Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Colton RV & Marine

Location: North Tonawanda, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Retail

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop visually compelling graphics for a wide array of marketing collateral, including digital and print materials, to support sales and brand initiatives.

• Maintain strict adherence to established brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all Colton RV & Marine's platforms and sister companies.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with the marketing team to conceptualize and execute creative campaigns that resonate with target audiences.

• Efficiently manage multiple design projects from inception to completion, prioritizing tasks to meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) to produce high-quality, impactful visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the retail sector, specifically RV and marine sales, which implies a need for dynamic, engaging visuals that drive customer interest and sales. The emphasis on brand consistency across multiple entities (Colton RV & Marine, Airstream of Buffalo, Budget RV Outlet of Buffalo) suggests a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt design elements to distinct, yet related, brand identities. The 0-2 years experience level indicates an entry-to-junior level position, focusing on foundational design skills and execution rather than strategic leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a diverse range of marketing materials, including but not limited to brochures, flyers, digital advertisements, social media posts, email newsletters, website banners, and point-of-sale displays.

• Translate marketing objectives and campaign strategies into effective visual communications that enhance brand perception and drive customer engagement.

• Ensure all visual assets are optimized for their intended platforms, whether print, web, social media, or email, maintaining high fidelity and impact.

• Proactively manage the design workflow, including receiving project briefs, conducting necessary research, creating initial concepts, refining designs based on feedback, and preparing final files for production or digital deployment.

• Maintain an organized digital asset management system for all created graphics, ensuring easy retrieval and version control for future use.

• Conduct market research on current design trends, competitor visual strategies, and emerging creative technologies within the RV and marine industry to inform design approaches and maintain a competitive edge.

• Collaborate closely with sales teams and management to understand specific product promotion needs and tailor graphic designs accordingly.

• Participate in brainstorming sessions to generate novel creative ideas for upcoming marketing campaigns and seasonal promotions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on execution within a retail context. The mention of "event- or retail-driven industries" in the requirements suggests that experience with fast-turnaround campaigns, promotional events, and direct-to-consumer marketing visuals will be highly valued. The need to work with sister companies implies the candidate must be adept at understanding and applying varying brand nuances within a cohesive organizational structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent professional experience in graphic design will be considered in lieu of a degree, demonstrating practical application of design principles. Experience:

• A minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong preference for experience in retail, event marketing, or industries with a high volume of consumer-facing promotional materials.

• A robust and diverse portfolio is essential, showcasing proficiency in creating a variety of marketing collateral and demonstrating a keen eye for design aesthetics. Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for graphic creation and manipulation.

• Design Principles Mastery: Deep understanding of typography, color theory, composition, layout design, and visual hierarchy.

• Brand Management: Ability to interpret and rigorously apply brand guidelines to ensure consistent visual identity across all communication channels.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Capability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Digital Asset Creation: Skill in designing for various digital platforms, including social media, web, and email marketing, with an understanding of file optimization and best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing/Motion Graphics: Basic knowledge of video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) for dynamic visual content.

• Web Design Fundamentals: Familiarity with web design principles and user interface (UI) considerations.

• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of pre-press requirements, file preparation for print, and working with print vendors.

• RV/Marine Industry Familiarity: A genuine interest or prior experience within the recreational vehicle or marine sectors to better understand the product and customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2" AI experience level suggests that candidates with internships or 1-2 years of post-graduate professional experience are the primary target. The emphasis on a "proven portfolio" is critical, as it will serve as the primary evaluation tool for design skills and practical application of software proficiency. The "retail-driven industries" preference indicates that experience in fast-paced, sales-oriented environments is a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Range: Showcase a minimum of 5-7 distinct design projects that highlight versatility across different media (e.g., print ads, social media campaigns, digital banners, brochures).

• Brand Consistency Examples: Include at least one project that demonstrates successful application of established brand guidelines, or a project where brand identity was developed from scratch.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Ensure the portfolio visually represents work created using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, with clear indications of which software was used for each piece.

• Impact and Results: Where possible, include brief case studies or descriptions that articulate the project's objective, your role, the design process, and any measurable outcomes or feedback received, demonstrating an understanding of design's business impact.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Explanation: Be prepared to verbally walk through your typical design process for a given project, from initial brief interpretation and concept generation to final file delivery.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Provide examples of how you have approached and resolved design challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or technical limitations.

• Collaboration and Feedback Integration: Outline how you actively seek, receive, and integrate feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and achieve optimal results, demonstrating a collaborative approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, particularly at the 0-2 year experience level, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to translate marketing needs into effective visuals. The emphasis should be on clarity, organization, and showcasing a range of applicable skills relevant to retail marketing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 0-2 years of experience in the Buffalo-Niagara region, the estimated salary range for this position is $40,000 - $55,000 per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in North Tonawanda, NY, and typical compensation for creative roles in the automotive/marine retail sector.

