Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: UJA-Federation of New York

Location: New York, NY, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for creating compelling visual assets that support UJA-Federation of New York's mission, focusing on both print and digital mediums to enhance fundraising and communication efforts.

• The Graphic Designer will act as a key creative problem solver, collaborating with various departments to translate marketing objectives into effective visual strategies.

• Responsibilities encompass the full design lifecycle, from conceptualization to final production-ready files, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and project timelines.

• This position requires a strong understanding of design trends, production processes, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data suggests a Graphic Designer role, the output is framed within an "Operations" context by highlighting how design functions as a crucial operational support for marketing, fundraising, and communication departments. This involves process management, cross-functional collaboration, and adherence to brand strategy, all of which are operational functions within a GTM or marketing department. The "Category" has been expanded to reflect the broader operational impact of design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute high-quality print and digital graphics for diverse communication materials, including ads, brochures, direct mail, invitations, posters, e-mail communications, web, and social media channels.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications, Fundraising, and other interdepartmental teams to develop visual solutions that align with marketing objectives and overarching organizational strategy.

• Manage project progress for individual assignments, liaising with respective project managers to ensure timely delivery and adherence to established workflows.

• Prepare print-ready files and detailed specifications for output, coordinating with the purchasing department to secure bids for production services.

• Maintain comprehensive records of all jobs passing through the art department and provide regular status updates to the Creative Director.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been detailed to reflect the operational workflow of a design role within a larger organization, emphasizing project management, interdepartmental coordination, and production oversight as key operational components.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Art, Graphic Design, or a related field from a recognized and accredited university or design school.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional staff experience in a leading advertising agency or an in-house design studio environment.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in the current version of the Adobe Creative Suite (Mac platform), including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Excellent publication design skills with a strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of print and digital design projects.

• Demonstrated ability to consistently produce a high volume of quality work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of offset and digital pre-press, and print production technology.

• Ability to prepare print-ready files and specifications for output.

• Superior taste in overall design, typography, color, and paper stock selection.

• Experience working within and strictly adhering to established brand guidelines. Preferred Skills:

• An active interest in supporting non-profit causes, specifically helping the needy in New York and globally.

• Experience with web graphics, social media content creation, and e-mail marketing design.

• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies for tracking design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been expanded to include specific software proficiencies and the practical application of design skills in a professional, deadline-driven environment, aligning with operational efficiency expectations. The preferred skill regarding interest in the cause adds a cultural alignment aspect relevant to non-profit operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of print and digital design projects that demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities and a strong understanding of visual communication principles.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight your process for developing graphics to support specific marketing objectives or fundraising campaigns.

• Provide examples of work that adheres to strict brand guidelines and demonstrates consistency across various collateral.

• Present work that illustrates expertise in preparing files for both offset and digital printing, including examples of pre-press readiness. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your workflow for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, from initial brief to final delivery.

• Demonstrate how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and iterate on designs to meet evolving project requirements.

• Explain your approach to ensuring design quality and accuracy, including proofreading and pre-flight checks before final output.

• Illustrate your understanding of print production processes and how you collaborate with vendors or internal production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been tailored to emphasize the operational aspects of a designer's portfolio, focusing on process, efficiency, and adherence to standards rather than just aesthetic output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) to support employee well-being.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential employer match, aiding long-term financial planning.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, promoting work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design trends and software.

• Potential for involvement in impactful projects that directly support the organization's mission.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and organizational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly from the input. Benefits are standard for a full-time role of this level and location, presented with operations-focused context (e.g., financial planning, work-life balance for efficiency). Working hours are specified, with an acknowledgement of potential operational flexibility required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Philanthropy / Social Services. UJA-Federation of New York is a leading organization dedicated to improving lives through a network of agencies and community partners, focusing on Jewish communal life and social welfare. This context implies a mission-driven environment where visual communications play a vital role in engagement and fundraising.

Company Size: UJA-Federation of New York is a large organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals across its network. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for specialized roles.

Founded: UJA-Federation of New York has a long history, tracing its roots back over a century. This legacy implies a stable organization with deep community ties and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer is part of the Design Team, which operates within the broader Marketing and Communications department.

• This team reports to the Director, Creative Strategy, indicating a clear hierarchy and strategic oversight for design initiatives.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple departments, including Fundraising, Planning, and other interdepartmental teams, highlighting a matrixed operational structure for project execution. Methodology:

• Design processes are driven by marketing objectives and fundraising strategies, requiring a data-informed approach to visual content creation.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for managing a high volume of diverse design requests efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in file management, asset organization, and potentially through templates for recurring materials.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context has been elaborated to provide insight into the non-profit sector's operational nuances and how a design role supports its mission, emphasizing structured processes and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level Graphic Designer position. It requires significant independent work and creative problem-solving, moving beyond junior execution tasks to strategic visual development. The designer is expected to manage projects and collaborate directly with stakeholders, demonstrating a growing level of responsibility and influence within the organization's creative operations.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director, Creative Strategy. This provides a clear line of mentorship and strategic direction, allowing for focused skill development and alignment with the organization's broader creative vision and operational goals.

Operations Impact: The visual assets created by the Graphic Designer directly impact the organization's ability to communicate its mission, engage donors, and drive fundraising campaigns. Effective design is an operational lever that enhances brand perception, clarity of message, and ultimately, the success of revenue-generating activities and programmatic outreach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to specialize in specific design areas (e.g., digital marketing graphics, campaign branding) or develop deeper expertise in production management and workflow optimization.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunity to lead design aspects of major campaigns, collaborating more closely with fundraising and program leads, thereby enhancing project management and strategic planning skills.

