Graphic Designer
๐ Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: The Pursuit NW
Location: Kirkland, Washington, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: 2026-06-03T00:28:29
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site
๐ Role Summary
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This role focuses on executing and supporting the ministry's visual communication through the creation of design and content assets.
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The Graphic Designer will be responsible for producing high-quality visual materials for various platforms, including print, digital, and social media.
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Key responsibilities include managing projects from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and creative direction.
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The position also involves creating animated graphics for video projects, requiring proficiency in animation software within the Adobe Creative Suite.
๐ Enhancement Note: While the original listing is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement frames the role within a GTM (Go-To-Market) context by emphasizing the creation of assets that support the organization's communication and outreach strategies. The focus on visual communication, brand guidelines, and digital/social platforms directly aligns with GTM objectives.
๐ Primary Responsibilities
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Produce high-quality graphic design assets for print, digital, and social media platforms, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.
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Develop and present mood boards, storyboards, and comprehensive project plans to articulate design concepts and strategies.
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Manage design projects from ideation to completion, collaborating effectively with creative team members and department leads to meet deadlines and objectives.
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Provide dedicated support to the Art Director, assisting with a range of tasks and special projects as assigned.
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Create and execute design animations for video projects, transforming pre-designed assets into engaging motion graphics.
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Stay current with the latest industry trends in graphic design, animation, and digital content creation to ensure innovative and relevant output.
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Strictly adhere to The Pursuit NW's brand guidelines and the creative direction established by the Art Director.
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Actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, and other required organizational events to foster team cohesion and alignment.
๐ Enhancement Note: These responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the project management and collaboration aspects crucial for operations roles. The emphasis on "managing projects from ideation to completion" and "collaborating effectively" directly relates to operational efficiency and cross-functional teamwork.
๐ Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of design principles and creative processes is essential.
Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of executing design projects across various media.
Required Skills:
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Professional-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
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Demonstrated ability to create compelling graphic design assets for both print and digital applications.
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Experience in developing and presenting mood boards and storyboards for creative projects.
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
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Ability to understand and apply brand guidelines consistently across all creative output.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with animation software for creating motion graphics and video assets.
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Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) tools.
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Understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles for digital assets.
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Ability to lead or inspire team members and set clear expectations, demonstrating leadership potential.
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Experience working within a non-profit or ministry organization, understanding its unique communication needs.
๐ Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been enhanced to include operational aspects like project management, organizational skills, and entrepreneurial abilities, which are vital for roles that involve process execution and strategic contribution. The preference for experience within a non-profit or ministry context is also added to align with the organization's mission.
๐ Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including print collateral, digital graphics, social media content, and any animated assets.
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Case studies demonstrating the complete project lifecycle, from initial concept and ideation to final execution and impact.
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Examples of how brand guidelines were interpreted and applied to ensure consistent messaging and visual identity.
Process Documentation:
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The ability to document design processes, including workflow planning and optimization strategies for asset creation.
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Evidence of understanding and adherence to established brand guidelines and creative briefs.
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Examples of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations to refine the final output.
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Documentation of project timelines and the ability to manage tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
๐ Enhancement Note: This section has been significantly expanded to reflect the operational demands of a creative role within a structured organization. The emphasis on process documentation, project lifecycle management, and brand guideline adherence is critical for operations professionals.
๐ต Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Kirkland, WA area, the estimated hourly rate is between $25 - $35 per hour, translating to an annual salary range of approximately $52,000 - $72,800. This range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications and experience.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, with 75% of employee premiums covered and 50% for dependents.
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403b Retirement plan to support long-term financial planning.
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Discounted staff care services, offering affordable access to essential services.
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Discounted school tuition, providing financial benefits for employees' educational needs.
Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week, with the potential for some flexibility depending on project deadlines and team needs.
๐ Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated for Kirkland, WA, a high-cost-of-living area, and the methodology considers the experience level and specific benefits offered. The working hours are clarified as full-time.
๐ฏ Team & Company Context
๐ข Company Culture
Industry: Non-profit / Ministry. The Pursuit NW operates within the religious and community services sector, focusing on spiritual growth, purpose discovery, and calling fulfillment. This context shapes its mission-driven approach to all operations and communications.
Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated, but the presence of a Marketing/Creative Integrator and an Art Director suggests a structured team with dedicated departments. This implies a moderate to large operational scale within the non-profit sector.
Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the organization's mission suggests a mature ministry with established programs and outreach efforts.
Team Structure:
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The Graphic Designer reports to a Marketing/Creative Integrator, indicating a clear reporting line within the marketing or creative department.
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Collaboration is expected with other creative team members, department leads, and potentially volunteers or other ministry staff.
Methodology:
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Emphasis on visual communication as a core method for sharing the Gospel and organizational impact.
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Value placed on creativity, excellence, collaboration, and spiritual alignment in all work.
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Project management methodology likely involves agile or iterative approaches to accommodate evolving ministry needs and creative feedback.
Company Website: https://www.thepursuitnw.com/
๐ Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure have been inferred based on the job description and industry norms for ministries. The emphasis on mission-driven work and collaboration is highlighted as key for operations professionals.
๐ Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the creative operations field. It requires hands-on execution of design tasks while offering exposure to project management and creative strategy.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing/Creative Integrator, providing a structured path for guidance and feedback. This relationship is key for operational alignment and skill development.
Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant in visually communicating the ministry's message, engaging its audience, and supporting its outreach programs. Effective design and content creation are crucial for driving awareness and participation in ministry activities.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, gain experience in animation and motion graphics, and develop specialized design skills.
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Project Management: Potential to take on more complex projects, manage timelines independently, and contribute to strategic planning for creative campaigns.
