Graphic Designer 2

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Jostens

Location: Santiago, Dominican Republic

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Manufacturing

Date Posted: April 02, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating and managing visual designs for a range of Jostens' product offerings, including plates, pins, trophies, medals, patches, banners, and certificates.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in ensuring customer satisfaction by accurately translating client requirements into compelling visual designs.

• A key aspect of this position involves collaboration with internal teams, including sales and production, to refine designs and resolve any discrepancies.

• The role requires strong technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and the ability to manage design projects from conception through to finalization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer 2" and the experience level is noted as 0-2 years, the responsibilities indicate a need for practical application of design skills in a production environment, suggesting that candidates with internships or strong project portfolios that demonstrate hands-on experience will be competitive. The reference to AS400 and Tajima programming (preferred) points towards a manufacturing or production-focused design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, save, and manage customer-requested artwork for various products, ensuring alignment with client specifications and contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

• Verify order details and design specifications within the AS400 system to maintain design quality and accuracy.

• Implement modifications to designs based on feedback from sales representatives or direct client requests, ensuring timely and accurate revisions.

• Generate daily production reports (Check Lists) to track design output and workflow efficiency.

• Prepare and distribute sample images of designs to customers for approval.

• Support the plant with the development and implementation of new designs and processes.

• Develop and execute designs for products that are new to the production process.

• Contribute to the development of specific projects within the graphics department.

• Participate in the updating and refinement of departmental process flows to enhance operational efficiency.

• Assist the supervisor in addressing and resolving any production-related issues or returns from the plant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design work and administrative/support tasks within a manufacturing context. Candidates should emphasize their ability to manage multiple design projects concurrently, adapt to feedback, and maintain meticulous record-keeping, particularly concerning the AS400 system.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a degree or certification in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Practical, hands-on experience and a strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on production-oriented design or manufacturing environments. Experience in translating client briefs into visual assets is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop for graphic design creation and manipulation.

• Intermediate English proficiency for effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong computer literacy, including working-level skills with the basic MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for design briefs and client interactions.

• Good interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with team members and supervisors.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong attention to detail for ensuring accuracy in designs and system entries.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced English proficiency for enhanced communication and potential international collaboration.

• Experience with Tajima programming, particularly if embroidery or specialized textile design is part of the product line.

• Basic knowledge of operating the AS400 system for order verification and data management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required" skills are fundamental for this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in the specified design software through their portfolio and potentially through a practical design test during the interview process. Intermediate English is a firm requirement, so candidates should be confident in their spoken and written abilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on product design (e.g., plates, trophies, medals, banners).

• Examples demonstrating the ability to interpret and execute client specifications accurately.

• Projects that highlight versatility across different design software (Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Case studies or examples of how feedback and revisions were incorporated into final designs.

Process Documentation:

• While specific process documentation is not a direct requirement for the designer, an understanding of how designs fit into the broader production workflow will be beneficial.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, from initial brief interpretation to final artwork delivery.

• Familiarity with workflow management tools or personal methods for tracking design progress and deadlines is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to clearly illustrate a candidate's ability to translate abstract requirements into tangible, production-ready designs. Emphasis should be placed on the variety of products and the clarity of execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: DOP $32,000 per month. This is an estimated annual salary of DOP $384,000.

Benefits:

• Weekly Payment: Provides consistent cash flow and financial planning ease.

• 2-way Free Transportation: A significant perk that reduces commuting costs and stress, especially beneficial in regions where transportation can be a challenge.

• Law Benefits: Compliance with local labor laws, often including social security contributions, paid leave, and other statutory entitlements.

• Complementary Medical Insurance: Offers supplemental health coverage beyond standard legal requirements, enhancing employee well-being.

• Pharmacy and Optic Center Benefits: Additional perks that provide discounts or coverage for essential health and vision needs.

• Internal Cooperative: Access to a company-run cooperative may offer financial services, loans, or other member benefits.

• Referral Program: Incentives for employees who successfully refer new hires, fostering internal recruitment.

