Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Utah Jazz

Location: Sandy, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Sports & Recreation

Date Posted: May 14, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute compelling digital and print graphics supporting Corporate Partnerships and Business Development initiatives for the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth.

• Develop high-fidelity visual mockups of sales assets using industry-standard design software to enhance presentations and proposals.

• Ensure unwavering brand consistency across all creative outputs for multiple entities including Delta Center.

• Collaborate effectively within a fast-paced creative team, managing multiple projects with quick turnarounds and tight deadlines.

• Contribute to a positive and winning team culture, embodying company values of transparency, community focus, and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on supporting revenue-generating departments (Corporate Partnerships and Business Development) and requires a strong understanding of how design directly impacts sales enablement and brand perception within the sports and entertainment industry. The emphasis on "winning culture" and "scrappy" values suggests a dynamic, performance-oriented environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and produce a wide range of graphic design assets, including digital ads, social media graphics, presentations, proposals, brochures, and event collateral for Corporate Partnerships and Business Development teams.

• Create visually engaging mockups of sales collateral, sponsorship packages, and partnership opportunities using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to effectively communicate value propositions.

• Maintain and enforce brand guidelines for the Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, and Delta Center, ensuring all visual communications are accurate, consistent, and on-brand.

• Collaborate closely with designers, marketing teams, and sales representatives to understand project requirements and deliver creative solutions that meet business objectives.

• Manage design projects from concept through completion, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and adapting to evolving project needs in a fast-paced environment.

• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas to enhance marketing campaigns and sales efforts.

• Assist in the organization and maintenance of digital asset libraries, ensuring efficient access and retrieval of design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and direct support for revenue-driving functions. The emphasis on "sales assets" and "partnership opportunities" indicates that design output will be heavily scrutinized for its effectiveness in closing deals and securing sponsorships, moving beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 3-4 years of applied design experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing work in branding, layout design, typography, photo editing, and print design. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) on MacOS.

• Demonstrated expertise in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Experience creating digital graphics for various platforms (web, social media, digital advertising).

• Experience creating print-based graphics and understanding print production processes.

• Strong photo editing and manipulation skills.

• Ability to create detailed visual mockups for sales and business development materials.

• Excellent understanding of brand consistency and ability to apply brand guidelines effectively.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with a positive attitude and ability to contribute to a collaborative environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the sports and entertainment industry or with sports teams.

• Knowledge of motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).

• Familiarity with web design principles and UI/UX concepts.

• Experience designing for corporate partnerships or sponsorship activations.

• Understanding of marketing principles and how design supports marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "body of work that reflects an equivalent experience" alongside the degree indicates a strong emphasis on a demonstrable portfolio over strict academic credentials. The specific mention of MacOS and Adobe Creative Suite points to essential technical requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio is mandatory and will be the primary evaluation tool.

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects demonstrating skills in branding, layout, typography, photo editing, and both digital and print design.

• Include case studies or detailed descriptions for at least two projects that highlight the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of the design on business objectives (e.g., increased engagement, successful partnership pitches).

• Ensure the portfolio clearly exhibits proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, through the quality and complexity of the work presented.

Process Documentation:

• Emphasize the ability to document and articulate design processes, from initial concept development and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Be prepared to discuss how you ensure brand consistency and manage feedback loops with stakeholders (e.g., Senior Designer, Partnership Managers).

• Showcase an understanding of workflow optimization for design projects, particularly in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on "process" and "impact" indicate that candidates are expected to present not just visually appealing work, but also evidence of strategic thinking and project management within their design output. This aligns with operations-focused roles where process efficiency and measurable outcomes are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry research for Graphic Designers with 3-4 years of experience in the Sandy, Utah area, the estimated annual salary range is $55,000 - $75,000. This estimate considers the specialized nature of supporting sports franchises and corporate partnerships, which may command slightly higher compensation due to the dynamic environment and specific skill requirements.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

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

• Access to Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth games and events.

• Employee discounts on team merchandise and concessions.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to work nights and weekends, especially during peak seasons, event times, or for urgent project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for a Graphic Designer with 3-4 years of experience in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, adjusted for the specific industry (sports entertainment) and the role's focus on revenue-generating departments. Actual compensation will vary based on candidate experience, specific portfolio strength, and final negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment, Professional Sports (Basketball and Arena Soccer). The Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth operate within a highly competitive and dynamic entertainment landscape, requiring creative teams to be agile, innovative, and responsive to market trends and fan engagement.

Company Size: The Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), parent company of the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth, is a significant organization within the sports industry. While exact employee numbers for the creative department may vary, the overall group likely employs several hundred individuals, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and cross-functional teams.

Founded: The Utah Jazz franchise was founded in 1974. The Utah Mammoth is a newer expansion team. This history suggests a blend of established traditions and a forward-thinking approach to growth and fan experience.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Designer, forming part of a broader Creative Services or Marketing team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Marketing, Sales (Corporate Partnerships, Business Development), Communications, and Event Operations departments.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Design decisions are informed by an understanding of fan demographics, engagement metrics, and the effectiveness of past campaigns.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Efficiently managing design requests, prioritizing tasks, and streamlining the creative process to meet demanding deadlines.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not a primary focus for a designer, an awareness of how design assets can be optimized for digital platforms and integrated into automated marketing workflows is beneficial.

Company Website: https://www.utahjazz.com/, https://www.utahmammoth.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes teamwork, customer service, and a commitment to its values. The "winning culture" and "scrappy" ethos suggest an environment where initiative, resourcefulness, and a proactive approach are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an early to mid-career opportunity within the creative field, specifically tailored for individuals with foundational design skills and 2-5 years of professional experience. It offers a chance to develop specialized expertise in sports and entertainment marketing design.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Designer, providing a clear line of mentorship and guidance. This structure allows for skill development under experienced leadership while also offering exposure to higher-level creative strategy.

Operations Impact: The work of the Graphic Designer directly impacts the revenue-generating capabilities of the Corporate Partnerships and Business Development teams by creating visually persuasive materials that support sales efforts and enhance brand perception. Strong design work can influence sponsorship acquisition, renewals, and overall brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in specific design software, learn advanced techniques, and gain experience in various design disciplines relevant to sports marketing.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen knowledge of the sports and entertainment industry, understanding fan engagement, sponsorship activations, and event marketing.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, opportunities may arise to take on lead roles on specific projects, mentor junior designers, or move into a Senior Graphic Designer position.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with sales, marketing, and event teams, broadening understanding of business operations within a sports franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is tied to both technical design skill enhancement and a deeper understanding of the business objectives it serves. The "operations impact" is framed around how design contributes to revenue and brand value, a key differentiator for operations-focused roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Utah Jazz's offices or potentially Delta Center facilities in Sandy, Utah. This implies a professional office setting with access to creative resources.

Office Location(s): 10450 State Street #2320, Sandy, UT 84070. This location provides access to the greater Salt Lake City metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities for direct interaction with the Senior Designer and other members of the creative and marketing teams.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to high-performance MacOS workstations equipped with the latest Adobe Creative Suite software is expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project reviews, and informal collaboration sessions will be integral to the role, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the standard work week is 40 hours, the role requires a high degree of flexibility. Expect to work evenings and weekends, particularly during game days, major events, or when project deadlines are imminent. This adaptability is crucial for success in the fast-paced sports and entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "flexibility" and "nights and weekends" is a critical aspect of the work environment, directly impacting work-life balance and requiring candidates to be prepared for non-traditional hours common in event-driven industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and mandatory portfolios will be screened for qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a timed design challenge or skills test (e.g., creating a mockup for a specific partnership scenario).

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Interviews will assess cultural fit, teamwork capabilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the sports industry. Questions may delve into how design supports business objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your best work that aligns with the job description – focus on digital and print graphics for business development, partnerships, and brand consistency.

• Tell a Story: For key projects, explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skill: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator. Use high-resolution examples.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of different types of collateral (digital ads, social graphics, presentations, print materials) to demonstrate breadth of skill.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Proofread all text for errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research the Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, and their current marketing and partnership initiatives. Identify potential design needs.

• Practice Quick Turnarounds: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge that requires quick thinking and execution under a time limit. Focus on delivering a clear, on-brand concept.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be ready to explain the strategic thinking behind your design choices, especially how they support business goals and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process strongly emphasizes the portfolio as a core component, expecting candidates to not only present visual work but also to articulate the strategic thinking and process behind it. The inclusion of a potential design challenge highlights the practical, hands-on nature of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Photoshop and Illustrator for creating digital and print graphics, and visual mockups.

• MacOS: The primary operating system for design work, requiring familiarity and efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool experience is explicitly required, but an understanding of how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM-based sales collateral distribution could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on Adobe's design suite on MacOS, indicating a standard but essential requirement for any professional graphic design role in a corporate setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Transparent: Open communication regarding project status, feedback, and challenges.

• All In: Full commitment to projects and contributing to the team's success, including willingness to go the extra mile.

• Community Obsessed: Understanding and catering to the needs and preferences of the fan base and local community.

• One Team: Collaborative approach, supporting colleagues and working towards shared goals across departments.

• Scrappy: Resourcefulness, initiative, and efficiency in problem-solving and task execution, especially under tight constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with sales, marketing, and business development teams to translate their needs into effective visual solutions.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback on designs and willingness to iterate based on constructive criticism from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing design insights, trends, and best practices with the team to foster collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of company values provides direct insight into the expected behaviors and work ethic. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their approach aligns with these values, particularly "scrappy" and "all in," which suggest a high-performance, results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Turnarounds & Tight Deadlines: Consistently delivering high-quality work under pressure in a fast-paced sports and entertainment environment.

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing design requests from various departments (Corporate Partnerships, Business Development) with potentially competing priorities.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Entities: Ensuring a cohesive brand identity across the Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, and Delta Center, while also adapting designs for specific campaigns.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with the latest graphic design trends and technologies relevant to sports marketing and digital media.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced design techniques, motion graphics, or specialized areas like sponsorship activation design.

• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend industry events or pursue certifications that enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Learning from experienced Senior Designers and potentially taking on leadership roles for specific design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the demands of the role, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong project management skills. Growth opportunities are framed not just in terms of creative skill, but also in understanding the business operations of a sports franchise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a visual asset for a sales proposal with a very tight deadline. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, time management, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency when working across multiple brands or entities, like the Jazz, Mammoth, and Delta Center?" (Focus on understanding brand guidelines and application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a professional sports organization like the Utah Jazz?" (Demonstrate genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you embody our company values, such as 'scrappy' or 'all in,' in your work?" (Provide specific examples of your behavior.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevance: Select portfolio pieces that directly relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description (e.g., sales collateral, partnership visuals, brand consistency examples).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or specific outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, explain the intended impact and strategic rationale.

• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your design thinking, not just the final product. Explain why you made certain choices and how you overcame creative challenges.

• Engage Your Audience: Present with confidence and enthusiasm. Be ready to answer questions and engage in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also an understanding of business objectives, effective collaboration, and alignment with the company's specific values and culture in the sports industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Customize your resume to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, MacOS, digital and print design, brand consistency, and any relevant sports/entertainment industry experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio meticulously. Ensure it is easily accessible online and showcases your strongest work relevant to the job description. Be ready to present and discuss specific projects in detail.

• Research the Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, and Delta Center. Understand their brand identity, recent marketing campaigns, and partnership initiatives. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions.

• Practice articulating your design process and strategic thinking. Be ready to explain how your design choices support business goals, particularly in sales and partnership development.

⚠️ 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.