Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - CLTFC

Company: Tepper Sports & Entertainment

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: September 04, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is crucial for shaping the visual identity of Charlotte Football Club (CLTFC) and Crown Legacy Football Club, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.
The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating compelling visual assets for a wide range of applications, from digital social media content to print materials and stadium signage.
Collaboration is key, as the designer will work closely with marketing, sponsorship, digital, ticketing, community, partnerships, and executive leadership to meet diverse design needs.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in sports marketing and brand development within a dynamic professional sports organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates this role is for a "Graphic Designer" within "Creative Content / Marketing" reporting to the "Senior Graphic Designer" and ultimately the "Creative Director." The description also explicitly states, "Graphic Designers are at the entry level." This suggests a role focused on execution and learning, with clear guidance from senior team members. The mention of "CLTFC" and "Crown Legacy Football Club" indicates a dual branding responsibility within the sports and entertainment sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Assist in the development and execution of visual brand identity for Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across all touchpoints.
Design a variety of marketing materials, including but not limited to digital and social media graphics, advertisements, brochures, flyers, and promotional item designs.
Create impactful visual assets for matchdays, including in-stadium signage, environmental graphics, and real-time content updates.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (marketing, sponsorship, digital, ticketing, community, partnerships, stadium ops, premium services, content, HR, executive leadership) to translate their needs into high-quality design deliverables.
Support the Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Director in brainstorming sessions and the conceptualization of new design ideas and campaigns.
Contribute to the organization and maintenance of a brand asset management system, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval of visual assets.
Explore and implement new creative techniques and design trends to enhance the visual output of the organization.
Communicate design concepts and rationales clearly within a collaborative team environment.
Undertake other duties as assigned by the Creative Director or Senior Graphic Designer to support departmental goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for an entry-level graphic designer in a fast-paced environment like professional sports. The emphasis on "assist," "collaborate," and "support" highlights the learning and developmental nature of this role. The broad range of deliverables (digital, print, environmental, matchday) indicates a need for versatility and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is typically expected for entry-level design roles. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Experience: 1-2 years of experience in creating a variety of media, with a strong emphasis on both digital and print publications.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating high-quality visual assets.
Strong understanding of fundamental design principles such as typography, layout, balance, and scale.
Experience in translating creative ideas into compelling visual presentations and deliverables.
Demonstrated ability to design projects from concept through to final completion.
Familiarity with using project management software to track design workflows and deadlines.
Prior experience creating print-ready materials for marketing and ticketing purposes.
Technical proficiency in a digital and Apple (macOS) environment.
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize workload to meet project deadlines. Preferred Skills:
Experience with photo editing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop's Camera RAW.
Familiarity with motion design techniques and software, specifically Adobe After Effects.
Knowledge of photo editing using Lightroom or Photoshop/Camera RAW.
Knowledge of motion design techniques using After Effects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly define a foundational graphic design skillset. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and fundamental design principles is standard. The "1-2 years" experience requirement aligns with an entry-level position. The preferred skills in motion design and advanced photo editing suggest opportunities for growth and specialization within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 1-2 years of design work, demonstrating versatility across digital and print mediums.
Specific examples of brand identity development or application, illustrating an understanding of maintaining brand consistency.
Case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to take a design from initial concept through to final execution.
Visuals that demonstrate strong layout, typography, and composition skills.
Examples of work created using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Include examples of work specifically relevant to sports marketing, event branding, or fan engagement if available. Process Documentation:
While not a formal requirement for this entry-level role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including how they approach project briefs, concept development, feedback integration, and final delivery.
Be ready to explain how you've used project management software to track workflow and manage deadlines in previous roles or academic projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, especially at the entry-level, a strong portfolio is paramount. The enhancement focuses on what a hiring manager would expect to see to evaluate a candidate's practical skills and understanding of the design process within a professional context, particularly within the sports industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for entry-level Graphic Designers in Charlotte, NC, with 1-2 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is between $45,000 - $58,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Charlotte and the competitive nature of sports marketing roles.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.
Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design software and techniques.
Employee discounts on merchandise, tickets, and team events.
Potential for exposure to major sporting events and a dynamic work environment.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, exempt position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. However, the nature of sports marketing and event-driven roles may necessitate working non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during matchdays and key promotional periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for entry-level roles in specific locations are estimated based on general market data for graphic design positions. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in professional sports organizations. The working hours highlight the flexibility required for this industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment, specifically professional soccer (Major League Soccer). This industry is characterized by fast-paced operations, high stakes, and a passionate fan base, requiring adaptability and a commitment to excellence.

