Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: City of New York - Campaign Finance Board

Location: New York City, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Digital Communications / Graphic Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 2-5 years professional experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop engaging print and digital materials to enhance voter education and civic participation initiatives.

• Create compelling visual assets, including illustrations and infographics, for social media, website graphics, and voter guides.

• Support quality assurance (QA) and review processes for multilingual digital and out-of-home (OOH) assets, ensuring brand consistency and accessibility.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, design techniques, and emerging technologies to continuously innovate and improve creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is embedded within the Marketing & Digital Communications Unit of the Public Affairs Division, focusing on direct-to-voter outreach and agency branding. The emphasis on voter education and civic participation indicates a mission-driven role requiring a strong understanding of clear, accessible communication design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high-impact print and digital collateral for voter education campaigns, ensuring clear messaging and strong visual appeal.

• Develop eye-catching illustrations, icons, and infographics that simplify complex information for diverse audiences across social media platforms and the agency website.

• Collaborate with the Senior Art Director and cross-functional teams to ensure all creative assets align with campaign objectives and brand guidelines.

• Conduct thorough quality assurance (QA) on multilingual digital and OOH assets, verifying accuracy, adherence to accessibility standards, and overall visual integrity.

• Research and integrate current design trends, software advancements, and accessibility best practices into daily workflows to elevate creative output.

• Assist in the production and distribution of the citywide Voter Guide, a key initiative for informing over 5 million registered voters.

• Contribute to the development and execution of graphic elements for NYC Votes, the agency's voter engagement initiative.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and quality control, with a specific focus on public service and voter engagement. The mention of multilingual assets and accessibility design is crucial for candidates to address in their applications and portfolios.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with at least twelve-semester credits in graphic design, or a closely related area of study, OR

• A four-year high school diploma or equivalent with five years of relevant professional graphic design experience. Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated ability to create impactful print and digital materials.

• Experience with quality assurance (QA) and review processes for creative assets. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in typography, layout, balance, and color theory.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles (e.g., kerning, leading, rags).

• Intermediate knowledge and practical experience with print production processes.

• Proven knowledge and application of accessibility design standards.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to remain flexible, calm, and effective while managing a high volume of work.

• Proven ability to collaborate respectfully and responsively with colleagues and external vendors. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Express, and Adobe After Effects.

• Experience designing for multicultural and multilingual communities.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of current social media trends and design best practices.

• Demonstrated interest in good government advocacy, public service, and campaign finance reform.

• Knowledge of languages other than English.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Behaviors (KSAOs)" section emphasizes a growth mindset and encourages applicants who may not meet every single qualification but possess a strong desire to learn and contribute. The preferred qualifications point towards candidates who can immediately add value in diverse community outreach and digital trend awareness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of print and digital design projects, demonstrating proficiency in typography, layout, and color application.

• Specific examples of infographic and illustration creation for digital platforms (social media, web).

• Demonstrations of understanding and application of accessibility design principles in at least one project.

• Work samples that highlight experience with print production considerations, such as bleed, resolution, and color modes.

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the problem-solving process and the impact of the design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how tasks are prioritized and completed within deadlines.

• Documentation of collaboration processes, showing how feedback was incorporated from stakeholders or team members.

• Evidence of research into industry trends and how these were applied to design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is explicitly stated and is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to showcase their ability to translate complex information into accessible, engaging visuals for a public service mission, emphasizing both creative skill and technical execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., NYC Employees' Retirement System).

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Potential for overtime compensation or compensatory time off, depending on workload and agency policy.

• Access to public service loan forgiveness programs.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. While the role is on-site, some flexibility may be available for project deadlines, subject to supervisor approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer role in New York City with 2-5 years of experience, especially within a government agency. The benefits package aligns with typical public sector employment, offering stability and comprehensive coverage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Service / Non-profit (Civic Engagement)

Company Size: The Campaign Finance Board (CFB) is a city agency. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, NYC government agencies are typically large organizations with specialized departments. The Marketing & Digital Communications Unit is a sub-unit within the Public Affairs Division.

Founded: The Campaign Finance Board was established in 1988. This provides a history of commitment to democratic processes and transparency in New York City elections.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Art Director within the Marketing & Digital Communications Unit.

• This unit is part of the larger Public Affairs Division, which also includes Marketing and Digital Communications, Partnerships and Outreach, Language Access, and Public Relations.

