Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Odawa Casino Resort

Location: Petoskey, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and produces visual collateral for diverse marketing channels, including digital campaigns, print advertisements, direct mail, signage, and brochures, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines.

• Develops creative concepts from inception to final delivery, maintaining brand integrity and accuracy across all design elements and platforms.

• Manages project timelines and deliverables for all marketing collateral, demonstrating a strong ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Collaborates closely with the Marketing Team and external vendors to facilitate the production of promotional materials and ensure effective communication of campaign goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a blend of creative design skills and project management capabilities within a fast-paced casino resort environment. The emphasis on both digital and print collateral, coupled with vendor management, suggests a need for a versatile designer who can adapt to various project demands and maintain high standards of quality and brand consistency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a wide range of marketing collateral, encompassing digital assets for websites and social media, as well as static print materials.

• Adhere strictly to and interpret brand guidelines, ensuring all collateral is accurate, high-quality, and represents the Odawa Casino Resort brand effectively.

• Conceptualize and execute original creative designs for advertising campaigns, ensuring they are on-brand and suitable for deployment across digital, print, and animation platforms.

• Select and integrate appropriate colors, fonts, imagery, and other design elements to effectively communicate campaign objectives and enhance visual appeal.

• Ensure all creative designs are correctly formatted for their intended mediums, paying close attention to color specifications for print, bleed requirements, layout dimensions, and sizing.

• Contribute innovative ideas and fresh concepts to advertising campaigns, fostering a proactive and creative approach to design challenges.

• Coordinate and complete projects in a timely manner, demonstrating a deadline-driven work ethic and effective project management skills.

• Maintain best practices for version control, naming conventions, and organization of all graphic design files to ensure efficient asset management.

• Collaborate with the internal Marketing Team to bring creative ideas to life and ensure messaging is precise and impactful.

• Prepare rough sketches and illustrations of designs, discussing them with the Director of Marketing and other stakeholders to gather feedback and implement necessary revisions.

• Resize and adapt existing artwork for various media, working with both internally created assets and those provided by external agencies.

• Stay current with industry trends in graphic design, advertising, and digital media to continuously enhance creative output and bring fresh perspectives.

• Coordinate with external vendors for the production of print collateral, gathering all necessary information for submission and ensuring smooth production processes.

• Facilitate the production of promotional pieces and campaign materials by working directly with the internal team as directed by the Director of Marketing.

• Prepare advertisements for publications, meticulously finalizing files, packaging them correctly, and transferring them to both internal teams and external agencies.

• Ensure the operational readiness of graphic design equipment and software by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting malfunctions, maintaining inventories, and evaluating new technology.

• Greet all guests and team members in a friendly, open, and welcoming manner, embodying the company's service standards.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all current and upcoming promotions and events at Odawa Casino Resort to inform design strategies.

• Assist with promotional drawings, special events, and giveaways on the casino floor and at external events such as parades, as required.

• Complete all mandatory training programs satisfactorily.

• Uphold the highest level of confidentiality at all times regarding company information and projects.

• Be willing to work at other Odawa properties as needed.

• Perform all other duties assigned within the scope of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of responsibilities highlights the need for a highly organized and adaptable designer. The inclusion of "Systems Access: Synkros, Mobile App Solution, and Brightsign" suggests the designer will be responsible for creating content that integrates with these specific systems, likely for digital signage or promotional displays. The mention of working in a "smoke-filled environment" and "loud and continual noise levels" indicates a need for resilience and comfort in a typical casino setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or Advertising, with at least one (1) year of professional graphic design experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing visual assets for both digital and print mediums.

• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Strong understanding and application of typography principles and aesthetic design elements.

• Proven ability to develop creative concepts from scratch and translate them into compelling visual designs.

• Solid grasp of brand guidelines and the ability to ensure consistency across all marketing materials.

• Proficient in digital campaign design and creation of assets for various online platforms.

