Graphic Designer, Appeals

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Appeals

Company: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.

Location: Huntington, Indiana, United States

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the creative design and layout of religious-oriented customer orders, specifically for Diocesan Annual Appeals.

• Manages projects from initial concept and client consultation through to final production-ready files for both print and digital mediums.

• Collaborates closely with internal teams (Design, Customer Service, Order Entry, Production, Sales) and external customers to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

• Requires strong artistic sensibility, technical proficiency in design software, and excellent communication skills to articulate design concepts and manage client expectations.

• Plays a key role in maintaining project timelines and production schedules, contributing to the efficiency of the Diocesan Appeal Team's operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer, Appeals," the responsibilities strongly indicate a need for operations-minded individuals who can manage projects efficiently, adhere to production schedules, and contribute to process improvement within a creative context. The emphasis on "preparing orders for production" and coordinating with various internal departments highlights an operational component to this creative role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, proof, and prepare visually appealing religious-oriented customer orders and materials for production, ensuring adherence to branding guidelines and client objectives.

• Collaborate with the Diocesan Appeal Team, designers, customer service representatives, order entry personnel, production staff, and sales teams to develop and deliver effective 1, 2, and 4-color print materials.

• Engage in initial and ongoing meetings with Dioceses to understand their design needs, develop initial concepts, and ensure a consistent theme and branding across all appeal materials.

• Coordinate with external vendors for printing services when necessary, managing the vendor relationship and ensuring quality output.

• Assist in the design of both printed and digital assets for Diocesan Annual Appeals, ensuring a cohesive and impactful campaign.

• Provide valuable input for the improvement and creation of new operational processes within the design and appeals workflow.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring all projects are completed within proposed timelines and production schedules to meet critical deadlines.

• Maintain professional and friendly communication with customers via phone and email, addressing inquiries and coordinating design requirements effectively.

• Adapt to new technologies and software updates within the graphic design and prepress fields to maintain technical proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and project management. For operations professionals, this means focusing on the structured approach to project delivery, stakeholder management, and contribution to process optimization within a creative environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related discipline.

• Commensurate education and work experience will be considered as an alternative to a formal degree. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of work-related experience in a comparable field.

• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in graphic design, layout, color correction, and preparation for 4-color printing processes.

• 1-2 years of direct customer interaction or customer service experience is preferred.

• Familiarity with printing presses and their operational requirements is desirable. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Prepress & Print Production: Deep understanding of 1, 2, and 4-color print production workflows within a macOS environment.

• Layout & Composition: Strong artistic sensibility with a solid grasp of design elements, including color theory, typography, and visual composition.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with customers and internal departments.

• Organization & Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work within budgeted hours.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to creatively solve design challenges and make informed decisions regarding fonts, colors, and layout to achieve desired outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Familiarity with the Catholic Church, its practices, and terminology is highly desirable for understanding the target audience and project context.

• Previous experience with Quadient Inspire Designer software.

• Knowledge of printing press operations and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Suite proficiency, print production understanding, and organizational skills directly aligns with the needs of operations roles that require technical aptitude and structured project execution. The preferred skills, particularly customer service and knowledge of the Catholic Church, suggest a client-facing aspect requiring strong interpersonal and contextual understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in graphic design, layout, and print preparation.

• Include examples of both digital and print materials, highlighting versatility across different mediums.

• Feature projects that illustrate a strong understanding of color correction and 4-color printing processes.

• Present case studies that detail the project lifecycle, from concept development and client brief interpretation to final production-ready output.

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain consistent branding and theme across multiple collateral pieces within a single campaign or appeal. Process Documentation:

• Highlight projects where you improved or contributed to new design or production processes, showcasing an understanding of workflow optimization.

• Detail your approach to project management, including how you track progress, manage timelines, and ensure adherence to production schedules.

• Illustrate how you handle client feedback and revisions, demonstrating an iterative design process.

• Showcase examples of collaborating with internal teams (e.g., order entry, production) to ensure smooth project handoffs and successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused candidates, the portfolio should emphasize not just the aesthetic quality of the designs, but also the efficiency, methodology, and problem-solving involved in their creation. Demonstrating a structured approach to project management and process improvement within design projects will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $55,000 - $75,000 annually.

• Rationale: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in a mid-sized company in Indiana, USA. Factors considered include the specialized nature of the work (religious appeals), the required software proficiency, and the hybrid work arrangement. The range accounts for variations in experience and specific skill sets.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement in design software and related areas.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: Flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week, balancing work and personal life.

• Company Culture: Supportive team environment with a focus on mission-driven work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, Monday to Friday.

• Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Requires at least 3 days per week in the Huntington, Indiana office, with flexibility for remote work on the remaining 2 days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for this role and location. Benefits are standard for full-time positions and may vary. The hybrid work arrangement is a key component, offering flexibility typically valued by operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Publishing, Religious Goods & Services. Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. has a long history of serving the Catholic Church through publications, resources, and services, indicating a mission-driven and faith-based organizational culture.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the need for a dedicated Appeals Team and coordination across multiple departments suggests a medium to large-sized organization. This size often implies established processes and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Our Sunday Visitor was founded in 1912, signifying a stable and established company with a deep understanding of its market and a long-standing commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Diocesan Appeal Team, working closely with other designers, customer service representatives, order entry specialists, and potentially sales personnel.

• This role involves significant collaboration with various departments, including Design, Customer Service, Order Entry, Production, and Sales, to ensure cohesive project execution.

• The reporting structure is likely within a Creative or Marketing department, with direct supervision from a Team Lead or Manager responsible for the Appeals Team's output. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creativity is key, the role involves understanding client objectives and appeal success metrics, suggesting a need to interpret data to inform design choices.

• Process-Oriented Workflow: The emphasis on timelines, production schedules, and coordination with multiple departments indicates a structured, process-driven approach to managing design projects.

• Collaborative Development: The role requires active participation in meetings and discussions with clients and internal teams to develop concepts and refine designs, fostering a collaborative development environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and mission-driven nature suggest a stable work environment with a strong sense of purpose. For operations professionals, understanding this context is crucial for aligning with company values and contributing effectively to its goals, particularly in managing client relationships and project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an individual contributor with a focus on specialized design execution and project coordination. It represents a mid-level opportunity for a designer who can operate with moderate autonomy and contribute to process improvements.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to an Appeals Team Lead or Manager, with dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with other department heads (e.g., Production Manager, Customer Service Manager) as projects demand.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of Diocesan Annual Appeals by creating compelling visual materials that drive engagement and donations. Efficient project management and high-quality design contribute to client satisfaction and the overall success of fundraising initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced features of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) or learn new design technologies.

• Process Improvement: Take on more responsibility for refining design workflows, implementing new tools, or leading initiatives to improve efficiency within the Appeals Team.

• Client Management: Develop stronger client relationship management skills, potentially leading to more senior client-facing roles or project management positions within the creative department.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain a deeper understanding of the entire appeals process, from initial concept to final production and distribution, which can lead to broader operational roles.

• Leadership Potential: With proven success and initiative, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers or lead specific design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded candidates, this role offers a path to leverage creative skills within a structured project environment. Growth opportunities focus on enhancing both technical design capabilities and operational project management acumen, paving the way for roles that bridge creative output with efficient execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as a hybrid role, requiring a balance between remote work and on-site presence in the Huntington, Indiana office.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Huntington, Indiana, with specific address details available upon application or interview. Remote work is a possibility for highly qualified non-local candidates, suggesting a willingness to accommodate talent acquisition.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves frequent interaction with the Appeals Team, Customer Service, Order Entry, Sales, and Production departments, fostering a collaborative workspace.

• Technology Focus: The workspace is computer-centric, requiring extended periods of sitting at a desk and utilizing design software and communication tools. Access to necessary hardware and software (macOS, Adobe Creative Suite) is expected.

• Team Interaction: While hybrid, the 3 days per week in the office are crucial for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct collaboration with colleagues.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, totaling approximately 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid nature allows for flexibility, with at least 3 days spent in the Huntington office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant factor, offering flexibility that is often sought after in operations roles. The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for team cohesion and project alignment, a common characteristic of successful operations teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative output.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and experience with relevant software and print production. Be prepared to articulate how you managed projects, met deadlines, and collaborated with teams.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions may focus on teamwork, customer service scenarios, handling feedback, managing multiple priorities, and problem-solving within a creative and operational context.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion about cultural fit, alignment with the company's mission, and how your skills can contribute to the Appeals Team's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in layout, color correction, print preparation, and digital design for appeals or similar campaigns.

• Highlight Process: For each project, be ready to explain your design thinking, the client's brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Emphasize your role in project management and meeting deadlines.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., improved engagement rates, successful fundraising campaigns). For operations-minded candidates, this demonstrates a results-oriented approach.

• Showcase Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you collaborated with clients and internal teams, demonstrating your communication and teamwork skills.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to speak to your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of print production.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be asked to complete a design exercise or a short case study related to appeal materials.

• Focus on understanding the target audience (Catholic community), the appeal's objective, and how to convey the message effectively through design.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or manager.

