GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Leanin’ Tree Inc.

Location: Longmont, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the end-to-end design and production of creative treatments for greeting card and gift product categories, encompassing both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.

• Develops and produces a wide array of advertising and marketing collateral, including catalogs, direct mail brochures, flyers, trade advertisements, and point-of-purchase display materials.

• Plays a key role in the art direction of photography sessions specifically for catalog and advertising content.

• Utilizes in-house enterprise data flow and virtual proofing systems daily for efficient work-in-process tracking and artist communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the product lifecycle and marketing efforts of a well-established fine art greeting card publisher. The emphasis on "fine art" and "greeting card" suggests a need for strong aesthetic sensibilities that complement existing artwork while also adhering to commercial design principles for print and packaging. The mention of "employee owned" points to a potentially collaborative and invested company culture.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Chief Product Officer, Marketing Director, Creative Director, and Product Managers to conceptualize and create innovative new greeting card and gift products.

• Design compelling graphic treatments for greeting cards, gift products, and product packaging, ensuring brand consistency and market appeal.

• Produce design assets for a variety of marketing materials, including catalogs, flyers, magazine advertisements, display signage, direct mail pieces, and other assigned promotional items.

• Contribute to the art direction of photography sessions, guiding visual elements for catalogs and advertising campaigns to align with product aesthetics and marketing objectives.

• Actively use in-house enterprise data flow and virtual proofing systems for daily tracking of work in progress and for obtaining approvals from artists.

• Communicate effectively with artists via the Virtual Proofing system to secure necessary product approvals.

• Participate in scheduled design, marketing, and staff meetings to contribute insights and stay aligned with broader company strategies.

• Attend daily product review and proofing meetings to ensure quality control and timely progression of design projects.

• Engage in on-site creative brainstorming meetings with the Product Management team, artists, and agents for new product development initiatives.

• Undertake special design projects as assigned by senior leadership, including the Chief Product Officer, Associate Creative Director, or Director of Marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of product design, marketing collateral creation, and interdepartmental collaboration. The frequent mention of "product management," "marketing," and "artists" indicates a highly cross-functional role where design directly impacts product development and sales. The specific mention of "virtual proofing systems" is a key operational tool for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a graphic designer, with a strong emphasis on consumer products.

• Specific experience within the greeting card, social expressions, and/or gift product industries is highly preferred.

• Proven knowledge of 4-color process printing is required.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a strong emphasis on Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Firefly.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent understanding of product design principles, with a specialized focus on greeting cards and social expressions products.

• Strong command of typography and its application in design.

• Excellent ability to utilize color theory to complement and enhance original artwork.

• Ability to receive and implement creative direction and feedback within a collaborative team environment.

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Proven ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize work effectively, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with in-house data flow enterprise and virtual proofing systems.

• Familiarity with art direction for photography.

• Understanding of consumer direct sales strategies and wholesale distribution channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a combination of technical design skills, industry-specific experience (greeting cards, social expressions), and a strong understanding of print production. The preference for experience in consumer products and specific categories like greeting cards suggests the need for a designer who understands market trends and consumer appeal within these niches.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on print-based collateral and consumer product packaging.

• Include examples demonstrating expertise in greeting card and gift product design, highlighting creative treatments that complement artwork.

• Present case studies that illustrate proficiency in developing marketing materials such as catalogs, direct mail pieces, and promotional flyers.

• Demonstrate understanding and application of typography and color theory in design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how tasks were organized, prioritized, and completed within deadlines.

• Documentation of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations, showcasing collaborative problem-solving.

• Evidence of process for preparing design files for print production, including understanding of 4-color process printing requirements.

• Visual representation of how design concepts were developed from initial brief to final execution, perhaps through mood boards or concept sketches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on product design and marketing collateral, a portfolio is crucial. It should highlight the ability to translate artistic concepts into commercially viable designs for print. Demonstrating a clear design process, from concept to final artwork, and understanding of print production are key expectations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Plan

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Life Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 401k Plan

• Employee Stock Ownership

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 3 weeks in the first year of employment.

• 11 Paid Holidays plus a Floating Holiday and Volunteer Time.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, on-site position. The standard working hours are 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within a typical range for a Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in a metropolitan area like Denver/Boulder. The extensive benefits package, including employee stock and generous PTO, indicates a strong employee-centric culture. The mention of "on-site, full-time" confirms the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Greeting Cards, Fine Art Publishing, Gift Products. Leanin' Tree is a leading fine art greeting card publisher and a top-rated alternative greeting card manufacturer, boasting over 75 years of experience. This positions them in a niche market that values artistry and emotional connection through physical products.

Company Size: Leanin' Tree Inc. is likely a mid-sized company, given its 75+ year history and established market position, without explicit employee count data provided. This size often means a balance between established processes and the ability for individuals to make a significant impact.

Founded: Founded over 75 years ago, Leanin' Tree Inc. has a long-standing heritage in the greeting card industry. This longevity suggests stability, established brand recognition, and a deep understanding of its market. The company is employee-owned, which typically fosters a culture of shared responsibility, collaboration, and commitment.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Product Management department.