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Leadership Potential: With proven performance and demonstrated leadership qualities, growth into roles such as Senior Graphic Designer or Creative Lead within the ministry.
๐ Enhancement Note: The career path and growth opportunities are framed from an operational perspective, focusing on skill development, project management, and potential leadership progression within the creative and marketing functions.
๐ Work Environment
Office Type: The role is on-site, suggesting a traditional office environment within the ministry's facilities. This environment likely fosters strong team collaboration and direct communication.
Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 9051 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033. This location is in a business district, offering accessibility to local amenities.
Workspace Context:
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A collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and idea-sharing among creative professionals.
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Access to necessary design software and hardware, including the Adobe Creative Suite, is expected.
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Opportunities for direct interaction with the Marketing/Creative Integrator and other team members to ensure alignment on creative projects.
Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time, on-site role. While core hours will likely be expected, there might be some flexibility for project deadlines, managed in coordination with the supervisor.
๐ Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to highlight aspects relevant to operations, such as workspace collaboration, technology access, and adherence to a structured work schedule.
๐ Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess creative skills, technical proficiency, and alignment with job requirements.
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Creative Assessment: A potential design challenge or portfolio review session to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking.
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Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with the Marketing/Creative Integrator and potentially other team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with The Pursuit NW's values and mission.
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Final Interview: May involve leadership or a broader team discussion to confirm fit and discuss role expectations in detail.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Showcase Versatility: Include a range of projects demonstrating proficiency across different design disciplines (print, digital, social, animation).
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Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the process, and the outcome or impact.
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Highlight Process: Include examples of mood boards, storyboards, and sketches to illustrate your creative process.
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Brand Adherence: Demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines by including projects that adhere to specific brand identities.
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Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be prepared to discuss your approach to design challenges, focusing on your problem-solving methodology and creative ideation process.
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If a design task is given, focus on understanding the brief, planning your approach, and executing efficiently within the given timeframe.
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Practice articulating your design choices and the rationale behind them, especially in relation to the organization's mission and audience.
๐ Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are specifically geared towards a creative role with operational undertones, emphasizing process, problem-solving, and alignment with organizational goals.
๐ Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks.
- Adobe InDesign: For layout and print design.
- Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
- Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
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Animation Software: Potentially After Effects or similar tools for creating motion graphics and animating pre-designed assets.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
- No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this role. However, familiarity with how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or content management systems could be an advantage.
๐ Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are detailed to reflect the specific software required for graphic design and animation, with a note on how design performance might be measured in a broader marketing context.
๐ฅ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished creative work that reflects positively on the ministry.
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Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within the creative department and across other ministry teams.
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Creativity: Valuing innovative thinking and the use of artistic expression to communicate the ministry's message effectively.
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Spiritual Alignment: A shared commitment to the ministry's mission and values, with a desire to use creative talents in service.
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Efficiency: While focused on creativity, there's an understanding of the need for timely delivery and effective project management to support ministry operations.
Collaboration Style:
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The team likely operates with a blend of structured project management and open creative dialogue.
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Expect regular check-ins with the Marketing/Creative Integrator and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with other ministry departments.
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A culture of constructive feedback and iterative design processes is probable, aimed at refining creative output to best serve the ministry's goals.
๐ Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are interpreted through the lens of a mission-driven organization, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and alignment with the ministry's purpose, which are crucial for effective operations.
โก Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Creative Vision with Ministry Mission: Ensuring that all design work aligns with the specific theological and programmatic goals of The Pursuit NW.
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Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and executing various design tasks under time constraints.
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Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design and animation trends while maintaining brand consistency.
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Cross-Departmental Communication: Effectively translating the needs of different ministry departments into compelling visual assets.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master features within Adobe Creative Suite or learn new creative tools.
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Animation and Motion Graphics Specialization: Developing expertise in creating dynamic visual content for video and digital platforms.
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Project Management Skills: Gaining experience in managing project timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.
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Understanding Ministry Communications: Deepening knowledge of how design supports mission-driven organizations and community engagement.
๐ Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges and growth avenues relevant to operations professionals, focusing on skill enhancement, project management, and strategic application of creative talents within a specific organizational context.
๐ก Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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Creative Process: "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery. How do you incorporate feedback and ensure brand consistency?" (Prepare to walk through a case study from your portfolio).
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Tool Proficiency: "How do you leverage Adobe Creative Suite tools like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator to achieve specific design outcomes? Can you give an example of a complex design challenge you solved using these tools?"
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Animation Experience: "Describe your experience with animation for video projects. What software do you use, and what types of animated assets have you created?"
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Ministry Context: "How do you see graphic design supporting the mission and goals of a ministry like The Pursuit NW? What excites you about creating visual content for a faith-based organization?"
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about The Pursuit NW and our mission? How do your personal values align with our organizational values?"
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"How do you approach collaboration within a creative team and with other departments?"
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your best work first.
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Tell the Story: For each selected project, clearly explain the objective, your role, the design process, your creative solutions, and the impact of your work.
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Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss the specific tools and techniques you used.
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Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how you can work within and interpret brand guidelines.
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Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time by being clear and to the point.
๐ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to assess both creative and operational capabilities, including problem-solving, collaboration, and alignment with the organization's mission.
๐ Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights projects relevant to print, digital, social media, and animation. Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and project management skills.
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Resume Optimization: Focus on quantifiable achievements and responsibilities related to design execution, project management, and collaboration. Use keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Content Creation," and "Project Management."
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative problem-solving abilities, and your understanding of how design supports a ministry's mission. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio for discussion.
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Company Research: Thoroughly research The Pursuit NW's mission, values, and current outreach efforts. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audience to demonstrate your alignment and enthusiasm during the interview process.
โ ๏ธ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and possess professional-level creative process skills. Alignment with the organization's leadership and a commitment to the local church and faith are required.