Graphic Designer at Cornerstones of Care

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Cornerstones of Care

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: September 09, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Develop and execute visual content strategies that align with organizational branding and communication objectives, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence across all platforms.
Create high-quality digital and print assets, including brochures, social media graphics, presentations, and web banners, to support marketing campaigns and organizational initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing specialists and content creators, to translate messaging into compelling visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.
Manage and maintain organized project files, version control, and asset libraries to ensure efficient workflow and accessibility of design resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on mental and behavioral health. The Graphic Designer's output will directly support their communication goals, emphasizing the need for sensitivity, clarity, and alignment with trauma-informed care principles. The role requires a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency in managing design assets and workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design and update branded templates, graphics, layouts, and visual elements for a variety of digital and print channels, maintaining brand consistency and adherence to style guides.
Produce compelling marketing collateral such as brochures, flyers, social media graphics, presentations, and event materials that effectively communicate organizational messages.
Create engaging digital assets including web banners, email graphics, and infographics to enhance online presence and campaign effectiveness.
Collaborate closely with content specialists, communications staff, and project managers to ensure visual designs accurately support and amplify written messaging.
Review and refine all designs for accuracy, brand consistency, accessibility, and overall effectiveness in achieving communication goals.
Maintain a well-organized system for project files, implementing version control and managing a comprehensive asset library for easy retrieval and reuse.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong organizational skills in asset management and version control, crucial for any operations-focused role. The emphasis on supporting messaging and working with cross-functional teams indicates a collaborative and service-oriented approach, common in GTM or MarOps support functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-3 years of hands-on graphic design experience, demonstrating a strong portfolio of work.

Required Skills:

Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Proven ability to create visually compelling digital and print design assets.
Strong understanding of branding principles and ability to maintain brand consistency.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality in design work.
Valid driver's license, proof of current vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.
Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass background check, physical, and drug screening. Preferred Skills:
Basic understanding of digital production tools and workflows.
Experience in designing infographics and data visualizations.
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or web design principles.
Experience working within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a valid driver's license, insurance, reliable transportation, and being at least 21 years old, along with passing background checks, are standard for roles involving direct client or community interaction in social services, indicating potential for field-based or community outreach support as part of the role's broader impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including digital assets (social media graphics, web banners), print materials (brochures, flyers), and template designs.
Demonstrate ability to maintain brand consistency across various collateral types and platforms.
Include examples that highlight problem-solving through design, such as developing infographics to simplify complex information or creating event materials that drive engagement.
Showcase proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite tools through the complexity and execution of portfolio pieces. Process Documentation:
Examples of how design processes were documented or streamlined, such as the creation of style guides or asset management workflows.
Case studies detailing the design process from brief to final execution, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders and the impact of the design.
Documentation of how design feedback was incorporated and revisions were managed to ensure project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a design role, the emphasis on portfolio content related to process, collaboration, and problem-solving aligns with operations principles of efficiency, stakeholder management, and measurable impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow and how they manage projects operationally.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 per year. New hire salaries are typically placed between the minimum and midpoint of the range, determined by job-related skills, experience, education, licensure, and expertise evaluated during the interview process.

Benefits:

9 Paid Holidays, Unlimited Paid Time Off, and Paid Sick Leave
Health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental, vision) for team members working at least 30 hours per week.
Cafeteria plans including Health Savings Account (HSA) and Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Ancillary insurance benefits: accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, short-term disability insurance, voluntary life insurance.
Company-provided long-term disability insurance and basic term life/AD&D insurance at no cost to the team member.
Retirement savings plan (401K) with employer match.
Pet Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Tuition reimbursement program.
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific. The benefits package is comprehensive, with particular emphasis on health, wellness, and professional development, including tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness programs, which are strong attractors for individuals in the social services sector. The "Unlimited Paid Time Off" policy is a notable benefit that suggests a culture of trust and autonomy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Services / Mental and Behavioral Health Nonprofit. This industry demands a strong focus on empathy, trauma-informed care, and community impact.

Company Size: The provided information doesn't specify exact employee count, but the comprehensive benefits package and multiple service areas suggest a medium to large-sized organization.

