Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Church of the Highlands

Location: Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the Church of the Highlands brand through compelling visual design for various initiatives, including services, events, and conferences.

• You will be responsible for creating a wide range of visual assets, from print materials to digital web graphics, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• The position requires close collaboration with internal ministries, creative teams, and external vendors to deliver cohesive and impactful design solutions.

• A key aspect of this role involves mentoring and training Visual Arts students at Highlands College, contributing to the development of future creative talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description is for a Graphic Designer role, it has been enhanced to align with the requested operations-focused output structure. Inferences have been made to frame the responsibilities and requirements within an operational context, emphasizing process, brand management, and project execution, which are critical in any organizational function, including creative departments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-impact print materials, promotional content, and web graphics that align with and strengthen the Church of the Highlands brand identity.

• Collaborate effectively with various church ministries and the Creative Director to understand design needs and translate them into visually engaging assets for services, events, and conferences.

• Manage and coordinate with external print vendors, ensuring accurate project specifications, quality control, and timely delivery of print collateral.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices within the creative industry, continuously seeking opportunities to innovate and improve design processes.

• Provide training and mentorship to Highlands College Visual Arts majors, guiding them in design principles, software proficiency, and practical application within a ministry context.

• Actively participate in and contribute visually to church-wide events, demonstrating a commitment to the organization's mission and community.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring all deliverables are met within established deadlines and quality standards.

• Assist in the development and execution of brand guidelines, ensuring consistent application across all visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been elaborated to encompass process-oriented tasks common in operational roles, such as vendor management, trend analysis for process improvement, and structured training, all framed within the context of a creative department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, or a related creative field is highly beneficial, especially given the mentorship aspect of the role.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage projects from concept to completion. Experience in brand management and print production is essential.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are non-negotiable for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Brand Management: Proven ability to understand, monitor, and strengthen a brand's identity across various media.

• Print Production Management: Experience liaising with print vendors, understanding production processes, and ensuring quality output.

• Web Graphics Creation: Skill in designing optimized graphics for digital platforms, websites, and social media.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with stakeholders and team members.

• Task Orientation: A proactive and detail-oriented approach to managing responsibilities and executing tasks efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a non-profit or church environment.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or video editing software.

• Basic understanding of UI/UX principles for web design.

• Experience in curriculum development or teaching/mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are framed to highlight operational aspects such as project management, vendor liaison, and task orientation, which are transferable skills valued in operations roles. The "preferred skills" section suggests areas for growth and specialization relevant to the unique environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong command of design principles, visual storytelling, and brand application across diverse projects.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Specific case studies or project examples that highlight your ability to maintain and evolve a brand's visual identity across different mediums (print, digital, event).

• Process Workflow Documentation: Visual representations or descriptions of your design process, from concept development and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and revisions.

• Project Management Evidence: Examples of projects managed from inception to completion, showcasing your ability to handle complexity, meet deadlines, and manage multiple stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to articulate and document the step-by-step process for creating design assets, including briefing, concepting, revision rounds, and final output.

• Vendor Coordination Protocols: Documentation or examples of how you manage communication and collaboration with external vendors (e.g., printers), including specification sheets and approval processes.

• Performance Metrics: While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to discuss how they measure the success or impact of their designs, even if qualitatively (e.g., stakeholder feedback, event attendance indirectly influenced).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the operational aspects of a creative role, focusing on process documentation, workflow efficiency, and the demonstration of project management capabilities through the portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Birmingham, AL), experience level (Mid-Level, 2-5 years), and the nature of the role within a religious organization, a competitive salary range for a Graphic Designer would typically fall between $45,000 - $65,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the region, considering factors like cost of living and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) with potential employer match).

• Opportunities for professional development and training, particularly in visual arts and design.

• Access to organizational events and community engagement initiatives.

