Graphic Designer at College Park Church

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: College Park Church

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Administrative

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Execute creative and effective graphic design for digital, web, and print applications, ensuring consistency with organizational visual standards.
Collaborate with ministry leaders and staff to communicate effectively through design solutions.
Provide art direction and counsel to contract designers, managing timelines, files, and ensuring quality deliverables.
Track and manage design projects using project management tools, ensuring timely completion and cross-team collaboration.
Support Sunday morning worship services with graphic design elements and manage digital content updates for the organization's website.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a church environment, implying a focus on mission-driven communication and community engagement. The "Graphic Designer" title, while standard, encompasses a broad range of creative responsibilities, from core design execution to project management and vendor relations, typical of a mid-level operations-adjacent creative role. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration tools and self-management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Manage and execute graphic design projects for major ministry and event communications, prioritizing based on organizational needs.
Design and edit graphics, photography, logos, and layouts for various publications and materials.
Oversee day-to-day design project tasks, ensuring seamless cross-team collaboration and timely delivery of finished communication pieces.
Provide clear art direction and constructive feedback to contract designers to uphold brand and quality standards.
Review all designs for adherence to College Park Church's established visual brand guidelines and standards.
Manage multiple concurrent design projects, accurately scoping timelines and consistently meeting deadlines.
Offer graphic design support for Sunday morning worship services as required.
Utilize project management and planning tools to track tasks, manage deadlines, and facilitate team collaboration.
Participate actively in weekly design team meetings to discuss ongoing projects, share insights, and align on strategies.
Update and provide digital content and graphics for the organization's website.
Handle general administrative responsibilities, including email correspondence, meeting participation, and other routine staff activities.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both hands-on design execution and operational oversight of the design process, including managing external resources (contract designers) and internal stakeholders. The emphasis on "prioritized by the Director and Assistant Director" indicates a need for strong project prioritization and stakeholder management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of four years of professional graphic design experience is preferred; demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment is essential.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent design projects and meet deadlines.
Excellent time-management skills with the ability to accurately scope project timelines.
Experience with web-based tools for file sharing, calendaring, and project management (e.g., Asana, Trello, Google Workspace).
Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and art direction to contract designers.
Working knowledge of current trends in marketing, design, and social media.
Demonstrated ability to adhere to and uphold brand guidelines.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration. Preferred Skills:
Experience in a non-profit or ministry setting.
Familiarity with web content management systems (CMS).
Basic photography and photo editing skills.
Understanding of print production processes and specifications.
Experience with emerging design technologies and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, project management capabilities, and interpersonal attributes crucial for a collaborative, mission-oriented environment. The "preferred" skills suggest areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves. The experience level is framed as "preferred" for four years, indicating that strong candidates with slightly less experience but exceptional portfolios and skills might still be considered.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of design capabilities, including digital, web, and print applications.
Case studies showcasing successful project execution, highlighting problem-solving approaches and design rationale.
Examples of adherence to and development of brand guidelines.
Visual evidence of managing multiple concurrent projects and delivering them on schedule.
Demonstrations of collaborative work, including contributions to team projects or client consultations. Process Documentation:
Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing design projects from brief to final delivery.
Ability to articulate how they use project management tools to track progress, communicate updates, and manage dependencies.
Examples of how they have provided art direction and feedback to external designers or team members.
Experience in documenting design specifications and ensuring brand consistency across various platforms.
Willingness to adapt to and utilize the Communication Team's established planning and project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, especially one involving external contractor management and adherence to strict brand standards, a robust portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on process documentation reflects the need for operational efficiency and clear communication within the team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Indianapolis, Indiana, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Indianapolis and the typical compensation for roles requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and project management within a non-profit or ministry context.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Retirement savings plan with potential employer matching.
Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and training in design and marketing trends.
Access to organizational resources and community engagement opportunities.
Potential for flexible work arrangements as part of the hybrid model.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, exempt role requiring approximately 40+ hours weekly, typically Monday through Friday. Occasional irregular hours, including Sunday mornings, may be required. Attendance at staff meetings and other staff functions is also expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for similar roles in Indianapolis. Benefits are generalized based on standard offerings for full-time positions in organizations of this nature. The explicit mention of irregular hours and Sunday attendance is a critical detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Religious Organization (Church)

Company Size: The exact size isn't specified, but the mention of "staff meetings" and "Directional Team" suggests a medium to large-sized church with a structured operational framework.