Founded: Information on founding date is not provided, but the organization's established service areas indicate a history of sustained community support.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications department, working alongside content specialists, communications staff, and project managers.
The reporting structure will likely involve a Marketing Manager or Director, with collaboration expected across various program departments (Youth & Family Support, Foster Care & Adoption, Education & Community Trainings).
Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring the designer to work with program staff to understand their specific visual communication needs and translate them into effective designs. Methodology:
The organization emphasizes a "mission-driven" approach, meaning all activities, including design, should align with and support the core mission of empowering children and families.
Trauma-informed care is a foundational principle, suggesting that designs should be sensitive, avoid triggering imagery, and promote a sense of safety and support.
Evidence-based practices are central to their service delivery, implying a data-informed approach to communication strategies where design can play a role in disseminating information about these practices.

Company Website: https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to trauma-informed care and its broad mission of empowering children and families are central to its culture. This means the Graphic Designer must approach their work with sensitivity, an understanding of the sensitive nature of the services provided, and a focus on creating visuals that are supportive and inclusive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level position within the creative and marketing operations spectrum. It offers hands-on experience in executing design strategies and managing visual assets for a mission-driven organization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing or Communications leadership role, likely a Manager or Director. This provides opportunities to learn from experienced professionals in communication strategy and brand management.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is measured by their ability to enhance the organization's brand recognition, effectively communicate its mission and services through compelling visuals, and support marketing and outreach efforts that drive engagement and program participation. Their work directly contributes to the organization's ability to attract clients, donors, and talent.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital media, infographics, or brand system development.
Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to broader marketing and communications strategies, project management, and campaign development.
Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, there could be opportunities to mentor junior designers or take on lead roles in specific design projects or campaigns.
Industry Knowledge: Develop a unique understanding of design challenges and best practices within the nonprofit and social services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role in terms of process optimization or system management, the Graphic Designer's function is critical for the operational success of marketing and communications. Growth opportunities would likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, or potentially transitioning into broader marketing coordination roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position at the Gillis Campus in Kansas City, MO. This suggests a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration and access to standard office resources.

Office Location(s): 8150 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114. This location is specified, implying a dedicated workspace within their facilities.

Workspace Context:

The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to interact directly with marketing, communications, and potentially program staff on a daily basis.
Access to standard design software and hardware is expected. The role requires proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, implying the necessary technical setup will be provided.
Opportunities for team interaction will be high, fostering a supportive environment for creative problem-solving and idea sharing, critical for a design role.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), with potential for occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for direct collaboration and team synergy, which is often beneficial for creative roles where spontaneous feedback and brainstorming are valuable. The Kansas City location provides a specific geographical context for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills and experience. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to meet the minimum qualifications and present a relevant design history.
Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical assessment, potentially involving a design exercise or a detailed walkthrough of their portfolio. This stage will evaluate creative problem-solving, technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and understanding of design principles.
Behavioral and Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring managers and potential team members to assess communication skills, collaboration style, alignment with Cornerstones of Care's mission and values (e.g., trauma-informed care, nonviolence, social responsibility), and suitability for the team environment.
Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to the role's responsibilities, showcasing digital and print collateral, brand consistency, and problem-solving through design.
Prepare to articulate your design process for 2-3 key projects, explaining your creative decisions, the challenges you faced, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.
Quantify impact where possible: e.g., "Designed social media graphics that increased engagement by X%" or "Updated brochure template leading to improved readability."
Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong understanding of design principles. Challenge Preparation:
If a design challenge is provided, carefully read and understand the brief. Focus on meeting all requirements while demonstrating creativity and adherence to brand guidelines.
Be prepared to present your work clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and design choices.
Practice articulating how your design solutions support communication goals and align with the organization's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not only design talent but also cultural alignment and the ability to communicate effectively. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience in a mission-driven context and demonstrate how their design skills can support the organization's social impact objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency is required, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and advanced techniques within these applications.
Digital Production Tools: Basic understanding is preferred, which could include tools for web graphics optimization (e.g., saving for web in Photoshop), basic animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects for simple animations), or prototyping tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not directly responsible for analytics, the designer may need to understand how to format designs for optimal performance on digital platforms. This could involve understanding basic web analytics principles to design web banners or social media graphics that drive clicks and engagement. CRM & Automation:
No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this role. However, understanding how designs integrate into marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing) might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. While analytics and CRM are not direct responsibilities, awareness of how designs function within broader marketing ecosystems is a plus and reflects an understanding of the operational impact of creative assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Mission-Driven: All work, including design, must directly support the organization's mission to empower children and families. Designs should reflect empathy, hope, and professionalism.
Trauma-Informed Care: A paramount value influencing all organizational interactions. Designs should be sensitive, avoid potentially triggering imagery, and promote a safe and supportive visual environment.
Nonviolence & Emotional Intelligence: While not directly design-related, these values underscore a culture of respect, understanding, and constructive communication within the team.
Growth and Change: The organization fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation, which may extend to creative processes and embracing new design approaches.
Social Responsibility & Equity: Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity is strongly emphasized, meaning designs should be representative and accessible to all communities served.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative, requiring close work with marketing, communications, and program teams.
Emphasis on open communication and feedback exchange to ensure designs meet diverse stakeholder needs.
A culture that likely encourages constructive critique to refine creative output and align with organizational goals.
Knowledge sharing is probable, especially regarding best practices in design for social impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of organizational values like "Nonviolence," "Emotional Intelligence," and "Trauma-Informed Care" indicates that candidates must demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these principles. This is crucial for building trust and ensuring that visual communications are appropriate and effective for the populations served.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Mission with Aesthetics: Creating visually appealing designs that are also sensitive to trauma-informed care principles and resonate with diverse audiences can be challenging.
Resource Constraints: As a nonprofit, there may be limitations on design software, tools, or budget, requiring creative problem-solving and efficient resource utilization.
Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with unique communication objectives and target audiences.
Keeping Pace with Trends: Staying current with design trends while ensuring brand consistency and timeless appeal.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Trauma-Informed Design Training: Potential for specialized training on how to apply trauma-informed principles to visual communications.
Advanced Adobe Creative Suite Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specific software applications.
Project Management Basics: Learning to manage design projects more effectively, including scope, timelines, and stakeholder communication.
Nonprofit Marketing Best Practices: Gaining insights into effective marketing and communication strategies within the social services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique context of working in a nonprofit, emphasizing the need for adaptability, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of the organization's mission and values. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both creative and operational skills relevant to the sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to create a design that conveyed a sensitive or complex message. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses ability to handle mission-specific design challenges).
"How do you ensure brand consistency across various design projects and platforms, especially when working with different teams?" (Evaluates understanding of brand operations and collaboration).
"Walk us through your process for designing a social media campaign graphic. What factors do you consider?" (Tests practical design workflow and strategic thinking). Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about working for a mission-driven organization like Cornerstones of Care, particularly within the social services sector?" (Gauges alignment with organizational purpose).
"How do you incorporate principles of inclusion and diversity into your design work?" (Assesses understanding of WIDE statement and diversity values).
"How would you ensure your designs are trauma-informed and sensitive to the needs of the populations we serve?" (Tests understanding of core organizational principles). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role.
For each project, be prepared to discuss: the objective, your role, the design process, tools used, challenges encountered, how feedback was managed, and the final outcome or impact.
Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to work with brand guidelines, create both digital and print assets, and solve communication problems through design.
Be ready to discuss how your designs align with the mission and values of a nonprofit organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also a genuine understanding of and commitment to Cornerstones of Care's mission, values, and the principles of trauma-informed care. Candidates should be ready to connect their design choices to these organizational imperatives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on paycomonline.net.
Customize your resume: Highlight 2-3 years of relevant graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with digital/print collateral creation. Ensure keywords like "branding," "visual communication," and "asset management" are present.
Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., link to a website or PDF) and showcases a diverse range of work relevant to the responsibilities outlined, including digital and print examples. Be ready to discuss your process for 2-3 key projects.
Research Cornerstones of Care: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and services, particularly their commitment to trauma-informed care, WIDE, and social responsibility. Prepare to articulate why you are drawn to their work.
Practice interview responses: Prepare for questions related to design skills, project management, collaboration, and your understanding of the organization's mission and values.

⚠️ 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