GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc.

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY, US

Job Type: Active - Non Union Salary full-time

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

Date Posted: October 01, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute the design and production of diverse marketing collateral, ensuring brand integrity across multiple properties.

• Manage project timelines and deadlines for a variety of creative services, demonstrating strong project management and organizational skills.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and personnel from various departments to ensure seamless implementation of marketing content.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information, acting with discretion and professionalism.

• Uphold outstanding customer relations and contribute to a positive guest experience in a fast-paced entertainment environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the hospitality and entertainment sector, specifically at a casino hotel, which implies a need for dynamic, visually engaging, and often time-sensitive creative output. The graphic design responsibilities will likely extend beyond traditional print to include digital assets, event promotions, and on-property signage, all requiring a keen understanding of brand consistency and guest engagement strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing materials, including but not limited to direct mail pieces, marketing collateral, promotional support materials, event signage, and e-blasts.

• Ensure consistent application and maintenance of the company's brand identity across all marketing materials and across all properties within the Saratoga Casino Hotel portfolio.

• Liaise with personnel from various departments (e.g., Marketing, Operations, Events) to gather requirements and ensure effective implementation of marketing content and campaigns.

• Proactively manage and prioritize deadlines for multiple ongoing creative services projects, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, maintaining professional integrity and adherence to company policies.

• Foster and promote outstanding customer relations through effective communication and visually appealing marketing solutions.

• Prepare artwork for print production, ensuring adherence to prepress requirements and industry standards.

• Assist with the design and execution of digital marketing assets, including social media graphics and email campaign visuals.

• Stay updated on industry design trends and best practices to continuously enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of marketing materials.

• Support event marketing efforts by designing promotional materials and on-site signage to enhance guest experience and drive engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile graphic designer capable of handling both print and potentially digital design tasks within a fast-paced hospitality environment. The emphasis on "maintaining company brand across all marketing materials and across all properties" suggests a critical role in brand stewardship and requires a designer who can translate brand guidelines into impactful visual communications for diverse audiences and applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within the hospitality, entertainment, or agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong experience in designing and producing marketing collateral, direct mail, and signage.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a PC platform.

• Excellent project management skills with a proven track record of meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Solid understanding of branding principles and ability to maintain brand consistency across various media.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with various departments and personnel.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively within a team.

• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prepress processes and file preparation for commercial printing.

• Knowledge of direct mail postal requirements and best practices for cost-effective mailing.

• Familiarity with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics or basic video editing.

• Experience in digital design, including social media graphics, web banners, and e-blast layouts.

• Basic understanding of printing processes and materials.

• Customer service orientation and ability to translate client needs into effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a college degree and 3-5 years of experience positions this role at a mid-level. The emphasis on PC proficiency and Adobe Creative Cloud, along with specific mentions of direct mail and prepress, indicates a need for a designer grounded in traditional print production workflows, while knowledge of After Effects and digital assets suggests a forward-looking expectation for multimedia capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects, with a strong emphasis on marketing collateral, direct mail, and signage.

• Examples demonstrating successful application of brand guidelines and maintaining brand consistency across different projects and platforms.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to manage projects from concept to completion, detailing the design process and problem-solving approach.

• Visual evidence of proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, showcasing design execution and technical skill.

• Projects that illustrate an understanding of target audience and how design choices were made to appeal to specific demographics, especially relevant in entertainment and hospitality. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process, from initial brief and concept development to final production and delivery.

• Documentation or examples of how projects were managed, including timeline adherence and communication with stakeholders.

• Examples of how feedback was incorporated and revisions were managed throughout the design lifecycle.

• Demonstration of understanding of prepress workflows and preparing files for print vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on marketing collateral, direct mail, and brand consistency suggests that candidates should highlight projects that demonstrate their ability to create visually appealing and effective marketing pieces that align with established brand standards. The mention of prepress and postal requirements indicates a need for practical knowledge in print production and logistics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,500 - $65,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Vacation Time

• Sick Time

• Company Paid Life Insurance

• 401(k) with a 4% company match

• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Robust Employee Recognition Program

• $20.00 YMCA Memberships

• Local and National Discount Programs through EAP & Tickets@Work

• STASH Hotel Partner Program offering discounted hotel stays ($69 per night) across North and South America.

• Unlimited growth potential within the organization.

