Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Colton RV & Marine

Location: North Tonawanda, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of diverse and engaging marketing collateral, including digital assets for social media, email campaigns, and website content, ensuring alignment with brand identity.

• Maintain strict adherence to brand guidelines across all creative outputs for Colton RV & Marine and its sister companies, Airstream of Buffalo and Budget RV Outlet of Buffalo, ensuring a cohesive brand presence.

• Collaborate closely with the marketing team to conceptualize and execute innovative campaigns, translating strategic objectives into compelling visual narratives.

• Efficiently manage a portfolio of design projects, prioritizing tasks and meeting stringent deadlines without compromising the quality or strategic intent of the designs.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) to produce high-fidelity graphics and layouts that meet professional standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for an entry-level designer with a foundational understanding of marketing principles and a strong command of design software. The focus is on execution and brand consistency within a retail-driven environment, with opportunities to contribute to campaign ideation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop visually compelling graphics for a wide array of marketing materials, encompassing brochures, flyers, social media posts, email newsletters, website banners, and digital advertisements.

• Ensure all design outputs meticulously adhere to the established brand guidelines of Colton RV & Marine and its affiliated brands (Airstream of Buffalo, Budget RV Outlet of Buffalo), maintaining visual integrity and brand recognition.

• Partner with the marketing department to brainstorm and develop creative concepts for seasonal promotions, product launches, and general brand awareness campaigns.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for multiple concurrent projects, from initial concept and brief to final asset delivery, ensuring timely completion and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Utilize expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) to produce polished, high-resolution graphics, layouts, and potentially simple animations or video edits.

• Conduct research on current design trends, competitor creative strategies, and industry best practices within the RV and marine sectors to inform and elevate design solutions.

• Proactively solicit and integrate feedback from marketing managers, sales teams, and other stakeholders to refine designs and achieve optimal visual communication and campaign effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to graphic creation with a strong emphasis on brand stewardship and collaboration within a marketing team. The need to manage multiple projects concurrently suggests a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating equivalent skill acquisition. Experience:

• A minimum of 1 to 2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a preference for experience within event-driven, retail, or consumer goods industries. Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for professional design production.

• Strong foundational knowledge of core design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and layout design.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all design deliverables.

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for clear collaboration with team members and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for retail or event-driven marketing campaigns.

• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and their specific design requirements (e.g., social media ad specs, email marketing templates).

• Basic understanding of web design principles and UI/UX considerations.

• A genuine interest or passion for the RV and marine industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is entry-level, suggesting that the company is looking for a candidate with foundational skills and potential to grow. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and core design principles is standard for graphic design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated digital portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse design projects that demonstrate proficiency in graphic design principles and software.

• Projects should include examples of marketing collateral such as brochures, flyers, social media graphics, and email campaign visuals, reflecting the core responsibilities of the role.

• The portfolio should highlight your ability to maintain brand consistency across different applications and your approach to visual problem-solving.

• Include case studies or brief descriptions for key projects, outlining the design challenge, your creative process, and the intended outcome or impact. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for this role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from brief interpretation and concept development to revision and final asset delivery.

• Be ready to articulate how you manage feedback and iterate on designs to meet project objectives and stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role at this level, the portfolio is the primary indicator of capability. The focus is on visual output and the ability to translate concepts into tangible designs, rather than formal process documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual salary range for this Graphic Designer position is between $41,500 and $58,000 USD. This range is based on the provided salary data, entry-level experience requirement (0-2 years), and the location in North Tonawanda, NY. Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Potential for employee discounts on RVs, marine products, and accessories.

• Opportunities for professional development and training in design software and marketing trends.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401(k)). Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The exact daily schedule will be determined by management, with standard business hours expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a direct reflection of the input data. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US automotive/recreation retail sector. The passion for the industry may translate into unique employee perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: RV & Marine Dealership (Automotive/Recreation Retail)

Company Size: Colton RV & Marine is a significant player in the regional RV and marine market. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, the mention of sister companies suggests a medium-to-large-sized operation with a robust marketing function.

Founded: Colton RV & Marine has a history in the region, indicating established operations and a potentially strong company culture built over years of service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, likely reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.

• This team will collaborate closely with sales, service, and management departments to support their respective marketing needs.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as the designer's work will directly impact sales initiatives, customer engagement, and brand perception across all departments. Methodology:

• The marketing team likely employs a data-informed approach, using campaign performance and customer feedback to refine strategies.

• Workflow planning involves project briefs, collaborative brainstorming sessions, and iterative design processes.

• Automation might be used for email marketing and social media scheduling, requiring designs to be compatible with these platforms.

Company Website: https://www.coltonrv.com/ (and potentially sister company sites)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a competitive retail environment where visual marketing is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. The culture likely values customer service, product knowledge, and a collaborative team approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at an entry-level to junior level. It provides a foundational experience in commercial graphic design within a dynamic retail sector. The responsibilities focus on execution and brand adherence, with opportunities to contribute to concept development.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will typically report to a Marketing Manager or a senior member of the marketing team who oversees creative operations. This provides direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts revenue by creating compelling marketing materials that drive customer interest, engagement, and ultimately, sales of RVs and marine products. Effective design can enhance brand perception, improve conversion rates on digital platforms, and support overall business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific design areas such as digital marketing design, branding, or motion graphics.

