Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: HIGHLAND PARK METHODIST CHURCH

Location: Dallas, TX, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T16:55:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for creating compelling visual communications that support the church's mission, ministries, events, and brand identity.

• Collaborates with the Art Director and Communications team to design a wide range of print, digital, environmental, and promotional materials.

• Manages the full creative lifecycle of design projects, from concept development to final deliverables, ensuring alignment with ministry objectives and brand standards.

• Stays current with design trends, tools, and software to continuously elevate the quality of creative work and maintain brand integrity across all platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," has significant operational components in terms of managing creative assets, adhering to brand guidelines, and supporting multichannel marketing initiatives, aligning it with a "Marketing & Creative Operations" category. The emphasis on collaboration, project lifecycle management, and brand consistency underscores its operational function within the broader communications team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate and brainstorm with the Art Director and broader communications team to develop effective design key looks and associated assets.

• Translate strategy and insights into thoughtful, visually engaging materials for multichannel marketing and branding initiatives.

• Design and produce a wide range of print and digital media, including flyers, posters, templates, booklets, ads, banners, brochures, social media graphics, web graphics, and sermon series graphics.

• Support campaigns and projects from concept through execution, ensuring creative solutions align with ministry objectives and HPUMC’s brand standards.

• Manage the full creative lifecycle—from initial design explorations to final deliverables—delivering high-quality work on time and with attention to detail.

• Balance multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, agency-style environment.

• Stay current with design trends, tools, and software to continually elevate the quality of creative work.

• Maintain and safeguard HPUMC’s brand identity across all platforms and materials.

• Organize and manage the design library and archival system for graphics.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals of the Communications team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a structured approach to design project management, emphasizing a full lifecycle approach from concept to archival. This implies a need for systematic workflow management, asset organization, and adherence to established brand guidelines, which are core operational functions within a creative department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 2+ years of professional graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

• Excellent typography skills with a strong understanding of branding and design principles.

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong customer service skills, essential for effective collaboration and stakeholder management.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in both print and digital design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Canva and presentation design tools.

• Illustration, animation (After Effects), and photography skills.

• Familiarity with Google Suite (Google, Gmail, Calendar, etc.) and Dropbox.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize not just creative talent but also operational efficiency ("organizational skills," "attention to detail," "manage multiple priorities," "meet deadlines"). The inclusion of specific software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva, along with portfolio requirements, points to a need for candidates who can hit the ground running and maintain consistent output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of work in both print and digital design.

• Demonstrations of effective typography, layout design, and adherence to branding principles.

• Examples of collaborative projects or campaign-based design work that illustrate project lifecycle management.

• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight problem-solving and creative execution for specific ministry objectives.

• High-quality deliverables that reflect attention to detail and an understanding of brand consistency. Process Documentation:

• Ability to follow and contribute to established brand guidelines and design workflow processes.

• Experience in managing design assets and maintaining an organized digital library/archival system.

• Understanding of the full creative lifecycle, from concept development and design exploration to final asset delivery.

• Capacity to translate strategic insights and ministry objectives into visual design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly asking for "process documentation" in a formal sense, the emphasis on managing the "full creative lifecycle," maintaining brand integrity, and organizing design assets implies the need for a candidate who understands and can operate within defined creative processes and systems. The portfolio is key to demonstrating this capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience. For a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Dallas, TX, the estimated salary range is typically between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This range can vary based on the specific skills, portfolio strength, and the exact benefits package offered.

Benefits:

• Outstanding Benefits package.

• Truth and grace filled work environment. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, at least 36 hours per week.

• Anticipated Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am – 5 pm (with a 30-minute unpaid lunch); Friday, 8 am – 12 pm.

• Note: Additional hours may be necessary during peak times. Support for religious holidays (Christmas Eve, Easter) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers in Dallas, TX, with 2-5 years of experience, considering the "commensurate with experience" phrasing. The "Outstanding Benefits" are highlighted as a key component of the total compensation package. The working hours are detailed, including expectations for religious holidays, which is specific to a church environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Religious Organization (Church)

Company Size: Based on ADP data, the company likely falls into the medium to large size category, potentially employing several hundred individuals. This size suggests a structured organization with dedicated departments, including Communications.

