Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: US Equestrian Fed

Location: Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-24T19:20:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity of US Equestrian Fed, requiring a blend of creative design skills and operational efficiency.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in producing a wide array of visual communications for both digital and print mediums, directly supporting marketing objectives and brand consistency.

• Key responsibilities include managing design projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to deadlines, and collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

• A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining brand integrity across all design outputs and contributing to the publication of US Equestrian magazine.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on creative output, the "Graphic Designer" title in a "Fed" (Federation) context implies a need for adherence to established brand guidelines and potentially a higher volume of work requiring efficient workflow management, aligning with operations principles. The mention of "working orders" and "timelines" further supports this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a diverse range of visual communications, including e-blast images, media kits, promotional materials, web banners, social media graphics, and logos, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines.

• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director on magazine production, layout design, and overall brand consistency across all Federation publications and digital assets.

• Manage design work orders from internal clients, effectively communicating design needs and project status to ensure timely and accurate delivery of creative assets.

• Liaise with external printing companies to obtain price quotes, communicate printing requirements, and monitor project status, ensuring quality production and cost-effectiveness.

• Consult with the IT department to ensure web design requirements are met and integrated seamlessly with digital platforms.

• Design and create editorial sections for the US Equestrian magazine, participating in content meetings to understand editorial direction and translate it into compelling visual narratives.

• Oversee and approve vendor and freelance invoices related to design projects, ensuring accuracy and adherence to budget.

• Delegate design tasks as needed and provide guidance and support to junior-level designers, fostering a collaborative and productive creative environment.

• Attend staff and project meetings as required, potentially representing the Creative Director and contributing to strategic discussions on visual communications.

• Ensure all visual communications are consistent with Marketing objectives and established brand guidelines, maintaining a high standard of visual detail and aesthetic appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize project management and stakeholder communication, which are core operational functions within a creative department. The need to manage vendors, approve invoices, and delegate tasks points to a role that requires not just creative talent but also organizational and administrative capabilities typical of operations-focused roles in creative fields.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Graphic Technology, Web Design, Art, Advertising, or a closely related field.

• Alternatively, an Associate's degree in a related field combined with 3-5 years of relevant experience, or 6 years of directly related experience, may substitute for a Bachelor's degree. Experience:

• 3-5 years of graphic design experience, preferably within an in-house creative department or a design firm.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience in taking projects from initiation to completion with minimal supervision. Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating and manipulating vector images.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For manipulating photographs and other digital images.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout of digital and print publications.

• Strong knowledge of social media design principles and best practices.

• Demonstrated creativity in design concepts and execution.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills to thrive in a fast-paced team environment.

• Adaptability and a quick learning ability, coupled with strong self-motivation.

• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong understanding of typography and layout design principles.

• Exceptional written communication skills, including spelling, grammar, proper formatting, proofreading, and email etiquette. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe After Effects is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and the requirement for both creative and organizational skills (time management, multi-project handling) highlight the operational aspects of this design role. The need for clear written communication and basic Microsoft Office proficiency further underscores the importance of operational effectiveness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects executed for both digital and print mediums, demonstrating versatility.

• Include examples of brand identity development, such as logo design and brand guideline application across various collateral.

• Present case studies that highlight your process for taking a design project from brief to final delivery, emphasizing problem-solving and creative solutions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Suite tools to produce high-quality, polished work, with specific examples for Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Include examples of social media graphics, web banners, or e-blast designs to showcase digital design capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design workflow, from understanding client briefs to final asset delivery and stakeholder feedback incorporation.

• Articulate how you manage project timelines, prioritize tasks, and ensure brand consistency across all design outputs.

• Explain your approach to collaborating with internal teams (e.g., Marketing, IT) and external vendors (e.g., printers) to achieve project goals.

• Demonstrate an understanding of print production requirements and digital design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a design role within an organization that likely has established processes, a portfolio and the ability to articulate one's design process are critical. This section infers the need for candidates to not just show finished products but also explain their methodology, which aligns with operations' focus on "how" things get done efficiently and effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Lexington, KY, the estimated salary range is approximately $50,000 - $70,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Lexington, the experience level required, and the nature of the organization (a federation which may have structured compensation bands). Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

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

• Potential for participation in company-sponsored events and activities.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential support. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines, especially during peak publication cycles or event periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data for Graphic Designer roles in similar locations and experience levels, with adjustments for the non-profit/federation sector. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in established organizations. The working hours are derived from the "Regular Full-Time" employment type and "On-site" work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Sports Federation (Equestrian)

The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) operates within the sports and recreation industry, specifically focusing on the governance and advancement of equestrian sports in the United States. This context implies a mission-driven environment with a focus on member services, event management, and promoting the sport. For a Graphic Designer, this means creating visuals that resonate with equestrian enthusiasts, athletes, sponsors, and the general public, while adhering to the federation's brand and values.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 201-500 employees. This suggests a mid-sized organization with established departments and processes, offering a balance between the structure of a larger entity and the agility of a smaller one. For operations professionals, this size often means defined roles, opportunities for process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: US Equestrian Federation was founded in 1917. This long history indicates stability, established traditions, and a deep-rooted presence in the equestrian community. A seasoned organization like this typically has well-defined brand guidelines, established workflows, and a culture that values both heritage and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications department, reporting to a Creative Director.