• Senior Designer/Art Director: Progress to roles with greater creative leadership, strategic input, and team management responsibilities.

• Marketing Specialization: Transition into broader marketing roles, leveraging design skills within content marketing, digital marketing, or campaign management.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the RV and marine industry's marketing and design landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer often involves deepening creative skills and taking on more strategic or leadership responsibilities within the marketing function, or leveraging design expertise in adjacent marketing disciplines.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, likely working within a dedicated marketing department or office space at one of the Colton RV & Marine locations. The environment is expected to be professional, collaborative, and fast-paced, typical of a retail dealership setting.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is 908 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

• The designer may also need to visit or coordinate with sister company locations (Airstream of Buffalo, Budget RV Outlet of Buffalo) as required for specific projects. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with professional-grade design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for collaboration with marketing colleagues, sales teams, and management will be readily available.

• The environment may be dynamic, with exposure to customer interactions and the dealership's product lines, potentially providing creative inspiration. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required during peak seasons or for critical project deadlines, but the core hours will be during the business week.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a dealership environment offers direct exposure to the business operations and customer base, which can be beneficial for a designer seeking to understand market impact.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Marketing Manager or similar). This will focus on your design experience, software proficiency, understanding of design principles, and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities. Expect questions about your portfolio pieces.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a short, timed design exercise or a take-home project relevant to the company's marketing needs. This evaluates your design thinking, execution speed, and ability to follow a brief.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management or other key stakeholders. This interview assesses cultural fit, communication skills, and your overall enthusiasm for the company and industry.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in creating marketing collateral (brochures, social media, email graphics) and demonstrate brand consistency.

• Tell a Story: For each piece, be ready to explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the intended outcome or results.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Emphasize examples where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of styles and project types if possible.

• Ensure Quality: Present high-resolution images and ensure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and interpret any design challenge instructions. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Focus on Brand: If a brand context is provided (even hypothetical), ensure your design aligns with its likely aesthetic and messaging.

• Time Management: Practice designing within a set timeframe. Prioritize essential elements.

• Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to present your challenge solution and articulate your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design choices and demonstrate practical application of design principles in a marketing context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and print design (brochures, flyers).
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for the designer, understanding how designs perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement, email open rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics reporting from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or email marketing software can be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Email Marketing Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar, and understanding how to prepare graphics for email templates.

• Social Media Management Tools: Understanding how graphics are uploaded and optimized for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Suite. Awareness of how designs integrate with marketing automation and social media platforms adds significant value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and unique visual solutions to capture attention in a competitive market.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep commitment to maintaining and enhancing the visual identity and integrity of Colton RV & Marine and its sister brands.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers work closely with marketing, sales, and other departments to achieve common goals.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end customer in mind, aiming to create materials that resonate, inform, and drive engagement.

• Quality & Precision: A dedication to producing high-quality, error-free work that reflects professionalism.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will be expected to work closely with marketing managers, sales associates, and potentially service department staff to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual communication.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs to ensure optimal outcomes and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design trends, software tips, and creative inspiration within the marketing team and potentially across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a results-oriented approach, where creativity directly contributes to business success in the retail sector. A collaborative spirit is crucial for aligning design efforts with broader marketing and sales strategies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Effectively generating innovative designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and corporate messaging.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Requests: Juggling diverse design needs and feedback from various departments and individuals, each with potentially different priorities.

• Pace of Retail Marketing: Adapting to a fast-paced environment with frequent campaigns, promotions, and the need for rapid design turnaround.

• Staying Current: Continuously updating design skills and knowledge of design software and digital marketing trends relevant to the RV and marine industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workshops & Webinars: Access to industry-specific design workshops or webinars focusing on new software features, design trends, or marketing integration.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior marketing team members or potentially external design professionals.

• Portfolio Building: Opportunity to build a robust portfolio with diverse projects that can lead to future career advancements.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the RV and marine industry's marketing landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a junior designer, presenting challenges that foster skill development in practical application, stakeholder management, and brand adherence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic for a new product launch." (Focus on brief interpretation, concept, design, and optimization.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing materials?" (Highlight understanding of brand guides and systematic application.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What was the challenge, and how did you approach it?" (Be ready to discuss your design choices, tools, and outcomes.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Colton RV & Marine and the RV/marine industry?" (Research the company and its competitors; express genuine interest.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize an open, collaborative, and iterative approach.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software?" (Mention specific resources like design blogs, online courses, or industry publications.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Context is Key: For each project, briefly explain the client (or hypothetical client), the objective, your role, the challenges, and the solution.

• Showcase Process: Briefly touch upon your creative thinking and software application.

• Highlight Brand Work: If you have examples of working with brand guidelines, emphasize them.

• Be Concise: Focus on clarity and impact, avoiding overly technical jargon.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail and demonstrate how your design skills can directly contribute to the company's marketing and sales objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruiting.paylocity.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in graphic design, marketing collateral creation, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your digital portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (brochures, social media graphics, email campaigns), and is easily accessible. Be ready to present and discuss specific pieces.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Colton RV & Marine, its sister companies, and its current marketing efforts. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audience.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse discussing your portfolio and your design process. Be ready to answer common interview questions related to design principles, software, and collaboration.

⚠️ 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.