• Consider how you would manage the project timeline and coordinate with other departments if this were a real assignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate design and project management processes. Operations candidates should focus on demonstrating their structured approach, efficiency, and problem-solving capabilities within their portfolio and interview responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, typography, and preparing multi-page documents for print. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency in master pages, styles, and pre-flight checks.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, color correction, and creating digital assets. Proficiency in layers, masks, and color profiles is key.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Used for creating vector graphics, logos, and illustrations. Understanding path manipulation and vector output is important.
  • Adobe Acrobat: Required for creating, editing, and managing PDF files, including setting print-ready parameters and ensuring document integrity.

• Operating System: macOS environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts campaign performance might require familiarity with basic analytics reporting or interpretation of client feedback related to engagement. CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Microsoft Word: For creating and editing professional emails and documents.
  • Microsoft Excel: For managing project details, timelines, or basic data tracking.
  • Microsoft Outlook: For professional email communication and calendar management.

• Microsoft Teams: Used for internal communication, collaboration, and potentially virtual meetings with clients or team members.

Specialized Software (Desirable):

• Quadient Inspire Designer: Familiarity with this customer communications management (CCM) platform would be a significant advantage, indicating experience with personalized or automated design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and macOS is standard for design roles. For operations professionals, highlighting proficiency in Microsoft Teams and Excel, and the ability to learn specialized software like Quadient Inspire, demonstrates adaptability and a capacity for integrating into operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to serving the Catholic Church and its mission, which translates into a purpose-driven work environment.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve common goals, especially within the Appeals Team and with other departments.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to providing excellent service to Dioceses and customers, ensuring their design needs are met professionally and effectively.

• Quality & Accuracy: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free design work that accurately represents the client's message and brand.

• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving design trends and project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires active participation in team discussions, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to meet collective deadlines.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with Customer Service, Order Entry, Production, and Sales are essential for seamless project execution and problem resolution.

• Client Partnership: Building positive relationships with Dioceses, understanding their unique needs, and acting as a trusted design partner.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly its mission-driven nature and emphasis on collaboration, suggest a work environment that rewards dedication and teamwork. Operations professionals who can align with these values and contribute to a cohesive team dynamic will be well-suited for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Operational Constraints: Meeting strict deadlines and production schedules while maintaining high creative standards and client expectations.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Adapting design styles and communication approaches to suit the unique requirements of various Dioceses across the country.

• Technical Adaptability: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in graphic design software and digital technologies.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity across both remote and in-office workdays.

• Understanding Nuanced Subject Matter: Grasping the specific context and sensitivities related to religious appeals and Catholic Church practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools.

• Print Production Workshops: Learning more about the technical aspects of printing and how to optimize designs for various press types.

• Customer Relationship Management Skills: Developing enhanced communication and client management techniques through direct interaction.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insights into the operations of other departments (e.g., order entry, production) to better integrate design into the overall workflow.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of best practices in graphic design, digital marketing, and fundraising campaign strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in roles that bridge creative and operational demands. The growth opportunities align with developing both specialized design skills and broader operational competencies, preparing individuals for more complex roles within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design project from concept to completion. What was your process, and how did you ensure it met deadlines?" (Focus on project management, timeline adherence, and stakeholder communication.)

• "How do you approach balancing creative vision with the technical requirements of print production and client branding guidelines?" (Highlight your understanding of both artistic and operational constraints.)

• "Walk us through your process for collaborating with clients or internal teams on a design project. How do you handle feedback and revisions?" (Emphasize communication, teamwork, and iterative improvement.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Our Sunday Visitor, and specifically on Diocesan Appeals?" (Research the company's mission and values; connect your skills to their purpose.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of a fundraising appeal?" (Focus on impact and results-oriented design.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid team environment. What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?" (Showcase your adaptability and self-management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the outcome.

• Emphasize Operations: When discussing your process, highlight how you managed timelines, coordinated with others, and ensured the final deliverable was production-ready.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail any design or production challenges you encountered and how you creatively and efficiently solved them.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly, allowing time for questions. Your passion for design and understanding of operational efficiency should shine through.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong project management, communication, and problem-solving skills—key attributes for successful operations professionals. Highlighting your understanding of the appeals process and the company's mission will also be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, print production, project coordination, and customer service. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe InDesign," "4-color printing," "layout design," and "project management." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed design projects for X number of clients, ensuring on-time delivery").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your skills in layout, color correction, print preparation, and digital design. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and how you ensured project success. For operations-minded candidates, emphasize the project management aspects within your portfolio.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the company's mission and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Our Sunday Visitor's mission, history, and the types of appeals they support. Understanding their context will help you 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.