• This department may consist of other creative professionals, marketing specialists, and communication managers, fostering a collaborative environment.

• The role involves frequent interaction with various internal departments (e.g., IT, event management, membership services) to understand their design needs and support their initiatives. Methodology:

• Design projects will likely be managed through a work order system or project management tool, requiring clear briefs, defined timelines, and feedback loops.

• Emphasis will be placed on maintaining brand consistency across all visual assets, adhering to established marketing objectives and design guidelines.

• Collaboration will be key, involving creative reviews, stakeholder consultations, and coordination with external vendors for print production.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the organization name ("US Equestrian Fed") and general knowledge of sports federations. The size is inferred from LinkedIn data. The founding date provides historical context. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the role's description and typical organizational structures for a mid-sized non-profit federation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires significant technical proficiency and creative execution, with added responsibilities for project management, client liaison, and potentially mentorship of junior staff. It's a step beyond an entry-level designer, demanding autonomy and a proactive approach to managing design tasks and workflows.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director. This provides a clear line of management and a direct avenue for creative direction, feedback, and professional development. The Creative Director likely oversees the overall marketing and branding strategy, with the Graphic Designer executing key visual components.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the Federation's brand perception, member engagement, and promotional effectiveness. High-quality, consistent visual communications are crucial for conveying professionalism, attracting sponsors, and promoting equestrian events and initiatives. Efficient design processes ensure that marketing campaigns are launched on time and within budget, contributing to the overall operational success of the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like editorial design for publications, digital asset creation for web and social media, or branding for events.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, taking on more strategic creative responsibilities and leading design teams.

• Cross-functional Skills: Expand into areas like project management for creative projects or marketing coordination, leveraging design expertise within a broader operational context.

• Continuous Learning: Stay current with design software updates, emerging design trends, and new media platforms through workshops, online courses, and industry publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the typical career progression for graphic design roles and the context of a federation. The "operations impact" section highlights how creative roles contribute to broader organizational goals, a key consideration for operations-focused candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office environment within the US Equestrian Fed's facilities. This suggests a structured workplace designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The job is located in Lexington, Kentucky, specifically mentioning "Kentucky - Main, Lexington, KY, US" with a postal code of 40511. This is a central hub for the organization, likely offering a professional office setting.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office amenities and a dedicated workstation for design tasks.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware (computers, potentially large monitors) is expected.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with the Creative Director, marketing team members, and other internal stakeholders will be readily available.

• The environment is likely professional, with a focus on the equestrian sport, potentially incorporating thematic elements in its decor or atmosphere. Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with the "Regular Full-Time" employment type.

• While the core hours are fixed for an on-site role, there might be some flexibility for project-driven needs, though this would be subject to management approval and operational requirements.

• Adherence to established work hours is crucial for team coordination and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" and specific location details are directly extracted. The workspace context is inferred based on typical office environments for mid-sized organizations and the nature of a sports federation. The work schedule is based on the employment type.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with HR or a hiring manager to discuss your background, experience, and initial fit. Be prepared to briefly walk through your portfolio highlights.

• Second Interview (In-Person/Video): Often involves a meeting with the Creative Director and potentially other team members. This stage will focus heavily on your design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and how you handle creative briefs.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to complete a small design task relevant to the Federation's needs or present a more in-depth review of your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your role, and the impact of your designs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or department heads to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role (e.g., print publications, digital assets, branding).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Operations: If possible, include examples where you demonstrated efficiency, met tight deadlines, managed multiple revisions, or collaborated effectively with clients/stakeholders. Quantify results if you can (e.g., "increased engagement by X%" or "delivered Y projects ahead of schedule").

• Tailor to USEF: Include any work that shows an understanding of sports, non-profits, or a similar aesthetic. Demonstrate how your skills can serve the equestrian community.

• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a well-organized PDF).

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core objective quickly.

• Prioritize clear communication of your thought process and design rationale.

• Ensure your final output is polished and demonstrates technical proficiency, even if it's a quick exercise.