• Skilled in print design, including understanding of color modes (CMYK), bleed, layout, and sizing requirements.

• Excellent project coordination and time management skills, with a strong focus on meeting deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve issues effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the casino or hospitality industry.

• Familiarity with digital signage content creation and management systems (e.g., Synkros, Brightsign).

• Experience with animation software beyond basic After Effects capabilities.

• Strong visual communication and presentation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Adobe After Effects, alongside InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, indicates that motion graphics and potentially video editing for digital signage or promotional videos are expected components of this role. The emphasis on "version control, naming convention and organization of graphic files" points to a need for meticulous file management, crucial for collaborative projects and long-term asset maintenance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 1-2 years of professional design work, highlighting versatility across digital and print mediums.

• Include examples demonstrating a strong understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to create on-brand collateral.

• Feature projects where creative concepts were developed from initial ideation through to final execution.

• Present case studies or examples that illustrate effective typography and aesthetic design choices.

• Display examples of digital campaigns and print ads, showcasing an understanding of their specific design requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design projects are managed from brief to completion, including collaboration with stakeholders.

• Demonstrations of file organization and version control strategies used in past projects.

• Evidence of creative concept development process, from brainstorming to final concept presentation.

• Examples of how feedback from clients or supervisors was incorporated into design revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's integration with specific systems like Synkros and Brightsign, candidates should ideally include portfolio pieces that demonstrate experience with digital signage content or similar dynamic display applications. The emphasis on project coordination and vendor management implies that portfolio entries showcasing successful project completion and collaboration would be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $23.00 per hour. Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 0-2 years of experience in the Petoskey, Michigan area, this hourly rate is competitive. (Note: This is an estimated range based on provided information. Actual compensation may vary.)

Benefits:

While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided job description, typical benefits for a full-time role at a resort like Odawa Casino Resort often include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k)

• Employee Discounts on resort services (dining, entertainment, hotel stays)

• Opportunities for professional development and training

Working Hours:

• Full-Time position.

• Must be flexible with shifts and days off, with the ability to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed. This is standard for the hospitality and entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $23.00 aligns with entry-level to junior graphic designer positions in the region. The flexibility in working hours is a critical requirement for roles in the entertainment and hospitality sector, necessitating availability for peak times and special events. Candidates should inquire about the full benefits package during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Casino Resort). Odawa Casino Resort is part of the gaming and entertainment industry, offering a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on guest experience and excitement.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Odawa Casino Resort is a significant employer in the Petoskey area, suggesting a mid-to-large sized organization within the hospitality sector.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but its established presence indicates a stable employer.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Marketing.

• The role is part of the Marketing Department, implying close collaboration with marketing specialists, event coordinators, and potentially sales teams.

Methodology:

• Design work is guided by established brand guidelines and campaign goals set by the Director of Marketing.

• Emphasis is placed on delivering creative solutions that align with the company's mission ("create excitement and memories") and values.

• A deadline-driven approach is crucial, requiring efficient workflow management and timely project completion.

• Collaboration with external vendors is a key aspect of the production process.

Company Website: https://www.odawacasino.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The casino resort environment suggests a culture that values high energy, excellent customer service, and a commitment to entertainment. The designer's role is central to creating the visual narratives that drive guest engagement and promote the resort's offerings. Understanding the company's mission and values is paramount to success in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior-level Graphic Designer, requiring foundational skills and 1-2 years of experience. It offers a pathway into broader marketing and creative roles within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Marketing. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to strategic marketing decisions and campaign planning.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the visual appeal and effectiveness of all marketing communications, impacting guest engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, the success of promotions and events. High-quality, on-brand design is critical for attracting and retaining customers in the competitive casino market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas such as digital signage content creation, advanced animation, or specific marketing campaign design.

• Increased Responsibility: Opportunity to take on more complex design projects, lead smaller design initiatives, or manage specific collateral types.

• Career Advancement: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing Coordinator, or other roles within the marketing department, depending on performance and organizational needs.