• This range is subject to adjustment based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and final interview performance. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan, potentially with company matching contributions.

• Employee Discounts: Special pricing on RVs, marine products, and dealership services.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for workshops, training, and access to industry publications to enhance design skills.

• Team Environment: A supportive and collaborative work culture within a growing dealership.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional extended hours during peak seasons or promotional events. Flexibility to adapt to business needs is appreciated.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on data from reputable job boards and salary aggregators for entry-level Graphic Designers in New York State, with adjustments for the specific region and industry. Benefits are typical for full-time positions in the automotive/marine retail sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: RV & Marine Dealership. This sector is characterized by a strong customer focus, high-value transactions, and a passion-driven market. The visual marketing needs are often geared towards lifestyle, adventure, and family experiences.

Company Size: Colton RV & Marine, along with its sister companies Airstream of Buffalo and Budget RV Outlet of Buffalo, likely operates as a medium-sized business within the dealership network, suggesting a balance between structured processes and a more personal, collaborative atmosphere.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, the presence of multiple dealerships and established brands indicates a company with a history and a proven track record in the market, suggesting stability and established operational practices.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be an integral part of the Marketing Team, which likely includes marketing managers, digital specialists, and potentially administrative support.

• The team structure is expected to be collaborative, with clear reporting lines to a Marketing Manager or Director who oversees campaign strategy and execution.

• Close collaboration with sales teams, management, and potentially inventory specialists will be essential to ensure marketing materials accurately reflect product offerings and promotions. Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: While creative, design decisions are expected to be influenced by marketing goals and performance metrics, such as engagement rates on social media or conversion rates from digital ads.

• Iterative Design Process: Embraces feedback and revisions to refine designs, ensuring they meet stakeholder expectations and campaign objectives effectively.

• Efficiency-Focused Workflow: Emphasizes timely delivery of high-quality assets through organized project management and utilization of efficient design tools and processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the company as a "leading dealership" implies a commitment to quality and customer service, which should be reflected in the marketing materials. The mention of sister companies suggests a potential for cross-promotional activities and a need for adaptable design skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Entry-Level to Junior Graphic Designer. It is focused on executing design tasks under guidance, developing foundational professional skills, and gaining practical experience within a retail marketing environment. The scope of responsibility is primarily tactical, centered on creating approved visual assets.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to a Marketing Manager or a senior member of the marketing team. This structure provides mentorship and oversight, crucial for early-career professionals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the dealership's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and ultimately, customer engagement and sales. High-quality, on-brand visuals can enhance lead generation and customer acquisition efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital advertising, social media content creation, or print layout and production.

• Expanded Responsibilities: Potential to take on more complex design projects, lead design for specific campaigns, or contribute to broader marketing strategy development as experience grows.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of the RV and marine industry's marketing landscape, product cycles, and consumer behavior, which can lead to more specialized roles within the company or industry.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, career progression could lead to a Senior Graphic Designer role, Art Director, or a Marketing Specialist position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from a 0-2 year experience level typically involves mastering core skills, demonstrating reliability, and taking on increasing project complexity. For a Graphic Designer, this could mean moving towards specialization or broader marketing responsibilities, depending on individual aptitude and company needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, meaning the Graphic Designer will work from the Colton RV & Marine dealership location in North Tonawanda, NY. The workspace is likely within a dedicated office area, potentially adjacent to or within the marketing department.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 908 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. This location serves as the central hub for operations and marketing activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is expected to foster teamwork, with opportunities for direct interaction with marketing colleagues and other dealership staff.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) on company-provided hardware, along with other relevant marketing and communication tools.

• Creative Atmosphere: While professional, the environment likely encourages creativity and innovation, especially within the marketing team, to produce engaging content for the RV and marine lifestyle market.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically aligning with standard business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM). Occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines or special events, but the core schedule is generally consistent.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a dealership environment implies a dynamic, sometimes fast-paced setting. The Graphic Designer will be immersed in the operational flow of the business, which can provide valuable context for their creative work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: An interview, likely with the Marketing Manager, to discuss the candidate's portfolio in detail. This may include specific questions about design choices, process, and problem-solving. Candidates may be asked to present their work and explain their approach.

• Technical Challenge (Optional): A small design exercise or a more in-depth case study presentation may be required to evaluate practical design skills and ability to execute within specific parameters.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with additional team members or management to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the company's values and work environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize retail, marketing, and lifestyle-focused designs.

• Tell a Story: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your command of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Include examples that show your ability to work within or create brand guidelines effectively.

