Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Walnut Hill School For The Arts
Location: Natick, Massachusetts, United States
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Marketing & Communications Operations
Date Posted: May 05, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategy for an independent arts high school through compelling graphic design.
• Manage and execute email marketing campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and effective audience engagement.
• Oversee the production and distribution of branded materials, reinforcing school identity across various touchpoints.
• Collaborate with internal departments to update and maintain crucial publication and promotional materials.
• Maintain and organize a comprehensive digital asset library for efficient content retrieval and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a Marketing Department focused on elevating the visibility and awareness of an esteemed independent arts school. The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping the visual narrative and ensuring consistent brand application across all communication channels, bridging creative execution with strategic marketing objectives. The emphasis on "setting new standards" suggests an expectation for innovation and proactive contribution to the marketing efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Graphic Design Execution (30%): Conceptualize and create visually engaging promotional materials, including printed posters, one-sheets, booklets, and event programs. Design dynamic social media graphics tailored for various platforms. Prepare and supply designed assets to external marketing vendors, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.
• Email Communications Management (25%): Serve as the primary administrator for Mailchimp, managing subscriber lists, segmentation, and campaign scheduling. Design and produce impactful e-blasts, optimizing templates for engagement and conversion.
• Branded Materials Production & Ordering (20%): Lead the creation and procurement of branded merchandise and collateral. Maintain an inventory of promotional "swag" for different departments and design specialized print materials for recruitment travel.
• Publication & Promotional Material Updates (20%): Partner with various school departments to update and revise internal documents, such as the Student Handbook, ensuring accuracy and visual appeal.
• Digital Asset Management (5%): Organize and maintain internal databases of all digital assets, including press clippings, photography, video, and relevant web links, ensuring easy accessibility and version control.
• Community Involvement & Engagement: Actively participate in school community life, attending student performances, art exhibitions, and key school events (e.g., Family Weekend, Open House, Graduation). Support the Student Life program and contribute to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Collaboration, Professional Development, and Training: Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to support the school's mission and values. Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and stay abreast of design and marketing trends. Participate in performance reviews, goal setting, and self-reflection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly delineated by percentage of time, indicating a structured workflow. The emphasis on "active and engaged members of the School community" underscores the expectation for broad participation beyond core design duties, including supporting student arts and community events, which is a common characteristic of roles within independent educational institutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in an integrated marketing and communications role, with a strong portfolio showcasing project management and graphic design achievements.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in core Adobe Creative Suite applications: Photoshop, InDesign.
• Proficiency in Canva for rapid design creation and social media assets.
• Hands-on experience with Mailchimp for email campaign management and design.
• Familiarity with HTML/CSS for email template customization and basic web content.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion.
• Strong understanding of digital asset management principles and best practices.
• Experience in print production processes, including vendor coordination.
• Ability to design compelling social media graphics and understand platform-specific requirements.
• Strategic thinking capabilities to align design with marketing objectives.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite for general office tasks and collaboration.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Acute attention to detail in all design and production work.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within an educational institution, particularly an arts-focused one.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for website updates.
• Basic video editing or motion graphics skills.
• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to digital content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both "strategic thinking" and "working tactically" highlights the dual nature of the role, needing both high-level conceptualization and detailed execution. The mention of an "ear to the ground" for new tools suggests a need for continuous learning and innovation in design and marketing approaches.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects demonstrating expertise in print collateral (brochures, posters, one-sheets), social media graphics, and email campaign designs.
• Case studies or detailed project descriptions that highlight your role, the design process, and the impact of your work on marketing objectives (e.g., increased engagement, brand recognition).
• Examples showcasing proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Canva.
• Visual evidence of experience with Mailchimp or similar email marketing platforms, illustrating template design and campaign execution.
• Documentation of any experience with digital asset management systems or organizational methods for creative assets.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for receiving design briefs, managing project timelines, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure design objectives are met.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the workflow for updating internal documents, including cross-departmental communication and revision management.
• Explain your approach to managing vendor relationships for print production, including quality control and budget considerations.
• Outline your strategy for organizing and maintaining digital asset libraries for efficient team access and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's direct contribution to marketing and communications, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic quality but also the strategic intent and measurable outcomes of design projects. For instance, showing how a designed piece contributed to increased event attendance or brand awareness would be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The stated salary range is $33 - $38 per hour. For a full-time, 12-month position (approximately 2080 hours annually), this translates to an annual salary range of $68,640 - $79,040.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
• Life and Disability Insurance coverage.
• Generous TIAA Retirement Contribution Matching (up to 7%).
• Ample Paid Time Off (PTO) including holidays and vacation.
• Complimentary meals provided in the school's Dining Hall.
• Access to the school's Fitness Center.
• Complimentary tickets to school performances.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Working Hours: This is a 12-month, full-time, non-exempt position. Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with expectations for flexibility to attend school events as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $33-$38 per hour places this role within the mid-level range for Graphic Designers in the Greater Boston area, considering the specialized nature of marketing and communications within an educational setting. The benefits package is robust, reflecting the value placed on employee well-being and professional growth by an independent school.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Independent Arts Education (High School level). Walnut Hill School for the Arts operates within a niche sector that combines rigorous academic standards with intensive pre-professional artistic training. This environment fosters a culture of high achievement, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Company Size: The exact number of employees isn't specified, but as an independent boarding and day high school with academic and arts departments, it likely employs a significant number of faculty, administrative staff, and support personnel, suggesting a medium to large organizational size. This implies a structured environment with established processes but also potential for cross-departmental impact. Founded: Founded in 1893, Walnut Hill has a long-standing history and established reputation in arts education. This longevity suggests a stable organization with deeply ingrained traditions and values, while also needing to remain innovative to attract and retain top talent in both arts and academics.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Department: The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications. This team is responsible for developing and executing the school's overall marketing and communication strategy to enhance visibility and awareness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires significant collaboration with various departments, including admissions, academic departments, student life, and external vendors, to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all school initiatives.
• Community Integration: As a residential school, all faculty and staff are expected to be active members of the school community, supporting student life and participating in school events, fostering a cohesive and supportive environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Marketing: While not explicitly stated, the role's involvement in email communications and strategic marketing suggests an expectation for data-informed decisions regarding content and design effectiveness.
• Process Optimization: The need to update internal documents and manage digital assets implies a focus on efficient workflows and organized systems.
• Brand Consistency: A core methodology will revolve around maintaining and enforcing the school's brand identity across all visual communications and marketing materials.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on arts education and its residential nature create a unique cultural environment. The expectation for faculty and staff to be engaged community members is a critical aspect of the culture, suggesting that candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for contributing to a holistic student experience beyond their primary job function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is categorized as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It offers a blend of creative execution and administrative responsibility within a marketing operations framework. The position is crucial for maintaining the visual integrity and communication effectiveness of the institution. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications. This provides a clear line of management and opportunities for mentorship in strategic marketing and communications leadership. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the school's brand perception, student recruitment efforts, and overall community engagement. Effective visual communication is key to attracting prospective students, engaging current families, and reinforcing the school's reputation for excellence in arts education.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software, email marketing platforms, and digital asset management best practices.
• Strategic Marketing Acumen: Exposure to strategic marketing planning and campaign development under the guidance of the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications.
• Arts Education Industry Knowledge: Gain valuable experience and insights into the unique marketing challenges and opportunities within the independent arts education sector.
• Leadership Potential: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer or Marketing Specialist role, taking on more complex projects and strategic responsibilities within the department.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with various school departments, broadening understanding of educational operations and institutional needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for a graphic designer looking to specialize in marketing operations within the non-profit or education sector. The emphasis on community involvement and broader school support suggests potential for growth into roles that require a more holistic understanding of institutional operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at Walnut Hill School for the Arts. This implies working within a dynamic campus environment that includes academic buildings, arts facilities, and administrative offices. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. This location is approximately 20 minutes from Boston, offering access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct campus setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Graphic Designer will work within the Marketing Department and interact frequently with colleagues across various school departments. This suggests an open and collaborative workspace designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.
• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment, design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), email marketing platforms (Mailchimp), and general productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, project discussions, and informal collaboration with marketing colleagues and other school staff. The expectation to attend school events also fosters interaction beyond the immediate department.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, 12-month position working approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, flexibility may be required to accommodate school events, performances, and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on a school campus, especially one dedicated to the arts, often provides a unique and inspiring atmosphere. Candidates should be comfortable with a professional but potentially more community-oriented environment than a typical corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes, cover letters, and submitted portfolios for alignment with the required skills and experience.
• Portfolio Presentation & Interview (Round 1): Candidates shortlisted will likely be invited for an interview where they present their portfolio. This session will focus on discussing design choices, project rationale, and demonstrated impact. Expect questions about your creative process, problem-solving skills, and experience with the required software.
• Team/Departmental Interview (Round 2): Further interviews may involve meeting with the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications and potentially other key stakeholders or team members. This stage assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and deeper understanding of the school's mission.
• Final Interview (Optional): Potentially a meeting with a higher-level administrator to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest and most relevant projects that best showcase your skills in print, digital, and email design, as well as any project management experience. Tailor your selection to highlight work done for educational or non-profit organizations if possible.
• Highlight Process and Impact: For each project, be ready to articulate your design process, the problem you were solving, your creative rationale, and the outcomes or impact of your design (e.g., increased engagement, brand clarity, successful event promotion). Use metrics where possible.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be prepared to speak confidently about your technical skills with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, and Mailchimp. If you have HTML/CSS experience, be ready to discuss its application in email design.
• Showcase Brand Understanding: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain brand consistency and adapt to different brand guidelines. For this role, showing how you've applied branding for an institution or organization would be advantageous.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Task: You may be given a short design challenge, such as creating a social media graphic for an upcoming school event or a mock e-blast based on provided content. Focus on clear communication, brand alignment, and efficient execution within a potential time constraint.
• Process Question: Be prepared to answer questions about how you would manage conflicting design requests from different departments or how you would approach updating a complex document like the Student Handbook.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on community involvement and the arts means that interviewers will likely be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but also possesses enthusiasm for the school's mission and a collaborative spirit. Demonstrating an understanding of the unique marketing needs of an arts institution will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and InDesign are essential for creating high-quality print and digital graphics. Proficiency is expected.
• Canva: Required for rapid creation of social media graphics and other quick design needs, indicating a need for versatility in design tools.
• Mailchimp: The primary platform for email marketing, requiring administrative and design expertise for campaign execution.
• Google Workspace: Includes tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Sheets, used for daily communication, collaboration, and document management.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is expected for general administrative tasks and document creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool, an understanding of email marketing analytics within Mailchimp (open rates, click-through rates) will be necessary to inform campaign design and strategy.

CRM & Automation:

• Mailchimp: Serves as the primary automation tool for email campaigns.

Other Relevant Technologies:

• HTML/CSS: Knowledge is required for customizing email templates, suggesting a need for basic web development understanding within a marketing context.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: While not specified, the role involves organizing digital assets, implying familiarity with principles of DAM or experience with file organization systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack points to a role that requires a blend of creative design skills and marketing operations proficiency, particularly in email marketing and digital asset organization. The inclusion of Canva alongside Adobe Creative Suite suggests a need for efficiency and adaptability in design tool usage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community: A strong emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging and active participation within the school community. This translates to supporting colleagues, students, and school events.
• Growth: A commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and self-reflection, encouraging individuals to expand their skills and adapt to new approaches.
• Excellence: A pursuit of high standards in both academic and artistic endeavors, reflected in the quality of work produced and the dedication to achieving institutional goals.
• Creativity: Embracing innovation, artistic expression, and novel approaches in all aspects of school life, including marketing and communications.
• Respect: Upholding an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and contributions, fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere for all.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various departments, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds.
• Feedback Exchange: An openness to receive and provide constructive feedback is encouraged, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share insights, best practices, and new ideas, particularly regarding design trends and marketing strategies, to benefit the entire team and institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with those typically found in educational institutions, emphasizing personal and professional development alongside a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values to thrive in the environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling numerous design requests from various departments with competing priorities requires strong project management and prioritization skills.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring uniform brand application across diverse print and digital mediums, especially with multiple stakeholders, can be challenging.
• Adapting to Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with social media trends, email marketing best practices, and design software updates necessitates continuous learning.
• Integrating New Tools/Technologies: Evaluating and potentially adopting new design or marketing tools to enhance efficiency and creativity within the school's budget and infrastructure.
• Community Engagement Expectations: Balancing core design responsibilities with the expectation to actively participate in school events and support student life requires effective time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to enhance skills in marketing automation, CRM management (specifically Mailchimp), and digital asset organization.
• Industry Conference & Certification: Potential to attend relevant design or marketing conferences, workshops, or pursue certifications in areas like Mailchimp or advanced design techniques.
• Mentorship: Guidance from the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications can provide insights into strategic marketing, brand management, and career development within the arts education sector.
• Cross-Departmental Learning: Gaining exposure to academic and student life operations provides a broader understanding of the educational institution landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in marketing and design roles within organizations that have diverse internal stakeholders. Proactive communication and a structured approach to project management will be key to overcoming these.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a promotional campaign for a major school event, ensuring it resonates with both prospective students and their parents?" (Focus: Strategic thinking, target audience understanding, campaign execution).
• "Describe your process for managing design requests from multiple departments with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize?" (Focus: Project management, prioritization, communication).
• "Walk us through a project where you had to adapt a design to different platforms or mediums. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus: Adaptability, problem-solving, technical execution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working specifically for an arts high school like Walnut Hill?" (Focus: Alignment with mission, passion for arts education).
• "How do you approach fostering a sense of community and belonging in your work and interactions?" (Focus: Cultural fit, collaboration, inclusivity).
• "How do you stay current with design trends and new marketing technologies?" (Focus: Continuous learning, proactivity, industry awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final design. Explain the "why" behind it – the objective, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the results achieved. Connect your work directly to marketing goals.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, and Mailchimp. If you used HTML/CSS for email, be prepared to explain its application.
• Demonstrate Brand Sensitivity: Showcase examples where you successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines. If you have experience with brand development or style guides, mention it.
• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you collaborated with clients, internal teams, or external vendors. Be prepared to discuss your role in team projects and your communication style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples related to the arts or education sector if possible. Demonstrating an understanding of the unique marketing needs of an arts institution will be highly beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.
• Resume & Cover Letter Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, marketing communications, and relevant software proficiency (Adobe Suite, Canva, Mailchimp). Your cover letter should express your genuine interest in arts education and Walnut Hill's mission, and briefly touch upon your design philosophy and community engagement approach.
• Portfolio Curation: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant design projects. Ensure they showcase a range of skills (print, digital, email) and ideally demonstrate experience in educational or non-profit settings. Be ready to discuss the strategy, process, and impact of each piece.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project outcomes, and collaborative experiences. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the marketing team, and the school's culture. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the school's values of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Walnut Hill School for the Arts website to understand their programs, mission, values, and recent communications. Familiarize yourself with their visual branding and marketing efforts.

⚠️ 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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