• Delicious FREE Meals provided in the Team Dining Facility.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $62,500-$65,000 for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Saratoga Springs, NY, is within the typical market range for this experience level and location, aligning with industry benchmarks for creative professionals in the hospitality sector. The comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement matching, generous PTO, and unique perks like discounted hotel stays and free meals, offers significant value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality & Entertainment (Casino Hotel and Harness Racing).

Company Size: Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. operates a significant entertainment venue, suggesting a medium to large employee base, likely ranging from 200-500 employees, encompassing various operational and guest-facing roles.

Founded: Saratoga Casino Hotel has a history rooted in harness racing, with operations evolving into a full-service casino hotel, indicating a long-standing presence and adaptation to market demands.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing department, potentially working alongside marketing managers, coordinators, and other creative professionals.

• Collaboration is expected with various departments, including operations, events, and property management, to ensure cohesive brand messaging and promotional efforts.

• The team structure within a casino hotel environment is typically hierarchical, with clear reporting lines within departments. Methodology:

• The company's promise, "To create special experiences one guest at a time," underscores a guest-centric approach to all operations and marketing efforts.

• Marketing strategies likely focus on driving traffic, promoting events, and enhancing guest loyalty through visually appealing and engaging communications.

• Emphasis will be placed on maintaining brand standards to ensure a consistent and high-quality guest experience across all touchpoints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in providing exceptional guest experiences within the dynamic entertainment and hospitality industry. The Graphic Designer's role is crucial in visually communicating this commitment, requiring an understanding of how design impacts customer perception and engagement in a high-traffic, competitive environment. The "fast-paced & exciting environment" mentioned in the description implies a need for adaptability and responsiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as a mid-level individual contributor, responsible for executing design tasks and contributing to marketing campaigns. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and prior professional experience.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing, who oversees the overall marketing strategy and departmental operations.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and guest engagement. High-quality, on-brand visuals are essential for attracting and retaining customers, promoting events, and reinforcing the company's image as a premier entertainment destination.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics (Adobe After Effects), digital marketing design, or specialized print production techniques.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, or managing external agency relationships.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Potential to move into broader marketing roles (e.g., Marketing Coordinator, Digital Marketing Specialist) by leveraging design expertise and understanding of marketing strategy within the hospitality sector.

• Industry Exposure: Gain extensive experience in the unique demands of marketing for the casino and harness racing industry, which can be a valuable niche specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "unlimited growth potential" mentioned in the job description, coupled with a clear reporting structure and impact on guest experience, suggests that this role offers tangible career progression paths. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to not only execute design tasks but also to contribute strategically to marketing efforts and show a commitment to continuous learning within the evolving entertainment industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a dedicated workspace within the company's facilities, likely within the marketing department's office area.

Office Location(s): Saratoga Springs, NY. This location is known for its historical significance and vibrant seasonal atmosphere, which may influence design aesthetics and promotional themes.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be equipped with standard office furniture, a high-performance PC, and access to necessary design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for collaboration with marketing colleagues and other department heads will be readily available, fostering a communicative and team-oriented environment.

• The environment is described as "fast-paced & exciting," suggesting a dynamic atmosphere with potentially high volumes of creative requests and a need for quick turnaround times.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, aligning with typical full-time employment in the industry. Flexibility may be required during peak event periods or for urgent project needs, common in the hospitality and entertainment sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for in-person collaboration and integration within the company's operational framework. The "exciting environment" suggests a workplace that is lively and potentially demanding, requiring a designer who can thrive under pressure and contribute positively to a team dynamic focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes, with a focus on relevant experience and the presence of a portfolio link.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, and their role in the outcome. This may be followed by a skills assessment or a design challenge.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess cultural fit, problem-solving abilities, and how candidates handle typical design challenges and cross-functional collaboration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase skills relevant to the job description, emphasizing marketing collateral, direct mail, signage, and brand consistency.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to discuss the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your design. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%," "supported a campaign that generated Y revenue").

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Highlight your mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud and your understanding of prepress requirements.

• Showcase Brand Understanding: Include examples where you've successfully applied or evolved brand guidelines.

• Highlight Versatility: If applicable, include a mix of print and digital design examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve creating a piece of marketing collateral or a social media graphic based on a provided brief.

• Focus on understanding the company's brand and target audience when approaching any design challenge.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, explaining your choices regarding typography, color, imagery, and layout.

