Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Mel Trotter Ministries Location: Grand Rapids, MI Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations Support Date Posted: 2026-05-20 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute compelling visual designs that align with the Mel Trotter Ministries brand and mission.
• Create engaging content across various media, ensuring consistent brand representation and effective communication.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand design needs and translate them into impactful visual assets.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to deadlines and quality standards.
• Utilize a strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory, to produce high-quality work.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and core requirements clearly indicate a Graphic Designer role, the provided description contains a significant amount of text that appears to be mistakenly copied from a "Track Case Manager" job description. This enhancement focuses solely on the Graphic Designer aspects as per the title and explicit skill requirements, assuming the case management details are erroneous. The role is situated within a non-profit, faith-based organization, which implies a strong emphasis on mission-driven design and community impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing and communication materials, including brochures, flyers, social media graphics, website assets, presentations, and event collateral.
• Conceptualize and create visual concepts, developing original graphics and layouts based on project requirements and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with marketing, development, and program teams to brainstorm ideas, define design needs, and ensure visual consistency across all platforms.
• Manage the entire design process from concept to completion, including gathering information, developing initial concepts, refining designs, and preparing final files for print or digital distribution.
• Maintain and evolve brand standards, ensuring all designs accurately represent the Mel Trotter Ministries mission, values, and visual identity.
• Edit and enhance existing images, incorporating them into new designs as needed.
• Stay current with design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously improve design quality and effectiveness.
• Organize and maintain a digital asset library for all created graphics and design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description mentions "basic video editing or motion graphics." This has been expanded to reflect typical responsibilities for a graphic designer with these skills, emphasizing their application in creating dynamic content for the organization's communication efforts, which could include social media campaigns, promotional videos, or website animations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in graphic design roles, with a demonstrated track record of creating impactful visual assets.
• Experience working within a non-profit or faith-based organization is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Strong Portfolio: A comprehensive and compelling graphic design portfolio showcasing a diverse range of projects, demonstrating exceptional layout skills, typography, and creative problem-solving.
• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating complex designs.
• Brand Representation: Proven ability to create engaging, interesting content that accurately and effectively represents an organization's brand identity and messaging.
• Attention to Detail: Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines consistently.
• Microsoft Office Proficiency: Competence in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for general business tasks and document creation.
• Visual Communication: Strong understanding of design principles, including composition, color theory, and typography, to convey messages effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic Video Editing/Motion Graphics: Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) and/or motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) to create dynamic visual content.
• Web Design Fundamentals: Basic understanding of web design principles and experience designing for digital platforms (websites, social media).
• Print Production Knowledge: Familiarity with print production processes, including pre-press requirements and file preparation for various printing methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description states "Minimum 5 years of related education or job experience." This has been interpreted as 5 years of job experience, which is standard for a mid-senior level graphic designer role, especially when a Bachelor's degree is also required. The portfolio requirement is emphasized as it is critical for design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Diversity: Showcase a range of design projects, including print collateral, digital graphics, branding initiatives, and potentially motion graphics or basic video edits.
• Brand Alignment Examples: Include examples of how you have developed or maintained brand consistency and successfully represented an organization's mission or values through design.
• Problem/Solution Focus: For key projects, briefly explain the design challenge, your approach, and the outcome or impact of your work.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools through the complexity and quality of your designs.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: While not explicitly required for submission, be prepared to discuss your typical design process, from initial brief and concept development to final delivery and revisions.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Be ready to articulate how you approach understanding and applying brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all design outputs.
• File Management: Demonstrate an understanding of organized file management and preparation for various output formats (print, web, social media).

📝 Enhancement Note: Since this is a creative role, a portfolio is paramount. The "Portfolio Essentials" section is tailored to highlight what a strong graphic design portfolio should contain, emphasizing breadth, depth, and evidence of strategic thinking. The "Process Documentation" section focuses on the candidate's ability to articulate their design workflow and adherence to brand standards, which are key operational aspects of a design role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers in Grand Rapids, MI, the estimated salary range for this position is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the required 5+ years of experience, mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, and the non-profit sector.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for retirement savings, potentially with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, workshops, and potentially conference attendance to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Mission-Driven Work: The intrinsic reward of contributing to a meaningful cause and making a tangible difference in the community.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for occasional flexibility based on project needs and organizational events.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range was not provided in the input. The estimate is based on research of Graphic Designer salaries in Grand Rapids, MI, for candidates with 5+ years of experience and specialized software skills, adjusted for the non-profit sector which may offer slightly different compensation structures compared to corporate environments. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the US non-profit sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Faith-based Non-profit / Social Services / Homelessness Support. Mel Trotter Ministries operates within the vital sector of social services, focusing specifically on providing shelter and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. This context means the organization's operations and culture are deeply rooted in compassion, service, and a commitment to human dignity. Company Size: Mel Trotter Ministries is a well-established organization. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, non-profits of this nature often have dedicated teams across various departments, suggesting a collaborative environment with multiple points of interaction. Founded: Mel Trotter Ministries has a long history, founded in 1900. This extensive legacy indicates a stable organization with a deeply ingrained mission and a wealth of experience in its field, likely fostering a culture of dedication and resilience.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Graphic Designer will likely work closely with marketing, development, program staff, and potentially leadership to create materials that support fundraising, awareness campaigns, and client services.
• Mission-Centric Environment: The team is united by a shared commitment to the organization's mission, fostering a supportive and purpose-driven atmosphere.
• Departmental Focus: While collaborating broadly, the designer will likely be part of a marketing or communications department, working with a dedicated team focused on external and internal messaging.