Founded: The organization is a long-standing Methodist church, implying a stable and established presence with a history of community service and religious outreach.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director.

• They will collaborate closely with the broader Communications team, which likely includes roles such as Directors of Communications, content creators, and potentially social media managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various ministries and departments within the church to support their design needs. Methodology:

• Design work is guided by the church's mission, ministries, events, and brand standards.

• A key focus is on creating visually engaging materials for multichannel marketing and branding initiatives.

• Emphasis is placed on translating strategy and insights into thoughtful design solutions.

• Creative solutions must align with ministry objectives and HPUMC’s established brand identity.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0bfa9fa1-b3c4-4fcd-b950-b74c10e0385d (Note: This is the recruitment portal URL, not the direct church website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a church organization influences the culture, emphasizing faith-based values ("truth and grace filled work environment," "committed Christian"). The "agency-style environment" within the Communications team suggests a dynamic, project-driven approach to creative work, akin to an in-house agency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level professional role within the creative operations function. It requires a foundation of technical skills and design principles, coupled with the ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Art Director, indicating a clear line of supervision and mentorship. This structure allows for guidance on creative direction and quality control.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the church's ability to communicate its mission, engage its congregation, and connect with the wider community. Effective visual communications are crucial for event promotion, ministry outreach, and reinforcing the church's brand identity. Their role operationalizes the church's messaging through visual media.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., motion graphics, illustration) through on-the-job experience and potentially further training, especially given the "bonus" skills mentioned.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, the designer may take on more complex projects or lead specific campaign visual development.

• Mentorship: Learning from the Art Director and senior members of the Communications team provides a pathway for professional development.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Working with various ministries can broaden understanding of different communication needs and strategic goals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how a "Graphic Designer" role functions within an operational framework, emphasizing skill development, project responsibility, and the impact on organizational communication. The "agency-style environment" implies opportunities for varied project experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on the "Mockingbird Campus" and is designated as On-site. This suggests a traditional office setting within the church premises.

Office Location(s): Dallas, TX, specifically at the Mockingbird Campus. The provided postal code (75205) indicates a location in the Highland Park area of Dallas.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "truth and grace filled."

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with the designer working alongside the Art Director and the broader Communications team.

• The "agency-style environment" suggests a dynamic, potentially fast-paced workspace focused on project delivery.

• The role requires understanding and upholding HPUMC's brand identity, implying a structured approach to creative output. Work Schedule:

• A structured, full-time schedule of at least 36 hours per week is outlined: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 am – 5 pm, and Friday, 8 am – 12 pm.

• Flexibility may be required, as "additional hours may be necessary to meet the job's demands" and support for religious holidays is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes an on-site, collaborative, and faith-centered work environment. The mention of specific campus and working hours provides concrete details about the physical and temporal aspects of the workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the Art Director and potentially other members of the Communications team. This stage will focus on design quality, creative process, problem-solving, and understanding of branding.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or challenge may be given to evaluate proficiency in required software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) and ability to meet specific design briefs under time constraints.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will likely explore collaboration style, response to feedback, commitment to Christian values, and understanding of the church's mission.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level leadership to discuss the role's impact and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include a variety of projects demonstrating skills in print, digital, branding, and typography.

• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, and the outcome.

• Emphasize Brand Alignment: Include examples where you successfully applied or developed brand guidelines.

• Quality over Quantity: Select your strongest, most relevant work. Ensure all pieces are well-presented and error-free.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include any speculative work or personal projects that align with the church's mission or audience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Brief Interpretation: Practice quickly understanding design briefs and identifying key objectives and constraints.

• Time Management: Develop strategies for completing design tasks efficiently within a set timeframe.

• Brand Consistency: Focus on delivering a design that adheres to the established brand standards of HPUMC.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a creative role with operational responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of the portfolio and practical skills assessment. The advice is tailored to help candidates prepare for specific stages and showcases.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print materials (booklets, flyers, brochures).
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.

