Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Springbrook

Location: Oneonta, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support Springbrook's brand and communication goals through the creation of engaging print and digital marketing content.

• Execute clear and compelling visual materials, including brochures, social media graphics, signage, presentations, recruitment pieces, and general marketing collateral.

• Collaborate closely with senior team members, learning to interpret concepts and produce polished designs under direction.

• Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong organizational skills and receptiveness to feedback.

• Ensure consistent application of Springbrook's brand standards across all produced materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Junior Graphic Designer," indicating a focus on execution and learning within a structured marketing and PR department. The emphasis on supporting leadership and taking direction suggests it's an entry-level or early-career position, ideal for someone looking to build a portfolio and gain practical experience in a corporate marketing setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of visual materials for both digital and print formats to support marketing campaigns and organizational objectives.

• Create and edit graphics for social media platforms, websites, brochures, forms, infographics, banners, and event-specific materials.

• Assist in updating layouts, formatting documents, and maintaining version control for various marketing assets.

• Collaborate effectively with marketing associates, content specialists, and other team members to translate conceptual ideas into tangible visual designs.

• Provide support to senior designers on larger-scale design projects, contributing to overall team output.

• Edit, proofread, and prepare materials for printing, being prepared to implement last-minute revisions efficiently.

• Consistently apply and enforce Springbrook's established brand standards across all visual communications.

• Provide on-site support at events, assisting with the setup of branded materials and addressing any immediate design needs.

• Review and verify documents for layout accuracy, brand alignment, and overall visual integrity.

• Draft basic written content for marketing materials as required, supporting the content creation process.

• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Marketing & PR Leadership team to support departmental goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design execution, emphasizing adherence to brand guidelines and collaborative support within the marketing team. The inclusion of event support and basic content drafting suggests a broad, yet junior-level, exposure to marketing operations and campaign execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: 1-2 years of relevant professional experience. Internships or equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Familiarity with basic printing practices and pre-press considerations for print production.

• Effective writing, editing, and proofreading skills for both design-related copy and internal communications.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with social media graphic creation and optimization for various platforms.

• Familiarity with web design principles or digital asset creation for online platforms.

• Basic understanding of content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Experience in event design or on-site event support.

• Ability to interpret and execute design briefs with minimal supervision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and a foundational understanding of design principles, which are critical for any junior design role. The blend of design and writing skills, coupled with organizational abilities, prepares candidates for a multifaceted marketing support role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Examples demonstrating the ability to create effective print materials such as brochures, flyers, and event signage.

• Digital design samples, including social media graphics, website banners, or presentation slides.

• Projects that clearly illustrate adherence to brand guidelines and consistency in visual messaging.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of workflow management in design projects, detailing how you organize tasks and manage revisions.

• Examples of how you have applied design principles to solve specific communication challenges.

• Documentation of how you ensure brand consistency across different types of marketing collateral.

• Any process you follow for proofreading and quality assurance before finalizing design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational design skills, software proficiency, and the ability to follow direction and brand standards. The emphasis is less on strategic design thinking and more on execution quality and process adherence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 - $22 per hour.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential employer match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement, including workshops and access to design resources.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education that aligns with career growth within the organization.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility required for occasional evening and weekend work to support events. The role involves a hybrid work schedule with mandated in-office days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay range of $20-$22 for a Junior Graphic Designer in Oneonta, NY, aligns with entry-level creative roles in regional markets. The inclusion of benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and PTO is standard for full-time positions and critical for attracting and retaining talent in the operations and creative fields. A hybrid schedule is noted, requiring presence in the office on specific days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Human Services. Springbrook provides essential services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across a 14-county service region in upstate New York. This mission-driven context emphasizes a culture of compassion, dedication, and community impact.

Company Size: Springbrook is a significant employer in its region, likely employing several hundred individuals across its various programs and administrative functions. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes but also opportunities for cross-departmental interaction.

Founded: Springbrook was founded in 1951, indicating a long history of service and a deep-rooted presence in the community. This longevity suggests stability, established operational procedures, and a strong understanding of its service area and client needs.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing & PR department, likely reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.

• This department collaborates closely with various program managers, administrative departments, and external partners to create cohesive communication strategies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Content: While creative, the department likely uses data from marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and program outcomes to inform content strategy and design choices.

• Process Optimization: The role involves refining design workflows, ensuring brand consistency, and improving the efficiency of marketing collateral production.

• Automation & Efficiency: The team may leverage design software features and templates to automate repetitive tasks and streamline the design process.

Company Website: https://www.springbrookny.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The non-profit sector context for Springbrook implies a culture that values mission, community, and impact. For a designer, this means creating materials that are not only visually appealing but also convey empathy, trust, and the positive outcomes of their services. The company's size and history suggest a stable environment with established operational frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the "Junior" or "Entry-Level" stage of a career in graphic design and marketing operations. It's designed for individuals with foundational skills who are eager to learn and grow within a professional marketing team. The scope is focused on executing design tasks under guidance and contributing to broader marketing efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report directly to Marketing & PR leadership, likely a Marketing Manager or Director. This structure provides clear guidance, mentorship, and oversight, essential for early-career development. Collaboration will extend to marketing associates and content specialists.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue or sales processes, this role plays a crucial supporting role in the organization's "Go-To-Market" (GTM) and internal communications efforts. Effective design impacts:

• Brand Perception: Shaping how the community, donors, and potential employees view Springbrook.

• Recruitment: Creating compelling materials that attract qualified candidates to vital roles.

• Program Awareness: Visually communicating the services and impact of Springbrook's programs.