• Be ready to discuss how you would manage the project timeline and incorporate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio. Applicants should prepare to articulate their design process and decision-making, demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of marketing objectives and brand stewardship within the hospitality and entertainment context. A design challenge is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a core requirement for creating and managing design assets.

• PC Platform: Experience working within a Windows operating system environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for e-blasts, attendance for events promoted via signage) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role, but an awareness of how marketing automation platforms deliver e-blasts and manage direct mail campaigns can be advantageous. Additional/Preferred Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Preferred for motion graphics and dynamic visual content.

• Prepress Software/Workflows: Familiarity with tools and processes for preparing files for commercial printing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technology focus is on the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and PC proficiency. Candidates should emphasize their expertise in these core tools. Knowledge of Adobe After Effects and prepress workflows are considered advantageous, suggesting that the company values designers who can contribute to more dynamic content and understand production realities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Guest-Centricity: A core value, as reflected in the company's promise to "create special experiences one guest at a time." This translates to designing materials that enhance the guest experience and clearly communicate offerings.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The job description explicitly mentions interacting with personnel from various departments, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve marketing goals.

• Excellence & Quality: Maintaining brand standards and producing high-quality marketing materials are critical to upholding the company's reputation as a premier entertainment destination.

• Adaptability & Responsiveness: The "fast-paced & exciting environment" suggests a need for team members who can adapt to changing priorities and respond quickly to marketing needs.

• Professionalism & Discretion: Handling sensitive information confidentially and maintaining professional conduct are key operational values.

Collaboration Style:

• The company fosters a collaborative environment where departments work together to achieve common objectives.

• The Graphic Designer will be expected to communicate effectively with marketing peers, departmental stakeholders, and potentially external vendors.

• A proactive approach to communication and a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback are likely valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a strong service orientation and teamwork, essential for the hospitality sector. The Graphic Designer's role is to visually embody these values and support the creation of positive guest experiences through their creative output. Collaboration is not just encouraged but required for successful campaign execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to brand guidelines while still being fresh, engaging, and relevant to the target audience in a competitive entertainment market.

• Managing High Volume & Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced environment will require efficient workflow management and the ability to produce quality work under pressure, especially during peak seasons or major events.

• Adapting to Diverse Marketing Needs: Designing for a range of applications, from direct mail and print signage to potentially digital assets and internal communications, requires versatility and quick learning.

• Communicating Design Rationale: Effectively explaining design choices to non-designers and stakeholders to gain buy-in and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Adobe After Effects: Opportunity to deepen skills in motion graphics, which is increasingly valuable in digital marketing and promotional content.

• Specializing in Hospitality/Entertainment Design: Gaining niche expertise in a unique and dynamic industry, understanding its specific visual communication needs.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or explore roles in broader marketing functions within the company.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the intricacies of marketing for casino and harness racing operations, including understanding regulatory considerations and target demographics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a graphic designer in the entertainment industry, requiring a blend of creative talent, technical skill, and strong project management. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to specialize within the hospitality sector or advance into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with a need for creative differentiation. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and how you achieved both.)

• "How do you manage your workflow when faced with multiple urgent design requests from different departments?" (Highlight your organizational skills, prioritization methods, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk us through a marketing collateral project you designed. What was the objective, your creative process, and the outcome?" (Be ready to use your portfolio and quantify results if possible.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials and properties?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guides and your systematic approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Saratoga Casino Hotel and the entertainment industry we operate in?" (Research their website, recent news, and understand their unique position.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our promise of 'creating special experiences one guest at a time'?" (Connect your creative output to guest satisfaction and engagement.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with colleagues from different departments." (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the key challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome/impact.

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Prioritize examples that showcase direct mail, marketing collateral, signage, and brand consistency.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your software proficiency and prepress knowledge.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Emphasize how your design solutions addressed specific business or marketing problems.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be ready to answer questions about your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also an understanding of the business context, brand stewardship, and collaborative capabilities required in the hospitality and entertainment sector. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so candidates must be able to articulate the strategic intent behind their creative work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, Adobe Creative Cloud, marketing collateral production, and brand management, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to marketing materials, direct mail, signage, and brand consistency. Organize it logically and be prepared to walk through key projects.

• Research Saratoga Casino Hotel: Understand their brand, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to guest experience.

• Prepare for a design challenge: Be ready to demonstrate your design skills and problem-solving abilities in a practical exercise. Practice articulating your design rationale clearly.

⚠️ 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.