Methodology:

• Values-Driven Operations: Decisions and processes are guided by the organization's faith-based values, emphasizing compassion, dignity, and service.
• Impact Measurement: While not a traditional revenue operation, the organization likely tracks its impact on clients and community engagement through metrics related to services provided, donations received, and success stories.
• Community Engagement: The organization is deeply embedded in the Grand Rapids community and actively seeks to engage volunteers, donors, and partners.

Company Website: https://meltrotter.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a faith-based, non-profit organization with a long history and a strong focus on social services. This context is crucial for understanding the organization's culture and the likely priorities of its design work – emphasizing impact, empathy, and mission alignment over purely commercial aesthetics. The "Methodology" section infers how these values translate into operational practices relevant to design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 5+ years of experience and mastery of core design software, indicating an expectation for independent work, creative problem-solving, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision. The role contributes to the broader "operations" of the non-profit by creating essential communication and branding assets that support fundraising, awareness, and donor engagement. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Communications Director, or a similar leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's external messaging and brand presence. This structure provides guidance and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the organization's ability to communicate its mission, attract donors, engage volunteers, and advocate for its cause. High-quality, mission-aligned visuals are critical for building trust, conveying impact, and fostering support, thereby enabling the organization's overall operational success in serving its community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., motion graphics, web design, branding strategy) through internal projects or external training.
• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, potential to mentor junior designers or take on lead roles for major design initiatives and campaigns.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain broader understanding of non-profit operations by collaborating with various departments, potentially leading to opportunities in marketing, communications, or program support roles that leverage design skills.
• Portfolio Expansion: Contribute to a wide array of impactful projects that significantly enhance a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section reinterprets the role's contribution through an operational lens, emphasizing how design supports the non-profit's core functions. Growth opportunities are framed within a non-profit context, focusing on skill development and the unique career paths available in such organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at Mel Trotter Ministries' Grand Rapids location. This suggests a traditional office environment typical of a non-profit organization, likely featuring collaborative workspaces and dedicated areas for staff. Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. This location is central to the organization's operations and community outreach in Grand Rapids.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The workspace is expected to foster collaboration among team members, with opportunities to interact with colleagues from various departments involved in marketing, fundraising, and program delivery.
• Mission-Focused Setting: The environment is mission-driven, which often translates to a supportive and purpose-oriented workplace culture where individuals are passionate about the cause.
• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment and the necessary design software and hardware (computers, monitors, Adobe Creative Suite) to perform design duties effectively.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position, typically adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday). Occasional flexibility may be required for special events, urgent projects, or fundraising campaigns, but the core schedule is office-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" section extrapolates on the likely nature of an on-site work environment in a non-profit, emphasizing collaboration and the mission-driven aspect, which are key cultural differentiators.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.
• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Marketing Director) to discuss experience, skills, portfolio, and alignment with the organization's mission and values. This stage may include behavioral questions.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, and potentially complete a small design exercise relevant to the organization's needs. This is crucial for evaluating practical skills and creative thinking.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other key stakeholders or leadership to confirm cultural fit and suitability for the role within the broader organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to create mission-aligned content and highlight your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Focus on how your design solved a problem or achieved a goal.
• Showcase Brand Expertise: Include examples where you developed or adhered to brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of brand consistency. If possible, include work for non-profits or similar mission-driven organizations.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your mastery of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. If you have video editing or motion graphics experience, include relevant examples.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a physical book.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Thoroughly research Mel Trotter Ministries' mission, values, target audience, and current campaigns.
• Anticipate Design Needs: Think about the types of collateral the organization might need (e.g., donor appeals, event invitations, social media graphics for awareness campaigns).
• Practice Articulating Your Process: Be ready to explain your creative process, how you interpret briefs, and how you ensure designs meet objectives and brand standards.
• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer about the team, projects, design challenges, and the organization's overall marketing strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a creative role, heavily emphasizing portfolio review and design challenges as key components of the interview process. The advice is geared towards showcasing relevant skills and understanding the specific context of a non-profit organization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
• Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, manipulation, photo retouching, and creating raster-based graphics.
• Adobe InDesign: The primary tool for page layout, brochure design, flyers, reports, and publications.