• Reporting directly to the Chief Product Officer, indicating a senior level of visibility and influence.

• Collaboration is expected with the Marketing Director, Creative Director, and Product Managers, suggesting a cross-functional team environment focused on product development and go-to-market strategies.

Methodology:

• Design & Product Development: A collaborative approach involving brainstorming sessions with Product Management, artists, and agents, with a focus on creating new greeting card and gift products that complement existing artwork.

• Marketing & Advertising: Design work for catalogs, direct mail, advertisements, and promotional materials, often involving art direction for photography.

• Workflow Management: Daily use of in-house data flow enterprise and virtual proofing systems for tracking work in progress and obtaining artist approvals.

• Quality Assurance: Regular attendance at design, marketing, staff, and daily product review/proofing meetings.

Company Website: [Leanin' Tree Inc. website URL would be listed here if available]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's heritage, employee ownership, and focus on fine art publishing suggest a culture that values creativity, quality, and employee well-being. The reporting structure to the Chief Product Officer signifies the strategic importance of design within the organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Graphic Designer. It requires significant experience (5+ years) and involves direct collaboration with senior leadership (Chief Product Officer, Marketing Director). The scope of responsibilities, from initial product concept design to marketing collateral production and art direction, indicates a role with substantial creative and operational impact on product lines.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Chief Product Officer. This direct line of reporting suggests a high level of trust and responsibility, with the opportunity for direct mentorship and exposure to executive-level decision-making within the product domain.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is critical to Leanin' Tree's success. By creating visually appealing and commercially effective designs for greeting cards, gift products, and marketing materials, this role directly influences:

• Product appeal and sales: Eye-catching designs are crucial for attracting customers in the competitive greeting card and gift market.

• Brand perception: Consistent and high-quality design across all touchpoints reinforces the brand's image as a premier fine art publisher.

• Marketing effectiveness: Well-designed catalogs, direct mail, and advertisements are essential for driving wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales.

• Artist relationships: Effective communication and design implementation demonstrate professionalism and respect for the artists whose work is featured.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in greeting card and social expressions design, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Leadership Potential: With strong performance and experience, opportunities may arise to take on more complex design projects, mentor junior designers (if the team grows), or contribute more significantly to art direction.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain deeper insights into product management, marketing strategy, and the business operations of a consumer product company.

• Creative Advancement: Potential to influence design trends and aesthetics for the company's product lines, contributing to the evolution of the Leanin' Tree brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct reporting line to the CPO is a significant indicator of the role's strategic importance. Growth opportunities likely involve expanding design influence and contributing to product strategy, rather than necessarily moving into management unless the company structure evolves.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site, full-time position within a "technical office environment" at Leanin' Tree's facility in Mead, Colorado (though the job posting lists Longmont as the location, the description mentions Mead). This suggests a professional office setting equipped with the necessary technology for design work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in or near Mead, Colorado. For candidates in the Denver-Boulder metro area, this location offers access to a vibrant creative community and a natural setting, while requiring a daily commute to the specific facility.

Workspace Context:

• Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and hardware (Macintosh computers). Access to virtual proofing systems is a daily requirement.

• Collaboration: The environment fosters collaboration through daily meetings, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and interaction with product managers, marketing teams, and artists.

• Creative Atmosphere: As a fine art greeting card publisher, the environment likely values creativity and aesthetics, potentially incorporating elements that inspire artistic work.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While specific flexibility is not detailed, the emphasis on deadlines and meetings suggests a structured schedule, common in print-focused industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "technical office environment" combined with the nature of the business (fine art publishing) suggests a workspace that is both functional for design production and potentially inspiring for creative professionals. The location in Colorado offers a distinct lifestyle appeal.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially including a quick skills assessment or portfolio preview.

• Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving, and technical skills relevant to greeting card and marketing collateral design. Expect questions about specific projects, design choices, and software proficiency.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders like the Marketing Director, Creative Director, and potentially Product Managers to assess collaboration style and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: Likely with the Chief Product Officer to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that directly align with Leanin' Tree's business: greeting card design, gift product packaging, marketing collateral (catalogs, direct mail), and print production.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Highlight your use of typography, color, and how you complemented artwork.

• Print Focus: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of 4-color process printing, file preparation, and layout for print media.

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Firefly, and how you leverage them for efficiency and creative output.

• Artistic Sensibility: Demonstrate an ability to work with and enhance fine art, showing an appreciation for aesthetics while meeting commercial demands.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise, possibly involving creating a mock-up for a greeting card, a direct mail piece, or a catalog spread. This will assess your creative thinking, design skills, and ability to work within given constraints.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or challenges in communicating with artists.

• Industry Awareness: Familiarize yourself with current trends in greeting card design and the social expressions market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio for relevance to the greeting card and gift product industry. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design decisions and demonstrate a strong understanding of print production and collaboration with artists.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including:

  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and raster graphics.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of multi-page documents like catalogs and brochures.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Firefly: Likely used for AI-assisted design elements, image generation, or creative exploration.