• Collaboration is expected with various internal teams, external vendors, and potentially cross-agency partners. Methodology:

• Data-driven communication: Utilizing campaign data and voter information to inform design strategies.

• User-centric design: Focusing on accessibility and clarity for diverse New York City residents.

• Collaborative creativity: Encouraging input and feedback from team members and stakeholders.

• Mission-oriented execution: Aligning all creative efforts with the CFB's mission to empower New Yorkers in elections.

Company Website: https://www.nyc.gov/site/cfb/index.html

📝 Enhancement Note: The CFB's mission is central to its culture. The emphasis on transparency, equity, and empowering voters means that design work must be clear, accessible, and trustworthy. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for public service values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-to-mid-level graphic design position. It offers a solid foundation for a career in graphic design, particularly within the public sector or non-profit space. The role provides hands-on experience in creating campaign materials and working within a structured agency environment.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Senior Art Director, providing a clear line of mentorship and feedback. This structure allows for focused guidance on design quality and adherence to agency standards.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the CFB's ability to effectively communicate crucial election information to millions of New Yorkers. High-quality, accessible design can increase voter turnout, improve understanding of candidates and issues, and enhance overall trust in the democratic process. The visual assets produced are integral to the success of voter engagement initiatives like NYC Votes and the Voter Guide.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as infographic design, social media content creation, accessibility standards, or motion graphics (with preferred tools like After Effects).

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potentially lead design aspects of smaller campaigns or specific collateral types.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with different units within the Public Affairs Division, understanding broader communication strategies.

• Public Sector Career Path: Develop a career within NYC government, potentially moving into more senior design roles or management positions within the CFB or other city agencies.

• Portfolio Development: Build a robust portfolio with impactful public service design projects that can open doors to future opportunities in various sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory here is about honing design craft within a mission-driven context and potentially advancing within the public sector. The emphasis is less on rapid corporate advancement and more on deepening expertise and contributing to meaningful civic initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in New York City, indicating a traditional office environment within a municipal agency.

Office Location(s): The specific office location within New York City is not detailed, but it will be within the city limits, likely accessible via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes working well with others, suggesting an open and communicative team dynamic. Expect to collaborate closely with the Senior Art Director, marketing specialists, and outreach teams.

• Tools and Technology: Access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is standard. Preferred skills in Figma, Adobe Express, and After Effects suggest these tools may also be available or used for specific projects.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback reviews to ensure cohesive and effective design output.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical for on-site government roles. While the core hours are fixed, the emphasis on managing a high volume of work and critical deadlines may occasionally require flexibility, though this would be managed within agency guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment typical of government agencies, with an emphasis on in-person collaboration and adherence to established work schedules.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on resume and cover letter, with special attention to the portfolio link and demonstrated experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, explaining their design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work. Be prepared to discuss specific projects related to civic engagement, public information, or campaigns.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities under time constraints. This might involve creating a quick mock-up or refining an existing asset.

• Behavioral and Situational Interviews: Questions will assess critical thinking, collaboration, ability to handle volume, and alignment with the CFB's mission and values. Expect questions about how you approach accessibility and multilingual design.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or a broader team panel.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the CFB's mission. Prioritize work that demonstrates clear communication, voter education, or public service themes. Include examples of infographics, social media graphics, and print collateral.

• Showcase Process: For each project, articulate the problem, your design approach, the tools used, and the final outcome. Explain how you incorporated feedback and addressed challenges.

• Highlight Accessibility: If possible, include a project where accessibility was a key consideration. Explain the specific features you implemented (e.g., color contrast, font choices, alt text considerations).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of print and digital work to show a broad skill set.

• Keep it Concise: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key takeaways.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the CFB's mission, NYC Votes, and recent voter guides.

• Practice designing simple infographics or social media graphics that convey key election information clearly and concisely.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for a diverse, multilingual audience with varying levels of digital literacy.

• Review fundamental design principles and accessibility guidelines (WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates must meticulously prepare it, focusing on showcasing relevant skills and a clear understanding of the CFB's mission. The interview process will likely assess not just design talent but also the candidate's ability to contribute to public service objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics for web and social media.
  • Adobe InDesign: The primary tool for layout design of print materials like the Voter Guide, brochures, and reports.
  • Adobe Acrobat: Necessary for creating, editing, and exporting print-ready PDFs, managing digital documents, and ensuring accessibility features.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how to design for platforms that utilize analytics (e.g., social media, web) is beneficial. Experience with designing for A/B testing or optimizing graphics for engagement metrics would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the graphic design role itself, but awareness of how final assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems used by the agency could be advantageous. Preferred Tools:

• Figma: Increasingly popular for UI/UX design and collaborative prototyping; useful for digital-first assets.

