and understanding of the EdTech space.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly align with the responsibilities listed: client decks, one-pagers, reports, social media content, and proposal elements.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design process for key projects – ideation, iteration, feedback incorporation, and final execution.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., increased engagement on social media, positive client feedback on presentations).

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention and showcase work created using Canva and Figma.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a portfolio that is easy to navigate and highlights your strongest, most relevant work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you approach designing for a specific audience (K-12 schools, EdTech startups).

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale, especially regarding brand consistency and visual hierarchy.

• Be ready to discuss your experience managing multiple projects and deadlines as a remote contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is the primary qualification. The interview process will heavily weigh the quality and relevance of the candidate's visual work. The emphasis on "ambiguity" and "context-switching" means interviewers will probe for adaptability and organizational skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Canva: Essential for creating a wide range of client-facing materials, social media content, and internal documents efficiently. Proficiency in using templates, brand kits, and collaborative features is key.

• Figma: Crucial for more complex design work, prototyping, and collaborative design processes. Understanding of components, auto-layout, and version control is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary requirement for the designer, understanding how visual content performs (e.g., social media engagement rates, click-through rates on digital assets) can inform design choices. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core tasks, but an awareness of how marketing and sales collateral integrates with CRM systems or marketing automation platforms is helpful context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Canva and Figma is explicitly stated as a requirement. This indicates the company leverages these tools for efficiency and collaborative design workflows, likely within a fast-paced EdTech environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, impactful visual assets that support client success and business development.

• Efficiency & Agility: The 1099/remote nature and EdTech context suggest a need for efficient workflows, quick turnaround times, and adaptability to changing project requirements.

• Brand Consistency: A commitment to maintaining a strong, cohesive brand identity across all communications.

• Proactiveness: As a contractor, demonstrating initiative and a self-starter attitude is highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Digital First: Collaboration will primarily occur through digital platforms, requiring clear, concise written and verbal communication.

• Feedback-Oriented: The role requires comfort with receiving and implementing feedback to refine designs, suggesting a culture that values iteration and improvement.

• Cross-Functional Awareness: While part of the Creative Team, understanding the needs of program leads, sales teams, and potentially product teams is important for creating effective collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely reflect a lean, client-centric operational approach common in service-based EdTech companies. For a designer, this means being a proactive problem-solver who can translate business needs into effective visual solutions efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Ambiguity: Adapting designs and workflows when project requirements are not fully defined, requiring strong problem-solving and communication skills.

• Context-Switching: Juggling design tasks for internal initiatives and diverse client projects, demanding excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration with team members and stakeholders from a distance.

• Balancing Efficiency and Creativity: Delivering high-quality designs within potentially tight timelines and budget constraints inherent in contract roles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• EdTech Industry Insights: Gaining exposure to the specific visual communication needs of the K-12 education technology sector.

• Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in Canva and Figma through practical application.

• Portfolio Enrichment: Building a diverse portfolio that showcases a wide range of design skills and project types.

• Client Project Experience: Contributing to projects that have a direct impact on client success and company revenue.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges are centered around the nature of contract work and remote collaboration. Growth opportunities are focused on skill acquisition, industry exposure, and portfolio building, which are key for contract professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a client-facing presentation deck from scratch, given a brief." (Focus on ideation, information architecture, visual design, and feedback integration).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design deliverables, especially when working on multiple projects simultaneously?" (Highlight brand guidelines, template usage, and systematic approaches).

• "Walk us through a social media design project where you had to adapt to specific brand voice or campaign goals." (Showcase your understanding of audience, platform, and brand alignment).

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism or significant revisions on your design work?" (Emphasize adaptability, professionalism, and focus on project goals). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the EdTech industry?" (Research School Harbor's mission and the impact of technology in education).

• "How do you approach working independently as a remote contractor?" (Discuss your self-management, communication, and accountability strategies).

• "Given our focus on client services, how do you see your design skills contributing to our business objectives?" (Connect your design work to client acquisition, retention, and brand perception). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and experience. Then, present 2-3 key case studies that best represent the required skills (client decks, social media, brand systems).

• Detail: For each case study, explain the client/project objective, your role, the design process, tools used (Canva/Figma), challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually engaging and well-designed, using your own design skills as an example.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes), allowing ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, adaptability, and a clear understanding of how design supports business operations and GTM objectives within the EdTech sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JazzHR platform.

• Curate your portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant design samples, specifically highlighting work created in Canva and Figma, client-facing deliverables (decks, one-pagers, reports), and social media content. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link to your website or a PDF).

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience with graphic design, brand systems, Canva, Figma, social media design, and remote work. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a portfolio review: Be ready to articulate your design process, decisions, and the impact of your work during the interview stage. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely.

• Research Sunstone HR Consulting/School Harbor: Understand their mission, services, and target audience (K-12 schools, EdTech startups) to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.