• Be ready to explain your design decisions, considering brand consistency and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying to operations-adjacent creative roles. The emphasis on portfolio content, process articulation, and demonstrating operational efficiency (time management, collaboration) is tailored to enhance a candidate's application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations. Proficiency in creating and manipulating complex vector artwork is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, digital painting, and creating raster graphics. Expect to manipulate photographs and create web-optimized images.
  • Adobe InDesign: The primary tool for layout and design of digital and print publications, including magazines, brochures, and reports. Mastery of page layout, typography, and pre-press setup is vital.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Outlook: For email communication, scheduling meetings, and managing correspondence with internal clients and external vendors.
  • Word: For creating and editing documents, particularly those requiring text formatting and integration with design elements.
  • Excel: For basic data management, tracking project quotes, or budget-related tasks.
  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations, potentially for internal client pitches or design concept reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, the designer may interact with analytics regarding web banner performance or e-blast engagement, requiring an understanding of basic digital metrics. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool usage is specified, but an understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists the core software mentioned in the job description and infers associated functionalities and operational uses for a graphic designer in this context. The focus is on how these tools support the execution of design responsibilities and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Precision: A strong emphasis on detail in design execution, ensuring brand consistency, correct typography, and error-free layouts across all outputs.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Commitment to meeting deadlines and managing workloads effectively to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, supporting the operational flow of marketing campaigns and publications.

• Collaboration & Communication: A proactive approach to working with the Creative Director, internal clients, and external vendors, fostering clear communication and teamwork to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Stewardship: Dedicated to upholding and advancing the US Equestrian Fed's brand identity, ensuring all visual communications reflect the organization's mission, values, and professional standards.

• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: Willingness to learn new design techniques, adapt to evolving project needs, and embrace feedback to continually enhance design quality and personal skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Works closely with the Creative Director and other marketing/communications staff, participating in brainstorming sessions and design reviews.

• Client-Focused: Engages with internal "clients" (managers, department heads) to thoroughly understand their design requirements and provide effective visual solutions.

• Vendor Partnership: Maintains professional relationships with printers and other external suppliers, communicating clearly to ensure successful project execution and quality control.

• Feedback Integration: Open to constructive criticism and incorporates feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and achieve optimal results.

📝 Enhancement Note: These inferred values and collaboration styles are derived from the job description's emphasis on accuracy, deadlines, client liaison, and teamwork, framed within the context of a professional organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

• Managing High Volume and Diverse Project Needs: Juggling multiple design requests simultaneously from various departments, each with unique requirements and deadlines.

• Effective Communication with Non-Design Stakeholders: Translating design concepts and technical requirements into easily understandable terms for individuals without a design background.

• Staying Current with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously updating skills and knowledge in rapidly evolving design software and digital media platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite tools or explore related software like After Effects.

• Industry Workshops & Webinars: Participation in events focused on graphic design, branding, print production, or digital media to enhance skills and network.

• Mentorship: Learning from the Creative Director and senior team members about strategic design application, project management, and career development within the creative field.

• Exposure to Equestrian Sports: Gaining a deeper understanding of the equestrian world, its audience, and visual aesthetics, which can inform and enhance future design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on common issues in design roles, especially within established organizations. Growth opportunities are tailored to the specific industry and role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial brief to final delivery. How do you ensure brand consistency and meet deadlines?" (Focus on workflow, project management, and brand adherence).

• "How do you handle creative feedback, especially when it conflicts with your initial design vision?" (Demonstrate adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving).

• "Can you walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio and explain the problem you solved and the outcome?" (Use a STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – highlighting your process and impact).

• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and software advancements?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for US Equestrian Fed specifically?" (Research USEF's mission, recent campaigns, and equestrian sports).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the goals of a sports federation?" (Connect your abilities to promoting the sport, engaging members, and supporting events).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with colleagues and supervisors." (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and receptiveness to direction). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. For each project, have a clear narrative: the objective, your role, your process, the challenges, your solutions, and the results.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates for social media graphics, readership for magazine spreads).

• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your design thinking, the software you used, and why you made certain creative decisions. This is where operational efficiency in design can be highlighted.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a given timeframe, focusing on the most relevant examples for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are crafted to align with the specific requirements and operational context of a Graphic Designer role within a sports federation, emphasizing both creative and professional execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent creative position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP workforcenow link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, with a preference for print publication layouts and digital marketing assets. Include at least one example that highlights your ability to manage design projects from concept to completion under tight deadlines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in managing multiple design projects, liaising with clients and vendors, and adhering to brand guidelines. Quantify achievements where possible, such as "designed X promotional materials for Y events" or "contributed to Z issues of a publication."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to present 2-3 key portfolio pieces, explaining the project's objective, your role, your approach, and the outcome, focusing on efficiency and brand alignment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the US Equestrian Federation's mission, recent campaigns, and the overall landscape of equestrian sports. Understand how visual communication supports their organizational goals and member engagement.

⚠️ 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.

---