• Canva: Preferred for creating social media graphics, templates, and potentially simpler digital assets, indicating a need for efficiency and accessibility in design.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media shares, event attendance) would be beneficial, suggesting familiarity with basic analytics related to digital content.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how design assets are distributed or managed within communication workflows might involve tools like Dropbox for file sharing and organization.

Other Software:

• Google Suite: (Google, Gmail, Calendar, etc.) for general office productivity, communication, and scheduling.

• Dropbox: Likely used for file sharing, collaboration, and asset management.

• Presentation Design Tools: Implied preference for creating visual presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is clearly defined, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and secondary tools like Canva. This highlights the need for candidates to possess specific software proficiencies for efficient design production and asset management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Faith-Based Service: A core value is serving within a Christian and United Methodist context, requiring a committed Christian who is comfortable in this environment.

• Truth and Grace: The work environment fosters an atmosphere of integrity and compassion.

• Quality and Attention to Detail: The role demands high-quality output with meticulous attention to detail, applied to all design tasks.

• Collaboration and Support: The ability to work effectively with the Art Director, Communications team, and other ministries is paramount.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to listen to feedback and use it to improve designs is explicitly stated as important.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect close collaboration with the Art Director and the broader Communications team on projects.

• Cross-Functional: Will interact with various church ministries and departments, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse needs.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders and supervisors is crucial for refining designs.

• Mission-Focused: All collaborative efforts should align with and support the church's mission and goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are deeply intertwined with the organization's religious identity. Collaboration is framed within a supportive, faith-driven context, emphasizing shared mission and continuous improvement through feedback.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Ministry Needs with Brand Standards: Effectively translating diverse ministry requests into designs that remain consistent with HPUMC's established brand identity.

• Pace of a Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines in an "agency-style" setting.

• Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design software, techniques, and visual trends while maintaining brand integrity.

• Support for Religious Holidays/Events: Adapting work schedules and priorities to accommodate key church observances and services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Design Software: Opportunity to enhance skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and potentially explore advanced features or new tools.

• Developing Brand Strategy Understanding: Gaining deeper insight into brand management and its application within a religious organization.

• Portfolio Expansion: Building a diverse portfolio through varied projects supporting different church ministries.

• Mentorship from Art Director: Receiving guidance on creative direction, project management, and professional growth.

• Exposure to New Media: Potential to work on emerging digital platforms or new forms of visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around operational aspects of creative work—balancing demands, managing workflow, and adapting to organizational needs. Growth opportunities are tied to skill enhancement, project experience, and mentorship within the specific context of the church's communications team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Assesses project management and prioritization skills.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a specific brand identity or mission? Provide an example." (Tests understanding of branding and strategic design application.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a social media graphic or flyer for a specific event. What considerations do you make?" (Evaluates practical design process and audience awareness.)

• "How do you incorporate feedback from stakeholders into your design work, especially if you disagree with the feedback?" (Probes collaboration, communication, and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a church, specifically HPUMC?" (Assesses alignment with the organization's mission and values.)

• "How do you see your skills contributing to the mission of Highland Park Methodist Church?" (Focuses on impact and role relevance.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What is your preferred collaboration style?" (Gauges teamwork and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to briefly discuss the software and techniques used.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Point out how your designs met or reinforced brand guidelines.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey passion for design and for the opportunity to contribute to HPUMC's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to assess both creative/technical skills and operational/soft skills relevant to the role and the church environment. Portfolio presentation advice focuses on demonstrating value and process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP recruitment portal link.

• Tailor your resume: Ensure it highlights your 2+ years of professional graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva, and any experience with print and digital media campaigns. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select your strongest and most relevant print and digital design samples. Include examples that demonstrate typography, branding, and project lifecycle management. Be prepared to walk through specific projects during the interview.

• Research HPUMC: Familiarize yourself with Highland Park Methodist Church's mission, values, and current communications. Understanding their audience and existing visual style will be advantageous.

• Prepare for a design challenge: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in a practical exercise, focusing on speed, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

⚠️ 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.

---