• Potential for unique benefits associated with working for a faith-based organization.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While core hours will likely be during standard business days, some flexibility may be expected for event-related activities or project deadlines, particularly outside of regular working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical market rates for a mid-level graphic designer in Birmingham, AL, and the specific responsibilities. Benefits are generalized but include common offerings for full-time roles. Working hours are specified as standard full-time with potential for occasional off-hours work, common in event-driven environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Religious Organization / Non-Profit. Church of the Highlands operates within the faith-based sector, focusing on community outreach, spiritual development, and ministry services. This context influences its operational priorities, emphasizing mission alignment and community impact over pure profit.

Company Size: Large. As a prominent church organization, Church of the Highlands likely operates with a significant staff, volunteer base, and multiple locations, indicating a complex organizational structure requiring robust internal processes and communication.

Founded: 2001. Founded in 2001, the church has a history of growth and expansion, suggesting a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptation while maintaining core mission principles.

Team Structure:

• Creative Department: The Graphic Designer will be part of a dedicated Creative Department, likely comprising various specialists (e.g., videographers, web developers, content creators) working under Creative Directors.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role reports to a Creative Director or a similar leadership position within the Creative Department, with potential dotted-line reporting for specific ministry projects.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate extensively with ministry leaders, event coordinators, marketing teams, and potentially educational staff (Highlands College).

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Design: All creative output is driven by the need to consistently represent and enhance the Church of the Highlands brand.

• Mission-Driven Projects: Design projects are directly tied to the church's mission, events, and outreach programs, requiring an understanding of the target audience and communication goals.

• Collaborative Development: Design solutions are often developed through a collaborative process involving feedback from various stakeholders to ensure alignment and effectiveness.

Company Website: https://churchofthehighlands.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes the role within the specific environment of a large religious organization, highlighting how industry and size influence operational workflows, team structures, and the overall company culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software, along with the ability to manage independent projects and contribute to larger campaigns. The role also includes a mentorship component, indicating a step towards leadership or specialized development.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer typically reports to a Creative Director or Lead Designer within the Creative Department. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for independent execution of design tasks.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is crucial for the church's external and internal communications. Effective visual design enhances brand perception, supports event attendance, clarifies messaging for ministries, and contributes to the overall engagement and outreach efforts of the organization. Strong visual identity operations are key to conveying the church's message effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer: Advancement to a senior role with increased responsibility for complex projects, art direction, and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design for web platforms, or brand strategy development.

• Mentorship & Training Leadership: Potential to take on a more significant role in training and curriculum development for the Visual Arts program at Highlands College, moving towards an educational or team lead position.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Possibility to transition into related operational roles within marketing, communications, or event management, leveraging design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on how a creative role, when viewed operationally, contributes to organizational impact and offers pathways for growth within and potentially beyond the specific design function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at a specific church campus location (Grants Mill, Irondale). It is likely an office environment within a larger church facility, designed for collaborative work and creative output.

Office Location(s): Grants Mill, Irondale, Alabama. This specific location is the primary work environment. The church may have other campuses, but this role is tied to the Irondale site.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Creative Department likely functions as a hub for creative work, fostering an environment where designers can share ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate on projects.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design hardware (computers, monitors) and software (Adobe Creative Suite). The environment should support efficient workflow and digital asset creation.

• Ministry Integration: Opportunities to interact with various ministry teams, gaining insights into their needs and how design can support their objectives, fostering a sense of purpose-driven work.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically Monday through Friday, during business hours. However, occasional flexibility may be required to support weekend services, special events, or conference preparations, which are common in a church setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the physical and operational workspace, emphasizing collaboration and the integration of creative work within the broader organizational context of a church.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess design skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and how they've managed similar tasks or challenges. This is a key stage for assessing practical skills and operational thinking.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise or design challenge may be given to evaluate proficiency in specific software and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

• Team & Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with Creative Directors and potentially other team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Church of the Highlands' values.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership, potentially focusing on the role's impact and long-term contribution to the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate how you've applied and maintained brand guidelines across different projects.

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work, from print (brochures, posters) to digital (web graphics, social media assets).

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult in a non-profit, try to connect your designs to outcomes, such as increased event attendance, clearer communication, or positive stakeholder feedback.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the needs of a religious organization or large community-focused entity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Church of the Highlands' existing visual identity, mission, and recent campaigns.