• Cross-Functional Development: Exposure to other areas of marketing and resort operations, broadening understanding of business functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's foundation in core design software and its application to diverse marketing needs provides a solid base for career growth. The casino industry often offers numerous opportunities for advancement due to its dynamic nature and constant need for engaging content. Demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to learn new systems (like Synkros) will be key to long-term success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating the designer will work within the Odawa Casino Resort premises. This likely involves a dedicated office space within the marketing department or a shared creative studio.

Office Location(s): Petoskey, Michigan. The specific location within the resort will be confirmed upon hiring.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as potentially having "loud and continual noise levels" and being "smoke-filled." This is characteristic of a casino floor or associated operational areas.

• The designer will likely have access to standard office equipment and the necessary graphic design software and hardware.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week.

• Significant flexibility is required, including the ability to work weekends, holidays, and special events. This is a critical aspect of the role, ensuring design support is available during peak operational times and promotional periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for a non-traditional office environment that can be visually stimulating but also potentially distracting due to noise and smoke. The flexibility in schedule is non-negotiable and crucial for supporting the resort's operational demands, especially during high-traffic periods and events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and creative capabilities.

• Skills Assessment: Candidates may be required to complete a practical design test to evaluate proficiency in required software (Adobe Creative

Suite) and their ability to meet design briefs.

• Interviews: Typically includes interviews with the Director of Marketing and potentially other members of the marketing team or HR. These interviews will assess:

  • Creative approach and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of brand guidelines and marketing objectives.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Cultural fit with the Odawa Casino Resort environment.
  • Experience with specific systems like Synkros, Brightsign, or mobile app content.

• Final Selection: Based on the combination of skills assessment, interview performance, and portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of work demonstrating proficiency in both digital (web banners, social media graphics, potentially digital signage) and print (brochures, ads, signage).

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Present examples where you successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines for different campaigns.

• Demonstrate Creative Process: For key projects, briefly explain your thought process, from understanding the brief to concept development and final execution.

• Include Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects strong typography, layout, and color theory skills, as well as your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include work that is relevant to the hospitality or entertainment industry, or mock-ups for digital signage if you have experience.

• File Management Emphasis: Be prepared to discuss how you organize your design files and manage versions, as this is explicitly mentioned in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to typical graphic design challenges, such as designing for a specific target audience, creating a campaign with limited assets, or adapting a design for multiple platforms.

• Practice articulating your design choices and their strategic rationale.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with version control and file organization.

• Be ready to discuss your familiarity with the casino/hospitality industry and its unique design considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of a "skills assessment test" and the requirement to "pass a skills assessment test to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications" suggests that a practical design exercise is a significant part of the evaluation process. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities under a time constraint.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of brochures, print ads, direct mail, signage, and other print collateral.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets for campaigns.
  • Adobe After Effects: For creating animations, motion graphics, and potentially video content for digital displays and campaigns.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For presentations and potentially incorporating design elements into internal or external presentations.
  • Word: For general document creation and collaboration.
  • Excel: For data organization, potentially related to project tracking or asset lists.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this design role, but general awareness of how designs perform on digital platforms might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the graphic designer's core responsibilities but may be part of broader marketing team tools.

Specialized Systems:

• Synkros: A casino management system, suggesting the designer may create content for digital signage or player tracking displays managed by this system.

• Mobile App Solution: Implies content creation for the Odawa Casino Resort's mobile application.

• Brightsign: A digital signage media player, confirming the need for expertise in creating content optimized for digital displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Synkros, Mobile App Solution, and Brightsign indicates that proficiency in creating content specifically formatted and optimized for these digital display and management systems is a key requirement. Candidates with prior experience in digital signage content creation will have a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Create Excitement and Memories: This core mission drives the overall approach to guest experience and should be reflected in the visual communications. Designs should aim to be engaging, memorable, and contribute to a fun atmosphere.