• Mentorship and Team Development: As experience grows, potential to mentor junior designers or contribute to establishing best practices and templates for the design team's operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the role's position within the operational hierarchy and its potential for career progression, framing growth in terms of both design expertise and operational leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in a professional office environment located in New York City. This setting is conducive to in-person collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and direct interaction with colleagues and Creative Directors.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in New York, NY, 10022. This central location offers accessibility via public transportation, which is a significant consideration for daily commutes for operations professionals in NYC.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace likely offers a collaborative environment where designers can interact with team members, share ideas, and receive immediate feedback on creative work.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite on Mac) and potentially other organizational tools for project management and communication is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising teams will facilitate a deeper understanding of project goals and operational needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While this is a full-time, on-site role, the nature of creative work may sometimes require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines or campaign launches, aligning with typical operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described with an emphasis on the operational benefits of an on-site setting for collaborative and efficient creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation: An opportunity to present your portfolio to the Creative Director and potentially other team members, discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you've met project objectives. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design task or critique existing materials to evaluate your technical skills, creative thinking, and adherence to brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Cultural Fit Interview: A discussion to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, and alignment with UJA-Federation of New York's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility across print and digital, and highlight your ability to meet diverse client needs within a structured environment.

• Emphasize Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the tools used, and the impact of your solution, especially as it relates to marketing objectives or fundraising success.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you have successfully worked within established brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of consistency and brand integrity.

• Prepare for Production Questions: Be ready to discuss your pre-press knowledge and experience with print production workflows.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Familiarize yourself with UJA-Federation of New York's mission, key initiatives, and target audiences to inform your creative approach.

• Review Brand Guidelines: Thoroughly study the organization's brand guidelines to ensure any in-task work aligns perfectly.

• Practice Time Management: If a timed challenge is expected, practice completing design tasks efficiently and effectively within a limited timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed with specific advice tailored to a graphic design role within a non-profit, emphasizing the operational aspects of project execution and brand alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Mac): Expert-level proficiency is mandatory. This includes:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and publication design.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word and PowerPoint for creating presentation materials and collaborating on documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, an understanding of how design impacts digital performance (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media graphics) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) may be helpful for context. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems is not explicitly required but understanding how marketing collateral is distributed through CRM-integrated platforms (e.g., email marketing tools) can provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on the core design software essential for the role, with a note on how other operational tools might intersect with the design function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A core value is dedication to UJA-Federation of New York's mission of improving lives, which should translate into a passionate and committed approach to design work that supports this goal.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve shared organizational objectives. Designers are expected to be active participants in team efforts.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, effective, and professional design work that upholds the organization's reputation.

• Efficiency & Reliability: The ability to manage projects effectively, meet deadlines consistently, and deliver reliable results, contributing to the smooth operation of the marketing and communications department.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Open and clear communication with the Creative Director, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and address challenges promptly.

• Feedback Integration: A willingness to receive and incorporate constructive feedback from various team members to refine designs and meet project goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a positive team environment by sharing insights, best practices, and creative solutions with fellow designers and colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the cultural and value-based expectations for a designer within UJA-Federation of New York, framing them within an operational context of collaboration and mission-oriented execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Managing a high volume of design requests from various departments with different priorities and brand interpretations requires strong organizational skills and negotiation.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual communications adhere to evolving brand guidelines across a wide array of collateral can be complex.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The non-profit sector often requires rapid turnaround for campaigns and events, posing a continuous challenge to deliver quality work under pressure.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Visually representing complex social issues or fundraising goals in an engaging and impactful manner requires creative problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design software and technologies.

• Workshops on Non-Profit Marketing: Learning about effective communication strategies tailored to the non-profit sector to enhance design impact.

• Print Production Seminars: Staying updated on the latest advancements in print and digital production techniques to ensure efficient and high-quality output.

• Mentorship from Creative Leadership: Guidance from the Director, Creative Strategy, on developing a strategic approach to design and understanding the broader organizational impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to highlight the operational complexities of the role and how professional development can enhance performance and career trajectory within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure all were delivered on time and to quality standards?" (Focus on project management and prioritization skills).

• "How do you approach a new design brief, especially when the client's objectives are not clearly defined? Walk us through your process for clarifying requirements and developing initial concepts." (Focus on creative problem-solving and client management).

• "Discuss a project where you had to work within strict brand guidelines. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure your design still felt fresh and impactful?" (Focus on brand adherence and creative execution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for UJA-Federation of New York specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Focus on mission alignment and value proposition).

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style when working with non-design stakeholders (e.g., fundraising managers, program directors)." (Focus on cross-functional communication and teamwork).

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you balance these trends with established brand standards?" (Focus on professional development and strategic application of trends). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, present a clear problem statement, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Production Expertise: Be ready to discuss your role in pre-press, file preparation, and your understanding of print production challenges and solutions.

• Showcase Brand Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to create compelling designs that align with various objectives while maintaining brand integrity.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for interactive discussion, questions about your choices, and potential critiques of your work, showing your openness to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation questions and strategies are designed to assess operational competencies such as project management, strategic thinking, and collaborative execution, alongside core design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ultipro recruiting portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight 3-5 years of experience in agency or in-house design, emphasizing your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, print production, and brand guideline adherence. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 50+ marketing collateral pieces per quarter").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 strong projects that showcase your print and digital design capabilities, process, and ability to meet marketing objectives. Ensure it is easily navigable and professionally presented.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you've managed projects to successful completion. Be ready to discuss production aspects.

• Research the Organization: Thoroughly review UJA-Federation of New York's website to understand their mission, current campaigns, and target audiences. This will help you articulate your interest and how your design skills align with their operational and communication goals.

⚠️ 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.

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