Content Creation & Editing:

• Basic Video Editing Software: Potentially Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar for creating short promotional videos or social media clips.
• Motion Graphics Software: Potentially Adobe After Effects for adding dynamic visual elements to videos or graphics.

Productivity & Collaboration:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for document creation, PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for basic data handling related to projects.
• Cloud Storage/Asset Management: Likely use of cloud platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, or internal systems) for file sharing and asset organization.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge): While not a primary tool for the designer, understanding how design assets are used within CRM campaigns (e.g., email templates) can be beneficial.
• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Familiarity with designing for email templates and understanding platform limitations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific software and tools critical for a graphic designer, particularly within the Adobe Creative Suite, as explicitly mentioned in the requirements. It also includes related tools that a designer might interact with or utilize in a non-profit setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Compassion & Dignity: A core value that underpins all work, ensuring designs are respectful and uplifting, reflecting the humanity of those served.
• Service & Stewardship: A commitment to using skills and resources effectively to serve the mission and donors, emphasizing responsible and impactful design work.
• Integrity & Faith: Operating with honesty and transparency, guided by Christian principles, which influences communication and relationships.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality design that effectively communicates the mission and impact, while being open to new ideas and approaches to visual storytelling.

Collaboration Style:

• Mission-Focused Teamwork: Colleagues are united by a shared passion for the organization's cause, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where teamwork is essential for achieving organizational goals.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and feedback to ensure designs effectively meet the needs of various departments and stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with marketing, development, and program teams to ensure cohesive messaging and visual identity across all communication channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the company's stated mission and faith-based nature into specific values and collaboration styles relevant to a creative professional working within the organization. It emphasizes the "why" behind the work and how it translates into daily interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Mission and Aesthetics: Creating designs that are both visually compelling and deeply aligned with the organization's faith-based mission and sensitive subject matter.
• Resource Constraints: Non-profits often operate with tighter budgets, requiring creative problem-solving and efficient use of design resources.
• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing for a variety of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, clients, and the general public, each with different expectations and communication needs.
• Staying Relevant: Keeping design practices and visual styles current while maintaining brand consistency and respecting the organization's long-standing legacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn new software features, advanced design principles, or specialized areas like UX/UI design or animation through workshops or online courses.
• Non-Profit Marketing Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of non-profit marketing strategies, donor engagement, and impact storytelling through collaboration with the marketing and development teams.
• Portfolio Enhancement: The diverse projects undertaken will naturally expand and strengthen the designer's professional portfolio, showcasing a broad range of capabilities and impactful work.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced marketing professionals within the organization or through industry networking events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on potential difficulties a designer might face in a non-profit setting and how those challenges can be framed as opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design for a cause-driven organization. What were the unique challenges, and how did you ensure your design effectively communicated the mission?"
• "How do you approach balancing creative vision with strict brand guidelines and organizational objectives?"
• "Walk us through your process for designing a campaign collateral piece (e.g., a brochure for a fundraising event) from brief to final delivery."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of Mel Trotter Ministries' mission resonate with you, and how do you see your design skills contributing to that mission?"
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with varying design knowledge?"
• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with non-designers and how you ensure clear communication regarding design projects."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Prioritize 3-5 key projects that best showcase your skills relevant to Mel Trotter Ministries (e.g., branding, campaign materials, impact storytelling).
• Narrative Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (design approach), the tools used, and the measurable impact or goals achieved.
• Brand Alignment: Be prepared to discuss how you ensured your designs aligned with the client's or organization's brand identity and objectives.
• Technical Demonstration: Be ready to discuss specific techniques used in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign to achieve certain effects or efficiencies.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, creative process, and how you would approach future design needs for Mel Trotter Ministries.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are crafted to assess a candidate's design skills, problem-solving abilities, understanding of mission-driven work, and cultural fit within a non-profit environment. The portfolio presentation strategy focuses on actionable advice for designers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mel Trotter Ministries careers page.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any experience with non-profit or mission-driven organizations. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to this role, and clearly articulates your design process and impact for each project. Be prepared to discuss it in detail.
• Research Mel Trotter Ministries: Thoroughly understand their mission, values, target audience, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses effectively.
• Prepare for a portfolio review and potential design challenge: Practice presenting your work and be ready to discuss how you would approach design tasks for the organization.

⚠️ 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.