• Adobe Express: A more user-friendly tool for quick social media graphics and simple edits.

• Adobe After Effects: For creating animated graphics, motion graphics, and short video content, enhancing digital engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Figma, Adobe Express, and After Effects will significantly strengthen a candidate's application, indicating adaptability and a broader skill set relevant to modern digital communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose: A strong commitment to public service and empowering New Yorkers through accessible election information.

• Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new design techniques, communication strategies, and understanding voter needs.

• Creativity: Fostering an environment where innovative visual solutions are encouraged to make complex information engaging.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among colleagues and with external partners.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A core tenet, ensuring all materials are usable and understandable by the diverse population of New York City.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with marketing specialists, outreach coordinators, and language access teams to ensure design aligns with overall campaign goals and reaches target audiences effectively.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture of constructive feedback is likely present, with designers expected to both give and receive input respectfully to refine creative output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new tools, and design trends within the team to elevate collective skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The CFB's stated values (purpose, curiosity, creativity, collaboration) are directly applicable to the design team. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work ethic and approach align with these values, particularly in the context of public service and civic engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Diverse Audiences: Creating visuals that resonate with a wide range of demographics, languages, and levels of civic engagement across NYC.

• Translating Complex Information: Simplifying intricate election processes, candidate information, and legal requirements into easily digestible graphics.

• Meeting High-Volume Demands: Managing numerous design requests for various campaigns and initiatives under tight deadlines, especially during election cycles.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual communications adhere to CFB branding and accessibility standards across multiple platforms and languages.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving digital design trends and platform requirements while maintaining a focus on clarity and accessibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in preferred tools like Figma, Adobe Express, and After Effects.

• Accessibility Best Practices: Deepening knowledge of WCAG guidelines and universal design principles through workshops or online courses.

• Public Service Design: Gaining specialized experience in designing for civic engagement, voter turnout, and government communication.

• Project Management Basics: Learning to manage design projects from concept to completion, including stakeholder communication and timeline adherence.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insight into marketing, outreach, and policy aspects that inform design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to public service design, requiring adaptability and a strong problem-solving orientation. The growth opportunities focus on enhancing technical design skills and understanding the unique context of civic communication.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a diverse or multilingual audience. What were the challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, research, and outcomes related to inclusivity and accessibility.)

• "How do you approach simplifying complex information into a visual format, like an infographic or social media graphic?" (Highlight your design process, ability to distill key messages, and use of visual hierarchy.)

• "Walk us through a design project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, and the impact of your design?" (Prepare a concise narrative focusing on problem-solving, creative execution, and measurable results if possible.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the City of New York's Campaign Finance Board?" (Connect your passion for design with public service, civic engagement, or good government.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you balance incorporating new trends with established brand guidelines and accessibility needs?" (Showcase your continuous learning mindset and your understanding of practical application.)

• "Describe your experience with accessibility design. Why is it important in public communication?" (Demonstrate a clear understanding of accessibility principles and their significance for an agency like the CFB.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio presentation as a narrative, guiding the interviewer through your design journey for each selected project.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement on a social media post, positive feedback on a voter guide). If not quantifiable, describe the intended impact and how your design supported it.

• Explain Your 'Why': Be ready to articulate the rationale behind your design choices – why you used certain colors, fonts, layouts, or imagery.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your selected projects demonstrate a range of skills, from digital graphics to print layouts, and highlight your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow, collaboration style, and how you handle constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should heavily lean into the agency's mission and the specific demands of designing for public service. Emphasize clarity, accessibility, and the ability to translate complex information for a broad audience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to showcase projects relevant to civic engagement, public information, or mission-driven organizations. Highlight your best work in infographics, social media graphics, and print collateral. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and an understanding of accessibility design.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing skills in typography, layout, print production, and digital design. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Cloud," "accessibility design," "voter education," and "infographics."

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the CFB's mission and explains why your design skills are a good fit for creating voter education materials. Address your experience with accessibility and your ability to work in a collaborative, public service environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Campaign Finance Board's work, including the NYC Votes initiative and the Citywide Voter Guide. Understand their goals and how design contributes to their mission of transparency and civic participation.

⚠️ 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.