Company Size: Tepper Sports & Entertainment is a significant organization, also owning Bank of America Stadium and the Carolina Panthers, indicating a large, multi-faceted corporate structure with extensive resources. This means more opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Tepper Sports & Entertainment was founded by David Tepper. Charlotte FC began play in Major League Soccer in 2022, making it a relatively new but rapidly growing entity within the league.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Content / Marketing department.
They will report directly to the Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a clear reporting line and mentorship opportunity.
The team operates within a broader marketing and creative group, likely involving close collaboration with content creators, social media managers, and marketing specialists.
The organization's structure suggests potential interaction with various departments beyond marketing, including sponsorship, ticketing, and operations. Methodology:
Design work is expected to be "design-forward," emphasizing innovation and creativity.
A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining and reinforcing the visual brand identity of both Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC.
Collaboration and communication are highlighted as critical components of the design process.
The role involves both strategic brand development and tactical execution, including real-time content creation for matchdays.

Company Website: https://www.teppersportsentertainment.com/ and https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided by Tepper Sports & Entertainment's ownership and the dual club responsibility suggests a professional, well-resourced environment. The "Creative Content / Marketing" department structure points to a team focused on storytelling and fan engagement through visual media.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level position (0-2 years experience), serving as a foundational role within the Creative Content/Marketing department. It's designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design, particularly within the sports industry.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Graphic Designer, who in turn reports to the Creative Director. This structure provides clear guidance, mentorship, and a defined path for skill development and project oversight.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the Graphic Designer's work has a significant indirect impact on the business by:

Brand Building: Strengthening the visual identity and recognition of Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC, which is essential for fan engagement, merchandise sales, and sponsorship value.
Marketing Effectiveness: Creating compelling visuals that drive engagement with marketing campaigns, ticket sales initiatives, and community outreach programs.
Fan Experience: Enhancing the visual appeal of matchday experiences and digital content, contributing to overall fan satisfaction and loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas like motion graphics, digital content creation, or print production through hands-on experience and potential training.
Career Advancement: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role by demonstrating strong design skills, brand understanding, and project management capabilities.
Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various departments, potentially leading to opportunities in broader marketing or brand management roles within the sports industry.
Portfolio Development: Build a robust professional portfolio with high-profile sports branding work that can open doors to future opportunities within the sports and entertainment sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the entry-level role within a career trajectory. It highlights how the design work contributes to business objectives and outlines potential paths for professional growth within the organization and the broader sports industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring the designer to work from the organization's facilities in Charlotte, NC. This ensures close collaboration with the creative team and other departments.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at the organization's headquarters or related facilities in Charlotte, NC, with requirements to work at Charlotte FC matches.

Workspace Context:

The designer will work within a collaborative creative team environment, fostering idea exchange and peer feedback.
Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware (Apple environment) will be provided.
The workspace will likely be dynamic, with opportunities for interaction with marketing, content, and other operational teams.
Potential for working in non-traditional settings during matchdays, requiring adaptability to stadium environments.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position. While standard office hours may apply, the role demands flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially around matchdays and during peak operational periods. This is common in the sports and entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is clearly stated. The enhancement focuses on the practical aspects of the workspace, including collaboration, tools, and the need for flexibility due to the nature of professional sports events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and how they've met client briefs. Be prepared to elaborate on specific projects, especially those involving branding, digital content, or print collateral.
Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a practical design task or a case study to complete within a set timeframe, simulating real-world project scenarios. This could involve creating a social media graphic, a flyer, or a concept for an event.
Behavioral & Team Fit Interview: Interviews with the Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Director, and potentially other team members to assess communication skills, collaboration style, work ethic, and cultural fit within the organization. Expect questions about how you handle feedback, work under pressure, and collaborate with diverse teams.
Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or department head to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Aim for quality over quantity.
Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the solution you delivered. Highlight your role and contributions.
Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work, from digital graphics (social media, web banners) to print materials (posters, brochures) and branding elements.
Highlight Brand Application: Show examples of how you've applied brand guidelines effectively.
Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and loads quickly. PDF submissions should be optimized for file size.
Sports Relevance: If possible, include any sports-related design projects to showcase industry interest and understanding.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand the Brief: Thoroughly read and understand any design challenge brief. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
Time Management: Allocate your time wisely for concepting, designing, and refining.
Brand Consistency: If a brand is provided, ensure your design adheres strictly to its guidelines.
Clear Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices.
Professional Presentation: Present your final work clearly and professionally, highlighting key elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to prepare for the specific stages of the interview process, with particular emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges relevant to a graphic design role in sports.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Essential and mandatory. This includes:
- Adobe Photoshop: For raster image editing, photo manipulation, and digital asset creation.
- Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, illustrations, and scalable artwork.
- Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print materials such as brochures, flyers, and marketing collateral.
Project Management Software: The job description mentions the need to "use project management software to track workflow." While a specific tool isn't named, candidates should be familiar with platforms like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar systems for task tracking and workflow management.
Apple Environment: Proficiency with macOS and related hardware is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media engagement rates, click-through rates on digital ads) can be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., social media platform analytics) might be helpful. CRM & Automation:
Not directly relevant to the core design responsibilities of this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for graphic designers. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and the Apple environment is critical. The mention of project management software is a key requirement for workflow organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Brand Stewardship: A deep commitment to upholding and enhancing the visual identity of Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC, ensuring consistency and quality across all outputs.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively within a team, sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.
Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new design techniques, push creative boundaries, and develop fresh, impactful visual concepts.
Efficiency & Timeliness: The ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and deliver high-quality work within demanding deadlines, especially in a fast-paced sports environment.
Professionalism & Adaptability: Maintaining a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and work in varied environments (office, stadium).