• Organize Clearly: Use a clean, professional layout for your digital portfolio (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a well-organized PDF). Ensure easy navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand all requirements, constraints, and objectives. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Focus on Brand Alignment: Ensure your solution aligns with the Colton RV & Marine brand identity and the target audience for RV/marine consumers.

• Show Your Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process, design decisions, and how you arrived at your final solution, even for a hypothetical scenario.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a set timeframe, as this is often a key evaluation point.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior graphic design role, the interview process heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their work in detail, articulate their design process, and demonstrate how their skills can meet the specific needs of a retail dealership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe InDesign: For layout and page design of brochures, flyers, and other multi-page collateral.

• Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, creating digital graphics for web and social media, and photo retouching.

Analytics & Reporting (for design impact):

• Google Analytics: To understand website traffic patterns and user engagement with web-based visual content.

• Social Media Analytics: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn provide insights into graphic performance, engagement rates, and audience reach.

CRM & Automation (for marketing context):

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - specific to dealership): Understanding how customer data is managed and how marketing campaigns integrate with CRM for lead tracking and customer segmentation.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Proficiency in designing email templates and graphics that are effective in email campaigns.

• Digital Advertising Platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager): Familiarity with ad specifications and best practices for visual assets used in paid advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of the role involves Adobe Creative Suite, an understanding of how design assets are used within broader marketing technology stacks (CRM, email platforms, ad managers) is increasingly valuable for designers. This demonstrates an awareness of the "why" behind the design requests.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving the needs of RV and marine enthusiasts, translating this understanding into compelling visuals.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, which extends to the marketing materials produced.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work collectively towards common goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative thinking and the willingness to adapt to new trends, technologies, and market demands within the dynamic retail sector.

• Passion for the Lifestyle: A genuine enthusiasm for the RV and marine lifestyle, which can inform more authentic and resonant design work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with sales, service, and management teams to ensure marketing collateral is accurate, relevant, and strategically aligned with business objectives.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging a culture where ideas can be shared openly, and constructive feedback is given and received gracefully to improve design outcomes.

• Proactive Support: Being a reliable team member who is willing to assist colleagues and contribute to the overall success of the marketing department and dealership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at a dealership often revolves around a shared passion for the products and a commitment to customer satisfaction. The Graphic Designer's role is to visually communicate this passion and commitment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Effectively working within established brand guidelines while still producing fresh, engaging designs that stand out in a competitive market.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling design requests from various departments (sales, management, service) with potentially differing priorities and feedback.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and the need for quick turnaround on promotional materials, especially during peak seasons or special events.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping up with rapid changes in social media trends, digital advertising formats, and best practices for online visual content.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses to master new features or advanced techniques in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for the RV and marine sectors, understanding consumer motivations and effective visual storytelling for this niche.

• Marketing Fundamentals: Exposure to broader marketing strategies, campaign planning, and performance analytics, providing a more holistic view of marketing operations.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Continuous opportunities to build a strong, diverse portfolio with real-world projects, increasing marketability for future career advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level designer, the primary challenge is often translating theoretical knowledge into practical, business-oriented design solutions. Growth opportunities should focus on skill refinement and expanding their understanding of marketing's role in business success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic for a specific product launch. What factors do you consider?" (Prepare to discuss concept, target audience, platform optimization, and brand adherence.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing materials and for different sister companies?" (Focus on your understanding of brand guides and your systematic approach to maintaining visual identity.)

• "Walk me through a design project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, and the outcome?" (Be ready to articulate your design choices, problem-solving, and any measurable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the RV and marine industry, and how do you see design contributing to its success?" (Show genuine interest and connect your skills to the industry's lifestyle appeal.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially if it differs from your initial vision?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit and focus on achieving the best outcome for the business.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software features?" (Highlight your proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Digital First: Have your portfolio readily accessible on a laptop or tablet. Ensure it's well-organized and easy to navigate.

• Highlight Relevance: Select projects that best align with the requirements of this role (retail, marketing collateral, digital graphics).

• Be Concise: Briefly introduce each project and focus on the key aspects relevant to the interviewer's questions. Avoid lengthy, technical jargon.

• Showcase Process: Explain your thought process behind key design decisions, demonstrating problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, share data or feedback that demonstrates the effectiveness of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a Graphic Designer should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and the ability to apply that talent effectively within a business context. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience relevant to retail, marketing collateral, and digital design. Prioritize projects that demonstrate strong typography, layout, and brand consistency skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and any experience in related industries. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering questions about your creative approach, problem-solving skills, and interest in the RV/marine industry.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Colton RV & Marine, Airstream of Buffalo, and Budget RV Outlet of Buffalo. Understand their current marketing efforts and brand positioning.

⚠️ 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.

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