Graphic Designer

Authentic Brands Group
Full-timeβ€’$70k-75k/year (USD)β€’New York, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Authentic Brands Group

Location: New York, New York

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17T20:53:56

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is pivotal in supporting Authentic Brands Group's creative services and marketing initiatives through impactful graphic design.

  • You will be responsible for developing innovative visual assets that enhance the storytelling and brand presence for a portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands.

  • The position requires a strong understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to translate them into compelling marketing collateral, digital assets, and presentations.

  • Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure design consistency and drive brand campaigns across various mediums.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and company context strongly suggest a role within a larger marketing or brand operations function. The emphasis on brand guidelines, campaign materials, and collaboration with marketing/social media teams indicates a need for operational understanding of GTM strategies and brand execution. This is not a purely artistic role but one that requires systematic application of design principles within a corporate framework.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Deliver innovative and creative design solutions for Authentic Lifestyle brands, including but not limited to Hunter, Frye, Nine West, Juicy Couture, and Lucky Brand.

  • Design global brand campaign materials, digital advertising, out-of-home advertising, logos, scalable systems, presentations, and pitches.

  • Create, maintain, and adapt corporate materials such as retail brand books, comprehensive brand guidelines, and key digital platform assets.

  • Provide essential creative support to Marketing, Social Media, Brand, and Brand Experience teams to meet their evolving visual needs.

  • Develop compelling visual assets for Business Development pitches and presentations, crucial for strategic partnerships and growth opportunities.

  • Ensure all designed materials strictly adhere to existing retail brand guidelines, maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all touchpoints.

  • Collaborate effectively within a highly team-oriented environment while independently managing workload and consistently meeting project deadlines.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for systematic design execution and brand management, aligning with operational best practices in creative execution. The mention of "scalable systems" and "corporate materials" indicates a focus on process and repeatable design elements, crucial for efficient brand deployment.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related art background is required.

Experience: 2-4 years of hands-on graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate or creative agency setting, is essential. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant work is mandatory.

Required Skills:

  • Mastery and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a specific emphasis on InDesign and Photoshop.

  • Expertise in presentation software such as Keynote and PowerPoint.

  • Familiarity with website content management systems like Squarespace.

  • Demonstrated ability as a visual storyteller with strong creative problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for effective collaboration and concept articulation.

  • Proven aptitude for multi-tasking, strong organizational skills, and the capacity to manage a high volume of projects with quick turnaround times.

  • Ability to take direction effectively and integrate feedback seamlessly.

  • Exceptional design aesthetics, with a solid understanding of typography, color theory, page layout design, and core branding principles.

  • Experience in understanding and executing designs strictly according to established retail brand guidelines. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with web design and user interface (UI) principles.

  • Proficiency in motion graphics and video editing software.

  • Familiarity with AI manipulation tools for creative asset generation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The experience level (2-4 years) suggests a mid-level designer role, capable of independent work but still requiring guidance. The emphasis on adherence to brand guidelines and corporate materials points towards a need for operational discipline rather than purely conceptual design.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects, with a focus on marketing collateral, branding, logo design, advertising, and presentation design.

  • Case studies within the portfolio should highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of the design on business objectives (e.g., campaign engagement, brand recognition).

  • Showcase examples of creating and maintaining brand guidelines or working within established brand systems.

  • Include examples of digital assets designed for various platforms (web, social media, digital advertising). Process Documentation:

  • Ability to document design processes, including initial concept development, client feedback integration, and final asset delivery.

  • Demonstrate understanding of workflow management for design projects, from brief to final production.

  • Provide examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency or to meet tight deadlines.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio and the mention of "scalable systems" and "brand guidelines" imply that candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill, but also their ability to work within structured design processes and contribute to repeatable, brand-aligned visual assets.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 annually.

Benefits:

  • Access to resources and scale of a global brand platform.

  • Opportunity to work with innovative technology and in a nimble environment.

  • Potential to drive ideas into action and own career development.

  • Collaboration with bright minds across retail, marketing, licensing, and legal.

  • Inclusive workplace fostering diversity of thought and expertise.

  • Global team environment with offices in major metropolitan cities.

Working Hours: The role is expected to involve standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific to New York, New York, reflecting the cost of living and market rates for a Graphic Designer with 2-4 years of experience in a corporate setting. Benefits are described in terms of company culture and opportunity rather than specific perks, common for corporate roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Brand and Entertainment Platform, Retail, Licensing. Authentic Brands Group operates in a dynamic, multi-brand environment, managing iconic intellectual property and cultural assets. This means a fast-paced, results-oriented culture focused on brand acceleration and global commerce.