• Macintosh Computer: The primary operating system and hardware platform for design work.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For general productivity, document creation, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Virtual Proofing Systems: Specifically mentioned for daily use to track work and communicate with artists, implying a need for proficiency in this type of workflow management tool.

• In-house Data Flow Enterprise: This suggests a proprietary or integrated system for managing design projects and data throughout their lifecycle. Understanding of how to navigate and utilize such systems for efficiency is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are clearly centered around the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform. The mention of specific systems like "virtual proofing" and "in-house data flow enterprise" indicates that familiarity with workflow and project management tools within a creative production environment is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Artistic Appreciation: A strong emphasis on design excellence, complementing fine art, and understanding aesthetic principles.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The "employee owned" status and cross-functional nature of the role suggest a culture that values shared effort, open communication, and mutual support.

• Quality & Precision: Demonstrated through daily proofing meetings and the need for accuracy in print production.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Required for managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and utilizing workflow systems effectively.

• Customer Focus: Implicit in designing products and marketing materials aimed at consumer appeal and driving sales.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Graphic Designer works closely with Product Management, Marketing, and Creative Directors, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate diverse input into cohesive visual designs.

• Artist Partnership: Effective communication and collaboration with external artists are paramount for obtaining approvals and ensuring the integrity of their artwork.

• Feedback-Driven Development: The role requires the ability to receive and integrate feedback constructively from various stakeholders in a collaborative environment.

• Process Adherence: Working within established data flow and virtual proofing systems highlights a culture that values structured workflows for design production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "employee owned" aspect is a strong indicator of a collaborative and potentially more engaged workforce. The values likely revolve around artistic integrity, product quality, and teamwork to achieve business goals in a creative industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Artistry with Commerce: Effectively complementing fine art with commercial design requirements for mass production and market appeal.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Inputs: Synthesizing feedback from various departments (Product Management, Marketing, Creative) and external artists to create a singular design vision.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The cyclical nature of product launches and marketing campaigns can create pressure to deliver high-quality work on short timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design aesthetics and technologies (like AI tools such as Firefly) while maintaining brand consistency.

• Digital vs. Print Focus: Ensuring design solutions are optimized for both print production (4-color process) and potential digital marketing needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in greeting card and social expressions design, including understanding of paper stocks, printing techniques, and embellishments specific to the industry.

• Art Direction & Photography: Develop skills in art direction for photoshoots, contributing to the overall visual narrative of marketing materials.

• AI Design Tools: Gain advanced proficiency in Adobe Firefly and other AI tools for efficient creative exploration and asset generation.

• Product Strategy Insights: Learn more about the product development lifecycle and market strategy through close collaboration with the Product Management team.

• Print Production Knowledge: Further enhance understanding of pre-press, color management, and print production processes specific to greeting cards and packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a creative role within a product-focused company that relies on both artistry and commercial viability. Growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized design skills and expanding influence within the product and marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a greeting card, from initial concept to final print-ready file, especially when working with existing artwork."

• "How do you balance creative vision with marketing objectives and feedback from multiple stakeholders (e.g., Product Manager, Marketing Director, artists)?"

• "Can you walk us through a challenging design project where you had to adapt to significant feedback or tight deadlines? What was your approach and the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are optimized for 4-color process printing and what are some common pitfalls to avoid?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Leanin' Tree and our specific niche in the fine art greeting card market?"

• "How do you see your design style aligning with our brand and the types of products we offer?"

• "Given that Leanin' Tree is employee-owned, what does that mean to you in terms of working collaboratively?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each portfolio piece, present it as a mini-case study: the challenge, your approach, the tools/techniques used, and the results or learning.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how each project demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, typography, color theory, print readiness, and experience with greeting cards/packaging.

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your presentation to emphasize projects most similar to Leanin' Tree's product line and marketing needs.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Expect questions about file formats, color profiles, resolution, and specific software functionalities.

• Showcase Collaboration: Mention instances where you collaborated with others (artists, product managers, marketers) and how you managed those interactions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of print design, a keen artistic eye, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a structured product development and marketing environment. The portfolio is the primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features projects relevant to greeting cards, gift packaging, and marketing collateral (catalogs, direct mail, flyers). Ensure it highlights your skills in typography, color theory, and 4-color process printing.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience in graphic design, specifically mentioning any experience with consumer products, greeting cards, or social expressions. Quantify achievements where possible, such as "Designed X number of catalog pages" or "Contributed to Y% increase in direct mail response rates through improved design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for key project types, prepare specific examples of how you've handled feedback and met deadlines, and research Leanin' Tree's product lines and brand aesthetic. Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and virtual proofing systems.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Leanin' Tree's history, its position in the market as a fine art greeting card publisher, and its employee-owned structure. Understand their product offerings and target audience to better articulate your fit during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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