• Donor Engagement: Designing materials that support fundraising efforts and build relationships with supporters.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital, print, social media) and master advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, take on more complex projects and potentially lead smaller design initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain understanding of broader marketing strategies, content development, and event management within the non-profit sector.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from senior designers and marketing leadership, fostering professional development and career pathing.

• Potential for Advancement: With proven performance and expanded skill sets, progression to a Graphic Designer or Senior Graphic Designer role within Springbrook or similar organizations is possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for this Junior Graphic Designer role is framed within the context of the marketing operations function. It emphasizes developing core design competencies, understanding the non-profit marketing landscape, and building a foundation for future career progression in creative and marketing roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a combination of remote work and in-office presence. The specific number of in-office days would be determined by departmental needs and leadership. The company is committed to providing a productive and collaborative workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Oneonta, New York. The role also requires the candidate to reside within Springbrook's 14-County Service Region, suggesting potential travel to various program sites or event locations within this area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities to interact with marketing associates, content specialists, and leadership.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment and design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) is expected. The company will ensure the necessary software licenses are available.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and project discussions are integral to the workflow, promoting knowledge sharing and feedback.

• Remote Workspace: Candidates must maintain a reliable and professional home workspace that is conducive to focused work and virtual meetings.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, flexibility is essential, with the possibility of occasional evening and weekend work to accommodate event schedules and urgent project needs. This flexibility is crucial for successful event support and campaign execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with the geographical service region requirement, indicates a need for adaptability. Candidates should be comfortable with both remote self-management and in-office collaboration, as well as potential travel within the designated service area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, resumes, and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they've applied brand standards. This stage will also include questions about their experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be given to evaluate design execution, creativity, and ability to meet specific project requirements under a time constraint. This could involve creating a social media graphic or a small print layout.

• Team/Manager Interview: A final interview with Marketing & PR leadership to assess cultural fit, communication skills, enthusiasm for the mission, and overall suitability for the role and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (print, digital, social media, adherence to brand).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Brand Application: Include examples where you've successfully applied or adapted existing brand guidelines.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to talk about your design choices, how you handled feedback, and your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio (digital or physical) is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge instructions, paying close attention to deadlines, deliverables, and specific requirements.

• Focus on Fundamentals: For a junior role, prioritize clear layout, appropriate typography, and effective use of color that aligns with brand principles.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a set timeframe to simulate the challenge environment.

• Articulate Your Choices: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, even for a short exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical design skills, portfolio presentation, and cultural fit. The "Junior" designation means the focus will be on foundational abilities and potential for growth, rather than extensive strategic experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print production), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and illustrations), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and digital assets).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong working knowledge of Outlook (email and calendar management), Word (document formatting), Excel (basic data handling if needed), and PowerPoint (presentation design).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, familiarity with social media analytics platforms (e.g., Facebook Insights, Instagram Analytics) for understanding graphic performance can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role. However, understanding how designed assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., email templates) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered around core design software and standard office productivity tools. This is typical for a junior design role where the primary function is content creation and execution, rather than system administration or complex automation workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Springbrook's core mission of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Operations and creative work should reflect this purpose.

• Compassion & Empathy: A culture that prioritizes understanding and respecting the needs of clients, their families, and colleagues. Designs should convey warmth and support.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: An emphasis on working together across departments to achieve shared goals, with open communication and mutual support.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all interactions and maintaining a professional demeanor in all aspects of work.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Making the most of available resources to create impactful marketing materials, reflecting the operational realities of a non-profit organization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The design team actively collaborates with marketing associates, content specialists, and program staff to align visuals with communication objectives.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to improve design quality and project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design insights, best practices, and learn from colleagues within the marketing department and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are deeply rooted in the non-profit mission. For a designer, this means understanding that their work directly contributes to the organization's ability to serve its community, requiring a blend of creative skill and empathetic communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and organizational messaging.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple design requests from various departments with differing deadlines and importance levels.

• Adapting to Feedback: Incorporating constructive criticism from multiple stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and project goals.

• Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with digital and print design trends, social media best practices, and evolving software capabilities.

• Remote/Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with the team while working in a hybrid environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite through workshops, online courses, or internal training sessions.

• Design Workshops: Participation in sessions focused on specific design areas like typography, color theory, UI/UX basics, or motion graphics.

• Mentorship Program: Guidance from senior designers and marketing professionals to develop both technical skills and professional acumen.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about marketing strategies and operational needs within the non-profit sector.

• Portfolio Expansion: Continuous opportunities to build a robust portfolio with diverse projects that showcase growth and expanded skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a junior creative role, focusing on execution, learning, and adaptation. The growth opportunities are geared towards building a solid foundation in design skills and understanding the broader marketing context of a non-profit organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design based on feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you approach it?" (Assesses adaptability, communication, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with a client's brand guidelines, especially when working with established standards?" (Evaluates understanding of brand consistency and adherence.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Springbrook's mission, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Assesses cultural fit and mission alignment.)

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment, and what strategies do you use to stay connected with your team?" (Evaluates remote work preparedness and collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

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

• Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize projects that showcase your proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and your ability to create both print and digital assets.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Show examples where you've successfully applied brand guidelines.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects for the role.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and feedback received.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on practical design skills, understanding the non-profit mission, and demonstrating adaptability in a hybrid work setting. The portfolio presentation is key to showcasing execution capabilities and adherence to brand standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a link to your online portfolio, through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and experience with print and digital marketing collateral. Include examples of social media graphics and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 1-2 years of experience (including internships), relevant education, and proficiency with required software. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and discussing your experience with brand standards and software. Prepare to answer questions about Springbrook's mission and your interest in the role.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Springbrook's services, mission, and target audience to better understand their communication needs and how your design skills can contribute effectively.

⚠️ 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.