• Practice Design Software: Be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Think Operationally: For any design challenge, consider the purpose, target audience, timeline, and potential for scalability or variation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed with specific advice tailored to operations-minded candidates, emphasizing how to present their work and approach challenges in a way that demonstrates organizational capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations. Essential for scalable brand elements.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics for web and print.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and design of brochures, flyers, event programs, and other multi-page print collateral.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly mentioned, tools like Asana, Trello, or similar platforms may be used for task tracking and workflow management within the Creative Department.

• Cloud Storage & Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for file sharing, version control, and collaborative editing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics (e.g., Google Analytics): To understand the performance of web graphics and digital campaigns.

• Social Media Analytics: To track engagement and reach of graphics shared on social platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - potentially used by other departments): While not a direct design tool, understanding how design assets integrate with CRM-managed campaigns can be beneficial.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): For designing and deploying email campaigns incorporating visual elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technology stack, focusing on the core design software and inferring related tools used for project management and digital output, which are critical for operational efficiency in a design role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Alignment: A strong commitment to the church's mission and values, ensuring all creative work supports its objectives.

• Excellence in Execution: Striving for high-quality design that reflects professionalism and attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share ideas, and contribute to collective success.

• Stewardship: Responsible management of resources, including time, budget, and creative assets, to maximize impact.

• Continuous Improvement: An openness to learning, adapting to new trends, and refining processes to enhance creative output and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with ministry leaders, event teams, and other departments to understand their communication needs and deliver tailored visual solutions.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: An open culture for constructive criticism and feedback on designs, viewed as essential for growth and achieving optimal results.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design insights, best practices, and technical tips among team members and with students.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are interpreted through the lens of operational principles, emphasizing mission-driven execution, resource stewardship, and collaborative process improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Organizational Needs: Adapting personal creative style to meet the specific brand guidelines and communication objectives of a large religious organization.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively translating the needs and visions of various ministries and leaders into cohesive design solutions.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Trends: Continuously updating skills and design approaches to remain relevant in a fast-changing visual landscape, especially for digital platforms.

• Mentoring Junior Talent: Effectively guiding and developing the skills of Visual Arts students, which requires pedagogical and leadership capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Suite or explore new creative software.

• Workshops on Brand Strategy: Learning more about brand development and management within organizational contexts.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from senior creative staff or leadership within the church.

• Exposure to Event Production: Gaining experience in the visual aspects of large-scale events and conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential operational challenges and frames them as opportunities for skill development and professional growth, aligning with typical operational readiness and continuous improvement goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from a ministry leader and translating it into a final visual asset." (Focus on your workflow, communication, and revision stages.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects and platforms for an organization like ours?" (Highlight your understanding of brand management and systematic application.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What were the objectives, your approach, the obstacles, and the outcome?" (Prepare a case study that demonstrates problem-solving, process, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Church of the Highlands' mission and values, and how do you see your design work contributing to them?" (Research the church's mission, vision, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers or individuals with different creative perspectives?" (Emphasize your communication skills and ability to translate technical concepts.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and incorporate them while maintaining brand integrity?" (Show your balance of innovation and adherence to guidelines.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, explain the "why" (objective), "how" (process), and "what" (result).

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Point out how you managed timelines, client feedback, and vendor coordination.

• Focus on Impact: Discuss how your designs helped achieve the intended goals, even if qualitatively.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to discuss your software proficiency and design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are specifically designed to prompt operational thinking, encouraging candidates to articulate their processes, problem-solving skills, and strategic approach to design within an organizational context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Breezy HR platform.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of print materials, web graphics, and brand implementation. Tailor selections to showcase your ability to serve a large organization with a clear mission.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords related to Adobe Creative Suite, brand management, print production, project management, and visual communication. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on the impact of your design work.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to collaboration, and how you manage projects efficiently. Be ready to discuss specific case studies from your portfolio that demonstrate your operational capabilities.

• Research the Organization: Gain a deep understanding of Church of the Highlands' mission, values, current campaigns, and target audience. This will help you align your application and interview responses with their specific needs and culture.

⚠️ 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.