• Fun, Rewarding, Safe, and Consistent Environment: While this applies to team members, it sets a tone for the workplace. The design team likely fosters a supportive and productive environment.

• Warm Reception, Welcoming Environment, Friendly Atmosphere: This emphasizes the importance of hospitality and positive interactions, which the visual branding should support.

• Exceptional Service: Designs should contribute to an overall high-quality guest experience.

• Waganakising Odawak Values (Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Truth): While not directly tied to design tasks, embodying these values in teamwork and professional conduct is expected.

• Contribution and Connection to the Community: Marketing efforts, and thus design, should reflect the resort's role within the local community.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will work closely with the Marketing Team and potentially other departments, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from the Director of Marketing and other stakeholders is essential.

• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a team, sharing design insights and best practices can contribute to collective growth.

• Efficiency Focus: The emphasis on deadlines and fast-paced environments suggests a pragmatic and efficient approach to collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong emphasis on its mission and values, particularly those of the Waganakising Odawak people, suggests that cultural awareness and alignment are important. Designers should be prepared to integrate these values into their work and interactions where appropriate, ensuring that the visual branding resonates with the resort's identity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The casino resort industry is inherently dynamic, requiring the designer to adapt quickly to changing promotions, events, and marketing needs.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing numerous design requests simultaneously across various platforms and mediums can be demanding.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs adhere to brand guidelines while still being creative and fresh for different campaigns requires a keen eye and strategic thinking.

• Technical System Integration: Creating content for specific systems like Synkros and Brightsign may present a learning curve and require adaptation to specific technical constraints.

• Working in a High-Noise/Smoke Environment: Adapting to the physical conditions of the casino floor or related operational areas.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The need for timely delivery of collateral for time-sensitive promotions and events.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Digital Signage Expertise: Gaining in-depth experience with digital signage platforms (Synkros, Brightsign) and best practices for dynamic content creation.

• Animation and Motion Graphics: Developing advanced skills in After Effects for creating engaging video content and animations.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, marketing strategies, and digital technologies relevant to the casino and hospitality sectors.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about the operational aspects of a casino resort and how marketing supports different business units.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Director of Marketing can provide valuable insights into marketing strategy and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be managing the volume and variety of design requests while maintaining high quality and adhering to deadlines. The opportunity lies in becoming proficient with specialized casino technology and contributing significantly to the visual identity of a well-known resort.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new advertising campaign concept from scratch." (Focus on ideation, research, and creative execution).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing channels, especially when dealing with digital and print?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and cross-platform application).

• "Walk us through a challenging design project you completed. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize problem-solving, project management, and collaboration).

• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Demonstrate time management, organizational skills, and communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Odawa Casino Resort and our brand?" (Research the company's website, mission, values, and recent promotions).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our mission of 'creating excitement and memories'?" (Connect your creative abilities to the company's core purpose).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase an open and adaptable attitude).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Select Pieces: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills relevant to this role (digital, print, typography, animation).

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Point out specific design elements, software usage, and technical considerations (e.g., color modes, file formats).

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Show how you applied brand guidelines or created cohesive brand elements.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and project management approach.

• Digital vs. Print: Clearly articulate your approach to designing for different mediums.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the specific systems mentioned (Synkros, Brightsign), be prepared to discuss any experience you have with creating content for digital displays. If you lack direct experience, focus on your ability to quickly learn new software and understand technical specifications for various platforms. Emphasize your adaptability and problem-solving skills in your responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided jobvite link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant work, showcasing your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects), typography, and experience with both digital and print collateral. Include any examples related to digital signage or the hospitality industry if available.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your education, years of experience, and specific software proficiencies. Use keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Digital Campaigns," "Print Design," and "Brand Guidelines."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to discuss your understanding of Odawa Casino Resort's brand and mission. Be ready for a potential skills assessment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Odawa Casino Resort's website, mission statement, values, and current promotions to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their business.

⚠️ 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.