• Paid Vacations Period: Standard paid time off to allow for rest and rejuvenation.

• Growth Opportunities: Potential for career advancement within Jostens, aligning with the "Growth Opportunities" benefit.

Working Hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. This amounts to a 42.5-hour work week, which is standard for many full-time positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary of DOP $32,000 per month is competitive for an entry-level graphic design role in Santiago, Dominican Republic, particularly when considering the comprehensive benefits package. The benefits are substantial and address key employee needs such as transportation, health, and financial well-being, making the total compensation package attractive. The work schedule is standard for a full-time role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (specifically recognition products, school memorabilia, and related items). Jostens operates within a niche manufacturing sector that bridges custom product creation with emotional significance for individuals and institutions.

Company Size: Mid-size company with a small company feel, emphasizing agility and innovation. This suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are visible and can lead to faster exploration of new ideas.

Founded: Jostens has a long history, celebrating 125 years of business. This longevity indicates stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of its market and customer needs.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer likely sits within a broader Creative or Production department, potentially reporting to a Graphic Design Supervisor or a Production Manager.

• The team structure is likely collaborative, involving designers, production staff, sales support, and potentially quality assurance personnel.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary focus for the designer, understanding how design choices impact customer satisfaction and production efficiency would be beneficial. The use of AS400 suggests a data-driven approach to order management.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves participating in updating process flows, indicating a culture that values continuous improvement and efficiency in design and production processes.

• Automation & Efficiency: The preferred knowledge of Tajima programming and basic AS400 operations suggests an interest in leveraging technology for efficiency where applicable.

Company Website: https://www.jostens.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Jostens' emphasis on celebrating moments and recognizing accomplishments creates a unique company culture. The "mid-size with a small company feel" implies a balance between structured processes and the flexibility to innovate. This environment is well-suited for designers who can manage their workflow effectively and contribute ideas for process improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry to early-mid level within the design and operations function. It provides foundational experience in production design, client communication, and system utilization within a manufacturing context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Graphic Design Supervisor or a Production Manager. This structure offers direct mentorship and oversight, crucial for skill development and adherence to company standards.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts customer satisfaction by accurately translating their vision into physical products. Efficient and accurate design also minimizes production errors and rework, contributing to operational efficiency and cost savings for Jostens. The quality of the design is a direct reflection of the brand's commitment to excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and to gain proficiency in preferred skills like Tajima programming or AS400 operations.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in designing specific product lines (e.g., intricate medal designs, large-format banners) or to move into areas like art direction or production management.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and additional skills, potential to move into a senior designer role, team lead, or supervisory position within the graphics department. The "Growth Opportunities" benefit listed also points to formal pathways for advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the manufacturing and design sector. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to build a solid foundation in production design and potentially transition into more specialized or leadership roles within Jostens.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position within Jostens' Santiago facility. This implies a professional office environment integrated with a manufacturing or production setting.

Office Location(s): Santiago, Dominican Republic. The company provides free 2-way transportation, which is a significant benefit for employees in this location.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include a dedicated workstation equipped with the necessary design software and hardware.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, requiring interaction with sales teams, production floor personnel, and supervisors.

• Access to design software, potentially plotters or proofing printers, and the AS400 system will be integral to daily tasks.

• The environment may involve balancing focused, individual design work with collaborative meetings and problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: Standard Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm schedule. This provides a predictable work rhythm, allowing for work-life balance while ensuring consistent availability for production needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and free transportation are important considerations for candidates in Santiago. The environment will likely be fast-paced, demanding both creative output and adherence to production schedules and quality standards.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of applications and resumes, likely focusing on required software proficiency and English language skills.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their design portfolio, highlighting relevant projects that demonstrate their skills in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Expect questions about their design process, client interaction, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in the required software and the ability to execute a design task under time constraints.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions may focus on teamwork, communication, handling feedback, and resolving issues, particularly concerning design modifications and production challenges.