Company Size: Authentic Brands Group is a significant global entity, indicated by its large portfolio of over 50 brands and extensive network of licensees and partners. This scale suggests a structured corporate environment with opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't critical for the design role, Authentic Brands Group was founded with a mission to own and invest in iconic intellectual property, suggesting a growth-oriented and acquisitive business model.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will report to the Associate Creative Director of Lifestyle Brands, indicating a hierarchical creative structure.

  • The role involves collaboration with Marketing, Social Media, Brand, and Brand Experience teams, highlighting a cross-functional operational model.

  • The emphasis on a "highly collaborative environment" suggests strong teamwork and communication are valued. Methodology:

  • Design execution will be guided by established retail brand guidelines and corporate brand books, emphasizing systematic and consistent application of design principles.

  • The focus on "visual storytelling" and "enhancing brand presence" points to a strategy-driven approach to design.

  • The need to support "global campaigns" and "business development pitches" implies a strategic, market-aware design methodology.

Company Website: https://corporate.authentic.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's business model of acquiring and managing brands means the creative team must be adept at adapting to diverse brand identities while maintaining corporate standards. This requires a structured approach to design operations.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer role, requiring 2-4 years of experience. It sits within the broader operational framework of creative services and marketing, focused on executing design strategies for lifestyle brands. The role is expected to contribute directly to brand campaigns and marketing collateral.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to the Associate Creative Director of Lifestyle Brands. This structure suggests opportunities for mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader, with potential for exposure to higher-level strategic discussions within the lifestyle brand portfolio.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual perception and market presence of Authentic Brands Group's lifestyle portfolio. Effective design enhances brand recognition, supports marketing campaigns, aids in business development pitches, and contributes to overall brand equity and revenue generation through appealing consumer-facing materials.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas like digital advertising, motion graphics, or AI-driven design based on project needs and personal interest.

  • Brand Portfolio Expansion: Gain experience working across a wider range of Authentic's diverse brand portfolio, developing versatility.

  • Creative Leadership: Progress to senior designer or art director roles, potentially leading smaller projects or mentoring junior designers, with continued strong performance and demonstrated leadership potential.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a deeper understanding of marketing, social media, and brand experience operations, potentially leading to roles with broader scope.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth path is likely within the creative department, focusing on increasing design complexity, brand responsibility, and potentially team leadership. Understanding the operational context of designβ€”how it serves marketing and business goalsβ€”will be crucial for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in New York City, implying a professional corporate office environment. The description mentions offices in other major cities, suggesting a potentially connected global network.

Office Location(s): New York City, with other offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai. Specificity on the New York office location would be beneficial for candidates.

Workspace Context:

  • A "highly collaborative environment" suggests an open-plan or team-oriented workspace designed to foster interaction.

  • Access to "innovative technology" indicates that the workspace will be equipped with modern design tools and software.

  • Opportunities for interaction with Marketing, Social Media, Brand, and Brand Experience teams are present, facilitating cross-functional communication and understanding of broader business objectives.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with the possibility of occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, typical in creative and marketing-driven environments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and the presence of multiple global offices suggest a dynamic work environment that values teamwork and broad connectivity.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and mandatory portfolio submissions for essential qualifications and experience.

  • Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches relevant to brand campaigns and collateral.

  • Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, adherence to brand guidelines, and creative problem-solving under timed conditions.

  • Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews with the Associate Creative Director and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of brand operations.

  • Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, design capabilities, and potential contribution to the team's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with brand guidelines, marketing collateral, digital advertising, presentations, and logo design. Highlight work for lifestyle brands if possible.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcomes or impact achieved. Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch).

  • Demonstrate Process: Show early concepts, revisions, and final designs to illustrate your iterative design approach and how you incorporate feedback.

  • Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines, showcasing your understanding of brand consistency.

  • Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) and other relevant tools.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Brand Guideline Interpretation: Be prepared to analyze and apply existing brand guidelines quickly and accurately.

  • Creative Problem-Solving: Anticipate scenarios where you'll need to propose design solutions for specific marketing or business objectives.

  • Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within strict time limits, simulating a real-world project environment.

  • Presentation Skills: Prepare to articulate your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio, as it serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to meet the operational demands of the role. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process and demonstrate their understanding of brand systems.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery of InDesign and Photoshop is explicitly required for core design tasks, including layout, image editing, and asset creation.

  • Presentation Software: Proficiency in Keynote and PowerPoint is essential for developing pitches, presentations, and corporate materials.

  • Website CMS: Familiarity with Squarespace is noted, suggesting potential involvement in website content updates or design for web platforms.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool requirement, understanding how design impacts campaign performance (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this role's core functions.

Other Potential Tools (Preferred):

  • Motion Graphics/Video Software: Skills in After Effects or similar programs are a plus, indicating potential for richer multimedia content creation.

  • AI Manipulation Tools: Familiarity with AI tools for design is listed as a bonus, pointing towards the company's interest in leveraging emerging technologies.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The tool stack is heavily focused on industry-standard design software. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their proficiency and potentially discuss how they leverage these tools to achieve specific design and brand objectives efficiently.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: A drive to deliver "innovative, creative solutions" is paramount.

  • Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to understanding and executing within "existing retail brand guidelines" is crucial.

  • Collaboration: Excelling in a "highly collaborative environment" is key, emphasizing teamwork and shared success.

  • Efficiency & Agility: The ability to "turn around projects quickly" and manage workload independently highlights a need for efficiency and proactive management.

  • Visual Excellence: Exceptional design aesthetics and strong technical skills in typography, layout, and branding are foundational.

Collaboration Style:

  • Team members are expected to work together seamlessly, sharing ideas and feedback to achieve common goals.

  • Open communication is vital, especially when supporting cross-functional teams like Marketing and Brand Experience.

  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to take direction are valued traits.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture appears to blend creative freedom with a strong operational discipline, emphasizing the systematic application of design principles to achieve brand consistency and business objectives.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Brand Portfolio Diversity: Adapting design style and execution across a wide array of distinct lifestyle brands, each with its own identity and guidelines.

  • Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic corporate setting.

  • Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Innovating within strict brand guidelines and corporate requirements.

  • Staying Current: Keeping pace with evolving design trends and technologies, particularly in digital media and AI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone expertise in areas like motion graphics, UI design, or advanced digital campaign creation through project work.

  • Brand Strategy Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into brand management, marketing strategies, and business development through cross-functional collaboration.

  • Mentorship: Learning from senior creative leadership within the organization, such as the Associate Creative Director.

  • Industry Trends: Staying abreast of design innovations and their application within the brand and entertainment sector.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are rooted in the operational complexities of managing multiple brands within a large organization. Growth opportunities lie in mastering these complexities and expanding skill sets.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach for a brand with very specific, strict guidelines. How did you ensure creativity while adhering to them?" (Assesses brand adherence and creative problem-solving).

  • "Walk us through a campaign you designed from concept to completion. What was your process, and what was the impact of your design?" (Evaluates process, storytelling, and impact demonstration).

  • "How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Tests organizational skills and time management). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What appeals to you about Authentic Brands Group and our portfolio of lifestyle brands?" (Assesses research and cultural alignment).

  • "How do you approach collaboration with non-design teams (e.g., marketing, social media)?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication skills).

  • "What are your thoughts on the current design trends in the lifestyle or fashion industry, and how would you apply them to our brands?" (Gauges industry awareness and strategic thinking). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by brand or project type. For each piece, have a concise narrative ready.

  • Focus on Process & Impact: Don't just show the final image; explain the "why" and "how." What problem were you solving? What was the strategy? What were the results?

  • Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize projects demonstrating brand guideline adherence, marketing collateral creation, digital campaign design, and presentation development.

  • Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and any specific techniques you used.

  • Enthusiasm and Fit: Convey your passion for design and your excitement about contributing to Authentic Brands Group's brands.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also the operational capabilities required to execute design effectively within a large, brand-focused organization.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link. Your portfolio is critical and will be the primary basis for consideration.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work related to brand guidelines, marketing collateral, digital advertising, and presentation design. Tailor its presentation to highlight examples relevant to lifestyle brands.

  • Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 2-4 years of experience, highlighting proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), Keynote, and PowerPoint. Quantify achievements where possible, and emphasize experience in corporate or agency settings.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand execution. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate and manage deadlines.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Authentic Brands Group's portfolio of lifestyle brands. Understand their market positioning and consider how your design aesthetic can enhance their visual storytelling and operational execution.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 2-4 years of hands-on experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating design proficiency. A graphic design degree or art background is required, along with mastery of Adobe Creative Suite.