Founded: College Park Church has a history that provides context for its mission and values. While the founding date is not provided, established churches typically have a well-defined organizational structure and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Communication, indicating a clear reporting line within the Communication Team.
The Communication Team likely includes other specialists (e.g., content creators, social media managers, web administrators) and collaborates closely with various church ministries.
The role involves working with contract designers, suggesting an operational model that leverages both internal talent and external resources. Methodology:
Emphasis on mission-driven communication, ensuring all creative output aligns with the church's mission, strategy, and core values.
A collaborative approach to design, involving consultation with staff and volunteer ministry leaders.
A structured project management methodology for handling multiple design requests and deadlines.
A commitment to maintaining consistent visual brand standards across all communication channels.
A focus on continuous learning and staying current with design and marketing trends.

Company Website: https://yourchurch.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the context of a church organization is crucial. The "mission and strategy" are paramount, and design work is seen as a tool to serve that mission. The team structure implies a need for strong collaboration and communication skills, bridging creative work with organizational objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It involves significant responsibility for project execution, managing external resources, and ensuring brand consistency, moving beyond entry-level design tasks. The role requires independent work and decision-making within defined parameters.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Communication. This structure allows for direct guidance, feedback, and alignment with broader communication strategies. The role also interacts with various ministry leaders, acting as a service provider within the organization.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of the church's communication efforts. High-quality, mission-aligned visuals enhance engagement, clarify messaging, and support the overall mission and outreach of College Park Church. The role contributes to brand perception, event success, and internal ministry communication.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore new design trends, and gain experience in areas like motion graphics or UI/UX design.
Leadership Potential: With proven success and initiative, potential to take on more complex projects, mentor junior designers or volunteers, or eventually move into a Lead Designer or Art Director role within the organization or a similar institution.
Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining broader experience within the Communication Team, potentially leading to roles in marketing coordination, content strategy, or digital media management.
Ministry Impact: Developing a deeper understanding of ministry needs and how design can serve spiritual growth and community building.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight a career path that could lead to more specialized design roles, leadership positions, or broader communication management responsibilities, particularly within the non-profit sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of on-site and remote work. This suggests a modern workplace that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Indianapolis, Indiana (46268). Specific details about the office environment, such as amenities or layout, are not provided but can be inferred to support a creative and collaborative team.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The need for "cross-team collaboration" and participation in "weekly design team meetings" suggests an office space designed to facilitate interaction and brainstorming.
Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and project management tools is implied, supporting efficient creative work.
Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with the Communication Team and various ministry leaders are integral to the role, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, approximately 40+ hours weekly. Flexibility is indicated by the hybrid model, but the requirement for occasional irregular hours, including Sunday mornings, is a key consideration for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant factor for candidates. It implies a need for strong self-discipline, effective remote communication, and the ability to transition between different work settings seamlessly.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss the candidate's portfolio in detail, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and adherence to brand standards. This may include a practical design challenge.
Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with the Director of Communication and potentially other team members to assess collaboration style, passion for the mission, and alignment with church values.
Final Interview: Potentially with church leadership to discuss calling to vocational ministry and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain and develop brand guidelines effectively.
Highlight Project Management: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your process, challenges faced, and the final outcome, emphasizing timelines and collaboration.
Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work across digital, web, and print, showcasing different design styles and applications.
Explain Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if working on team projects or with contract designers.
Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design choices, rationale, and how your work supports communication objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

Candidates may be asked to complete a design task within a given timeframe, simulating a real-world project.
Be prepared to present your approach, design decisions, and justification, focusing on how you would meet the brief and adhere to brand standards.
Consider how you would handle feedback and revisions, demonstrating a collaborative and adaptable mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical. Candidates should curate their best work and be prepared to articulate their design process and impact, particularly how their work serves the organization's mission and brand.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are explicitly required. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable.
Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint are standard for general administrative and communication tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

Website CMS: While not explicitly named, experience with a Content Management System for updating web content and graphics is expected. Examples include WordPress, Squarespace, or similar platforms.
Project Management Tools: Experience with web-based tools for file sharing, calendaring, and project management is required. Examples include Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Google Workspace.