• Final Interview: Likely with the hiring manager or department head to assess cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest projects that are most relevant to the job description (product design, manufacturing context).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the software used, challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention how your design contributed to customer satisfaction or efficient production.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific techniques or features you used in Corel Draw, Illustrator, or Photoshop.

• Organize Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a design for a specific product (e.g., a trophy, a plate) with given specifications and constraints.

• Practice working within a time limit.

• Focus on understanding the brief thoroughly before starting.

• Be ready to articulate your design choices and rationale clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates must be able to visually communicate their design capabilities and their understanding of production-level design needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Corel Draw: Essential for vector graphics creation, logo design, and artwork for various print and product applications.

• Adobe Illustrator: A professional standard for vector illustration, logo design, and complex artwork, often used for similar purposes as Corel Draw.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and creating detailed graphics or mockups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• AS400 (Basic Knowledge Preferred): A legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system used for business operations, including order management, inventory, and production planning. Basic familiarity can aid in verifying design specifications and understanding production workflows.

• MS Office Suite (Required): Used for general office tasks, reporting (Excel), communication (Outlook), and documentation (Word).

CRM & Automation:

• Tajima Programming (Preferred): Software specifically used for programming embroidery machines. If Jostens produces embroidered patches or apparel, this skill would be highly valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop is non-negotiable. The AS400 and Tajima programming skills are differentiators that can significantly enhance a candidate's application.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on meeting and exceeding customer expectations through accurate and appealing designs.

• Quality & Accuracy: Commitment to high standards in design execution and data verification to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.

• Efficiency: A drive to optimize processes, reduce turnaround times, and minimize errors in the design and production cycle.

• Collaboration: An expectation of teamwork and open communication between design, sales, and production departments.

• Continuous Improvement: Willingness to adapt and update processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with sales to capture requirements and with production to ensure designs are manufacturable.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where feedback is shared constructively to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices and learning from each other, especially regarding new design techniques or software features.

📝 Enhancement Note: Jostens values a collaborative and customer-centric approach. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how their design work fits into the larger operational picture and contributes to both customer happiness and business efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: The need to balance artistic vision with specific client requirements, production limitations, and brand guidelines.

• Managing High Volume: The potential for a high volume of design requests, requiring efficient time management and prioritization skills.

• Technical Adaptation: Keeping up with evolving design software and potentially learning new programming or system tools (like Tajima or AS400).

• Resolving Production Issues: Troubleshooting and redesigning based on feedback from the plant or quality control.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Mastery: Opportunities to become an expert in Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Industry Specific Skills: Learning specialized design techniques for various recognition products.

• System Proficiency: Gaining practical experience with ERP systems like AS400 and potentially specialized programming software like Tajima.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to and learning about workflow optimization within a manufacturing setting.

• Career Progression: Potential advancement to senior designer, team lead, or supervisory roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to overcome creative challenges while developing valuable technical and operational skills within a stable, long-standing company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a client's request from initial brief to final design output." (Focus on clarity, steps, and communication points.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your designs, especially when working with systems like AS400?" (Highlight attention to detail and verification methods.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to incorporate significant feedback or revisions on a design. What was your approach?" (Demonstrate adaptability and client-centricity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Jostens and the types of products we create?" (Research their product catalog and company mission.)

• "How do you envision contributing to customer satisfaction in this role?" (Connect your design skills to client happiness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 2-3 key projects relevant to Jostens' product lines.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your solution, the tools used, and the successful outcome.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your design decisions and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design workflow, software expertise, and how they handle feedback and production constraints, all while demonstrating an understanding of Jostens' business and customer focus.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at Jostens:

• Submit your application through the Jostens career portal (recruitingbypaycor.com).

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop, and any experience relevant to product design or manufacturing.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your software proficiencies and any experience with systems like AS400 or programming tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Organize your digital portfolio to showcase your best and most relevant design work. Be ready to walk through specific projects and explain your process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Jostens' product offerings, history, and mission to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.

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