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with various departments, necessitating clear communication, active listening, and the ability to translate diverse stakeholder needs into design solutions.
Feedback & Critique: An open and receptive attitude towards receiving and giving constructive feedback on design work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, techniques, and best practices within the creative team to elevate the overall quality of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers cultural values based on the job description's emphasis on teamwork, brand standards, creativity, and the demands of a sports organization. It translates these into actionable expectations for candidates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Multiple Brands: Simultaneously managing and designing for two distinct but related brands (Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC) requires careful attention to detail and brand differentiation.
Fast-Paced Environment: The demands of a professional sports team mean tight deadlines, frequent revisions, and the need to produce high-quality work quickly, especially during matchdays.
Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with numerous departments, each with unique requirements and expectations, can be challenging and requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
Evolving Creative Trends: Staying current with rapidly changing design trends and technologies in digital media and sports marketing to keep the brand fresh and engaging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Mastering Adobe Suite: Deepen proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and potentially explore advanced features or plugins.
Motion Graphics Skills: Develop expertise in Adobe After Effects, a valuable skill in modern digital content creation.
Sports Branding Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of branding strategies specific to professional sports, fan engagement, and event marketing.
Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer or explore other creative roles within Tepper Sports & Entertainment.
Industry Exposure: Work on high-profile projects for a major league sports team, building a strong resume and professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential hurdles and frames them as opportunities for skill development and career advancement, providing a realistic outlook for potential candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for developing a visual concept for a new marketing campaign, from brief to final delivery." (Focus on methodology, ideation, and execution.)
"How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects and platforms?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and application.)
"Tell me about a time you had to work under a tight deadline to complete a design project. How did you manage your time and priorities?" (Demonstrate your ability to perform under pressure.)
"How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to feedback and collaborative spirit.)
"What role does typography play in effective graphic design, especially in sports branding?" (Test your foundational design knowledge.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What excites you about working for Charlotte FC and Tepper Sports & Entertainment?" (Research the team's recent performance, community initiatives, and brand values.)
"How do you see your design style contributing to the CLTFC brand?" (Align your aesthetic with the team's visual identity.)
"Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you collaborate with colleagues from different departments?" (Emphasize teamwork and cross-functional communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (digital, print, branding) or by chronological order.
Narrative: For each piece, briefly explain the objective, your role, the design process, and the outcome. Use storytelling to highlight your problem-solving skills.
Visuals: Ensure high-quality images and clear, concise descriptions. Zoom in on key details where necessary.
Technical Aspects: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used.
Conciseness: Aim to present your key projects within the allotted time, focusing on impact and relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are tailored to assess the candidate's design skills, process, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within a sports marketing context. The portfolio presentation tips are specific to evaluating a graphic designer's work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your 1-2 years of experience in digital and print design, specifically mentioning proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any relevant sports or marketing design projects.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your technical skills, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and experience with macOS. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X social media graphics per week," "Contributed to Y marketing collateral pieces").
Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing your best work, with clear examples of layout, typography, and brand application. Be ready to discuss your design process and rationale for each piece.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Charlotte FC's current branding, recent marketing campaigns, and overall team identity. Understanding the club's visual language will be crucial for demonstrating your fit and interest.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer - CLTFC