CRM & Automation:

Not explicitly mentioned as primary tools for this role, but familiarity with how design assets are used in CRM campaigns or marketing automation workflows could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is the core technical requirement. Familiarity with project management and web content management tools is essential for operational efficiency and effective collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Mission-Driven: A primary focus on serving the mission and strategy of College Park Church through creative excellence.
Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and supportive relationships with colleagues and ministry leaders.
Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and continuous improvement in creative output and professional skills.
Integrity: Demonstrating a stable, mature Christian walk, exhibiting compassion, dependability, and trustworthiness in all actions.
Stewardship: Responsible use of time, resources, and talents to further the church's goals.

Collaboration Style:

Consultative: Working closely with staff and volunteer leaders to understand their communication needs and provide effective design solutions.
Communicative: Proactive and clear communication regarding project status, timelines, and feedback, both internally and with contract designers.
Feedback-Oriented: Ability to both give and receive constructive feedback in a gracious and professional manner, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Team-Focused: Willingness to support other team members and contribute to the overall success of the Communication Team and the church.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are deeply rooted in the organizational context of a church. Candidates should demonstrate not only creative skills but also a genuine commitment to the organization's mission and a collaborative, servant-hearted approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Multiple Priorities: Effectively managing numerous design requests from various ministries while adhering to deadlines and quality standards.
Art Direction for Contractors: Providing clear, actionable, and constructive feedback to external designers to ensure alignment with brand and project goals.
Adapting to Diverse Needs: Translating the unique communication needs of different church ministries into compelling visual designs.
Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design trends, software updates, and digital marketing strategies within the context of a non-profit.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunities to attend workshops or take courses in advanced design techniques, motion graphics, or user interface design.
Industry Trends: Staying informed about new design software, platforms, and best practices through industry publications, webinars, and conferences.
Ministry Understanding: Deepening knowledge of church operations and how design can strategically support various ministry functions and outreach efforts.
Mentorship: Potential to receive mentorship from senior communication staff or to mentor volunteers and junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role in a dynamic environment. The growth opportunities emphasize continuous learning and the unique potential to impact ministry through creative work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for managing a complex design project from initial brief to final delivery, especially when working with external contractors." (Focus on workflow, communication, and quality control.)
"How do you ensure design consistency across various platforms (digital, print, web) while maintaining creative integrity?" (Highlight brand adherence and strategic design thinking.)
"Walk us through a project where you had to balance competing priorities or tight deadlines. How did you manage it?" (Demonstrate time management, prioritization, and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What draws you to work for a church like College Park, and how do you see your graphic design skills serving our mission?" (Assess passion for the mission and cultural fit.)
"How do you approach receiving constructive feedback on your designs, especially from non-designers?" (Evaluate adaptability and interpersonal skills.)
"Describe a time you collaborated with a team to achieve a common creative goal." (Assess teamwork and communication abilities.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (digital, print, brand consistency, project management).
Tell the Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the successful outcome. Use visuals effectively.
Highlight Brand Adherence: If possible, include examples where you've worked with or developed brand guidelines.
Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have metrics on how your design improved engagement or achieved a specific goal, be ready to share them.
Be Prepared for Live Design Critiques: Have a basic understanding of how you would approach a design challenge presented by the interviewer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical design skills but also a strong understanding of project management, collaborative communication, and a genuine alignment with the organization's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the College Park Church careers page.
Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that align with the responsibilities outlined, focusing on digital, web, and print design, as well as brand consistency. Prepare to discuss your process and rationale for each.
Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, project management, and any experience working in a collaborative or mission-driven environment. Quantify achievements where possible.
Prepare for interview questions: Practice articulating your design process, how you manage projects and contractors, and your passion for serving through creative work. Research College Park Church's mission and values.
Research the organization: Familiarize yourself with College Park Church's current communications, website, and overall mission to better understand their visual identity and communication needs.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer