Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Fuse, LLC

Location: Winooski, Vermont, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-6 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative excellence by developing compelling graphic designs for a diverse range of print and digital client projects within a full-service marketing agency.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional creative studios and project teams, translating client briefs and stakeholder feedback into impactful visual solutions that align with brand objectives.

• Master the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and execution through to final production mechanicals and file outputting, ensuring high-quality deliverables.

• Contribute innovative design thinking and content strategy, particularly within Fuse's specialized areas of youth marketing and sports culture, pushing creative boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context strongly suggest a role that interfaces with marketing operations and campaign execution. The emphasis on client projects, brand objectives, and cross-functional collaboration indicates a need for strong operational understanding within a creative framework. The mention of "marketing agency" and "youth marketing and sports culture" provides crucial industry context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Graphic Design & Execution: Create visually compelling designs across a wide variety of print and digital mediums, channels, and deliverable types, contributing to projects of all scales alongside fellow team members.

• Client Collaboration & Brief Interpretation: Attend client kick-off meetings, meticulously review project briefs, and work closely with internal Fuse teams to develop impactful design projects, contributing initial references and direction for stakeholder alignment.

• Iterative Design & Feedback Management: Execute multiple design options for internal and client review, effectively managing feedback through various rounds of revisions to ensure successful creative outcomes.

• Creative Presentation & Justification: Present creative work to internal teams and clients, articulating the rationale behind design decisions, creative background, and aesthetic choices with confidence and clarity.

• Production & Technical Output: Produce production mechanical files or export digital files upon approval, meticulously reviewing proofs and providing clear direction to production vendors as needed to ensure flawless execution.

• File Management & Workflow: Maintain organized project files and server structures, adhering to Fuse Creative Team file workflow standards throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring efficient data management.

• Innovation & Skill Expansion: Continuously explore and integrate new design tools and techniques, such as SketchUp, motion graphics, and digital ad animation, to expand creative capabilities and elevate the team's overall output.

• Trend Analysis & Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of emerging design and technology trends within the marketing and creative industries to proactively enhance creative strategies and deliverables.

• Event Support & Logistics: Provide support for client meetings and events, which may include occasional travel, event setup, and light physical activity like moving materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on execution role with strong client-facing elements. The inclusion of "production mechanical files," "file workflow," and "server organized" highlights the operational aspect of design management, which is critical for a smooth GTM process. The emphasis on "youth marketing and sports culture" is a key differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of 3-6 years of professional design experience, preferably within a creative agency, marketing team, or in-house studio environment. A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of digital, experiential, campaign, and print work is essential.

Required Skills:

• Design Principles: Strong comprehension of fundamental design principles, including typography, layout, visual hierarchy, and color theory.

• Visual Storytelling: Proven ability to craft compelling narratives through visual elements that resonate with target audiences.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Figma.

• Digital Design: Extensive experience designing for digital platforms, including social media graphics, website assets, digital advertisements, and email marketing campaigns.

• Print Design: Demonstrated capability in designing for print media, such as brochures, packaging, event collateral, and other physical marketing materials.

• Brand Identity Management: Experience working with established brand identities and guidelines, ensuring consistent and high-quality design delivery across all channels.

• Production Readiness: Familiarity with preparing and outputting production mechanical files for print and digital applications.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Time Management & Organization: Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics & Animation: Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) and creating animated content for digital platforms.

• 3D Design/Modeling: Familiarity with tools like SketchUp for conceptualization or visualization.

• Digital Ad Animation: Experience in designing and animating banner ads or other forms of digital advertising.

• Youth Marketing/Sports Culture: A genuine passion for and understanding of youth marketing trends, sports culture, and their intersection with design.

• File & Data Management: Experience with advanced file and data management workflows and processes relevant to creative asset libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level and software requirements are standard for a mid-level designer. The emphasis on "youth marketing and sports culture" is a critical specialization that candidates should highlight if they possess it. The inclusion of "Figma" alongside Adobe Suite indicates a modern design workflow that embraces collaborative tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Showcase: Present a curated selection of at least 5-7 diverse projects that clearly demonstrate your capabilities across digital, print, campaign, and experiential design.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Include specific examples where you successfully applied and maintained brand identity guidelines across multiple deliverables and channels.

• Process Documentation: For key projects, briefly outline your design process, including brief interpretation, concept development, iteration, and final execution.

• Technical Execution: Showcase examples of production mechanicals or optimized digital files, demonstrating your attention to detail in final output.

• Impact & Results: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that illustrates the impact of your design work on client objectives or campaign success.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and adhere to established design workflows, from brief intake to final asset delivery, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

• File Management Systems: Demonstrate understanding and application of organized file and data management processes, crucial for collaborative agency environments.

• Production Standards: Show familiarity with print production processes and digital asset optimization standards, ensuring files are technically sound for their intended use.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role with operations implications, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just aesthetic skill but also the process behind the design, including adherence to brand standards, technical execution, and an understanding of workflow, which are key operational components.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 per year, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 75% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and their dependents.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Employer contributions to a Health Savings Account.

• Healthcare Stipend: Option for a healthcare opt-out stipend in lieu of employer-provided coverage.

• Income Protection: Employer-paid life and disability insurance.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with employer contribution to support long-term financial goals.

• Family Support: Paid parental leave to support new parents.

• Wellness & Lifestyle:

  • Fitness stipend
  • Ski pass stipend
  • Cell phone stipend

• Work-Life Balance Perks:

  • On-site skate ramp & recreation/fitness room
  • Dog-friendly office environment
  • "Winter Wednesdays" – work starts at noon.
  • "Summer Fridays" – early departures or flexible schedules.
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days to start, plus personal and sick days, and your birthday off.
  • Paid volunteer hours for community engagement.
  • Week-long company closure during the last week of the year.
  • Annual Company Ski/Ride Day.
  • Regular company happy hours, seasonal outings, and social events.

• Community Engagement: Opportunity to engage in local community initiatives through Fuse's company pillar committees (Culture, DEI, Environment & Sustainability).

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, with specific benefits like "Winter Wednesdays" and "Summer Fridays" offering flexibility. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days in the Winooski, VT office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and is competitive for a mid-level designer in Vermont. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, with a significant emphasis on employee well-being, work-life balance, and lifestyle perks, which is a key selling point for this role and hints at a positive company culture that values its employees. The "Winter Wednesdays" and "Summer Fridays" are unique flexibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising Services, specializing in youth and sports culture marketing.

Company Size: Approximately 50-200 employees (inferred from typical agency structures and "Best Places to Work" recognition).

Founded: Not specified, but the company culture described suggests a dynamic and modern agency.

Team Structure:

• Creative Studio: The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Group, working alongside other designers, art directors, and potentially copywriters.

• Project-Based Teams: Collaboration will occur within project teams comprising account managers, strategists, and other specialists dedicated to specific client engagements.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Creative Director or Art Director, with direct interaction and direction from Project Managers and Account Managers.

Methodology:

• Authentic Brand Engagements: Fuse focuses on creating genuine connections between brands and their target audiences, emphasizing authenticity in their marketing strategies.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creativity is central, the agency likely uses insights from target audience research (teens, young adults, sports enthusiasts) to inform design and campaign strategies.

• Collaborative Workflow: The culture encourages sharing insights and inspiration, suggesting a collaborative and open approach to problem-solving and creative development.

• Work-Life Integration: A strong emphasis on work-life balance, evident in the benefits and stated company philosophy, indicates a culture that supports personal interests and well-being.

Company Website: http://www.fusemarketing.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a significant draw, emphasizing creativity, authenticity, and work-life balance. The specialization in youth and sports marketing is a niche that requires a specific cultural fit and understanding. The "Best Places to Work" recognition is a strong indicator of positive employee experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the creative operations of a marketing agency. It involves executing established design processes while contributing creative input and learning advanced techniques.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Art Director. They will work closely with Project Managers and Account Managers, who oversee client projects and ensure operational efficiency.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual representation of client brands, influencing campaign effectiveness, brand perception, and ultimately, client satisfaction and retention. High-quality, on-brand design is crucial for successful marketing operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Designer/Art Director: Progression to a senior role involves taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and having a greater say in creative strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, digital ad animation, or within the youth/sports marketing niche.

• Creative Leadership: With demonstrated success and leadership potential, advancement into Art Director or Creative Director roles is possible, involving team management and strategic creative direction.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to other agency functions like strategy, account management, and production can broaden understanding of the overall marketing operations ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in an agency setting typically involves increasing creative responsibility, project ownership, and potentially team leadership. The emphasis on continuous learning and exploring new tools supports career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. Employees are expected to work in the Winooski, Vermont headquarters on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for collaboration, with the option to work remotely on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Office Location(s): Winooski, Vermont headquarters. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to Vermont within driving distance of the office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact with coworkers and clients on-site.

• Creative Resources: Likely equipped with necessary design software, hardware, and potentially a recreation/fitness room, skate ramp, and access to outdoor gear.

• Dog-Friendly Office: A welcoming environment that accommodates pets.

• Team Interaction: Dedicated in-office days are structured to maximize team collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with specific flexible elements like "Winter Wednesdays" (starting at noon) and "Summer Fridays." The hybrid model requires a consistent presence in the office for core collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is clearly defined, requiring significant in-office presence. The unique perks like the skate ramp, dog-friendly office, and specific flexible workdays contribute to the agency's distinct culture and appeal.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and rationale behind their creative decisions. Be prepared to articulate your approach to brand consistency and technical execution.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and speed under pressure. This might involve a quick concept development or asset creation task.

• Team & Culture Fit Interviews: Meetings with Creative Director, Art Director, and potentially other team members to gauge collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Fuse's culture, especially regarding youth/sports marketing.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your skills relevant to Fuse's specialization (youth, sports, digital, print). Quality over quantity.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's brief, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, and the outcome. Highlight how you ensured brand consistency and met technical requirements.

• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt to different styles and mediums.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any experience with motion graphics or 3D.

• Prepare for Live Design: If a design challenge is anticipated, practice quick concept generation and execution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and deconstruct any design challenge brief. Identify key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively for concepting, designing, and preparing your presentation.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process and design decisions, even for a short exercise. Focus on strategic thinking.

• Focus on Brand Alignment: Even in a timed challenge, consider how your design would fit within a brand context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the "why" and "how" behind it, demonstrating operational understanding of design execution and client needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency expected in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. These are foundational for print and digital asset creation.

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially UI/UX elements.

Emerging/Preferred Tools:

• SketchUp: Familiarity or willingness to learn for 3D conceptualization.

• Motion Graphics Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects): Experience is a plus for creating animated content.

• Digital Ad Animation Tools: Experience with platforms or tools used for creating animated digital advertisements.

Collaboration & Workflow Tools:

• File Management Systems: Proficiency in maintaining organized project folders and server structures. Experience with cloud storage solutions (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) and version control is implied.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com would be beneficial for tracking project progress within teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered around industry-standard design software, with an emphasis on collaborative tools like Figma. The mention of SketchUp and motion graphics indicates a forward-thinking agency looking to expand its creative capabilities, requiring designers with a proactive learning mindset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity: A core value driving genuine brand engagements and honest client relationships.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging sharing of insights and inspiration to push creative boundaries.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, working alongside colleagues and clients to achieve shared goals.

• Work-Life Balance: A commitment to employee well-being, reflected in generous benefits and flexible work arrangements.

• Passion: A drive for excellence, particularly in the specialized areas of youth marketing and sports culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly within project teams, collaborating with account managers, strategists, and other creatives.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages sharing ideas, feedback, and inspiration.

• Client-Centric Approach: Designs are executed with a clear understanding of client objectives and target audience needs.

• Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from both internal teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are strongly tied to its mission and operational philosophy. Understanding and aligning with these values, particularly "authenticity" and "work-life balance," will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Constraints: Effectively translating client briefs and brand guidelines into innovative designs while managing feedback and production realities.

• Pace of a Marketing Agency: Thriving in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and competing priorities.

• Staying Current: Continuously adapting to evolving design trends, software updates, and new creative technologies.

• Niche Specialization: Deepening expertise within youth marketing and sports culture to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to learn and implement new tools and techniques like motion graphics, 3D modeling, and advanced digital animation.

• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse client projects within specialized markets provides hands-on learning experiences.

• Mentorship: Potential for guidance from senior creative staff, fostering professional growth.

• Creative Exploration: A culture that encourages experimentation and pushing creative boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for agency designers, but Fuse's focus on continuous learning and exploration of new tools offers significant growth potential for ambitious individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's specific brand guidelines with your creative vision. How did you approach it?" (Assesses ability to adhere to operational constraints while being creative).

• "Walk us through your process for developing a campaign visual from brief to final asset. What are the key steps and considerations?" (Evaluates understanding of the design workflow and operational execution).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, especially in youth marketing and sports culture?" (Tests proactivity and industry relevance). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Fuse's specialization in youth and sports marketing?" (Gauges genuine interest and cultural fit).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team and with non-creative stakeholders?" (Assesses teamwork and communication skills).

• "Describe a project where you had to adapt your design approach based on client feedback. What was the outcome?" (Tests flexibility and client management). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the results.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your workflow, decision-making, and how you managed feedback and technical requirements.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of styles and mediums that align with Fuse's client work.

• Be Ready for Detail: Prepare to discuss specific design choices, software usage, and production considerations.

• Connect to Fuse: If possible, subtly link your experience and passion to Fuse's values and specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe the candidate's understanding of agency operations, client management, and their ability to translate creative concepts into tangible, effective marketing assets within specific industry niches.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Fuse's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio to prominently feature projects that align with Fuse's focus on youth marketing, sports culture, and demonstrate strong digital and print design capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-6 years of relevant agency or marketing experience, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience with production mechanicals or file management workflows.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, client collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your passion for the agency's niche markets.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fuse's client work, company culture, and values. Understand their approach to authentic brand engagement and work-life balance.

⚠️ 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.