Graphic Designer - Independent Contractor - 3 Month Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Independent Contractor - 3 Month Contract

Company: Leroy Springs & Company INC

Location: Fort Mill, SC, US

Job Type: Independent Contractor, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for an experienced independent contractor Graphic Designer to support Leroy Springs & Company and its family of brands.

• Responsibilities include developing and producing creative visual communications for marketing initiatives, programs, and organizational priorities across print and digital platforms.

• The contractor will independently manage design projects from concept through final delivery, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and project objectives.

• This position requires strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and a solid understanding of design principles and production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly stated as an "Independent Contractor" for a "3 Month Contract" duration, indicating a project-based engagement rather than a permanent employee position. The focus on supporting a "family of brands" suggests a need for versatility in design application.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to understand project objectives, target audiences, scope, deliverables, and creative direction.

• Develop original creative concepts and visual solutions that align with the brand identity, communication goals, and organizational standards.

• Design and produce a diverse range of print and digital materials, including brochures, advertisements, promotional collateral, signage, social media graphics, presentations, and more.

• Create original artwork, illustrations, graphics, logos, icons, and other visual assets as required for various marketing and organizational initiatives.

• Utilize Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) to develop polished, production-ready designs.

• Apply appropriate typography, color palettes, imagery, and composition to effectively communicate key messages and create cohesive visual experiences.

• Present design concepts and recommendations to the Marketing team and stakeholders, clearly articulating creative rationale and options.

• Manage design revisions based on feedback, ensuring alignment with project objectives, brand standards, and deadlines.

• Prepare and deliver final files in appropriate formats for print, digital, web, social media, signage, and other applications, adhering to project specifications.

• Review final designs for accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and overall quality before delivery or production.

• Maintain organized project files, source files, and final assets for efficient collaboration, future updates, and recordkeeping.

• Proactively communicate project status, timelines, questions, potential challenges, and any necessary information to ensure successful assignment completion.

• Manage multiple projects and competing deadlines while upholding a high standard of creative quality and meticulous attention to detail.

• Write or edit brief advertising, promotional, or supporting copy as needed and within the scope of design responsibilities.

• Stay current with design trends, tools, technologies, and best practices, applying relevant techniques to create effective and engaging communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full project lifecycle ownership, from initial concept and collaboration to final file delivery and asset management. The inclusion of "writing or editing brief copy" suggests a need for a designer with a holistic approach to content creation, not just visual elements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a closely related field is preferred.

• An equivalent combination of relevant training and professional experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 2-3 years of professional graphic design experience is preferred.

• Demonstrated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of professional graphic design work across both print and digital applications. Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of fundamental graphic design principles, including composition, typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, branding, and effective visual communication.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop, or comparable professional graphic design software.

• Proven ability to develop creative concepts and translate project objectives, ideas, and messaging into compelling visual communications.

• Solid understanding of print and digital production processes, including file preparation, resolution requirements, color modes (CMYK/RGB), typography best practices, and other technical design specifications.

• Ability to create original artwork, illustrations, graphics, and other visual assets suitable for a variety of applications and formats.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong commitment to accuracy, consistency, and overall quality in all design deliverables.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and consistently deliver high-quality work within established timelines.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for understanding creative direction, effectively presenting concepts, receiving and incorporating feedback, and communicating proactively throughout project lifecycles.

• Ability to work within established brand standards while exercising sound creative judgment and developing fresh, engaging visual solutions.

• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to maintain well-organized project files, source files, and final deliverables.

• Ability to adapt designs for a variety of audiences, platforms, and communication objectives.

• Familiarity with accessibility and inclusive design principles for both digital and print communications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for a nonprofit organization or a family of diverse brands.

• Familiarity with project management tools or methodologies for tracking design projects.

• Basic understanding of marketing principles and how design supports broader marketing objectives.

• Experience with animation or motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for digital projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-3 years of professional experience preferred" combined with the "Bachelor's Degree" requirement suggests they are looking for candidates with foundational education and some practical application, but not necessarily senior-level experience. The emphasis on "independent contractor" implies a need for self-sufficiency in managing workflow and client communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of professional graphic design work across both print and digital applications is mandatory.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate the ability to translate project objectives and creative direction into compelling visual communications.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight the process from concept development through final execution, demonstrating problem-solving and creative rationale.

• Showcase proficiency in applying brand guidelines consistently across different project types and platforms.

• Ensure the portfolio includes examples of print materials (e.g., brochures, ads, signage) and digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, web banners, presentations). Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to manage their own design process efficiently, from initial client brief to final file delivery.

• The ability to clearly articulate one's design process, including concept development, feedback incorporation, and file preparation, will be crucial during discussions.

• Maintain organized project files and source files, demonstrating a systematic approach to asset management.

• Proactively communicate project status, potential challenges, and any information needed for efficient project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an independent contractor role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of skills, experience, and process. The emphasis is on demonstrating the ability to execute independently and deliver production-ready assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an independent contractor, compensation will be negotiated based on experience, project scope, and market rates for graphic design services in the Fort Mill, SC area.

• Industry benchmarks for contract Graphic Designers with 2-3 years of experience in a mid-sized market typically range from $30 to $50 per hour.

• Given the 3-month contract duration and the need for specialized skills, an estimated hourly rate between $35 - $45 per hour is anticipated. Benefits:

• This is an independent contractor role; therefore, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are not provided.

• The contractor is responsible for their own computer, internet, workspace, design software licenses, and all business-related expenses.

• The contractor is responsible for managing their own applicable taxes and other obligations associated with independent contractor status. Working Hours:

• This is a 3-month contract position.

• The estimated workload is approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time engagement.

• While specific hours are flexible and managed by the contractor, availability for regular communication and collaboration with the Marketing team during standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM ET) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, salary is typically presented as an hourly or project-based rate. Benefits are usually not included, and the contractor assumes responsibility for their own tools, expenses, and taxes. The estimated salary range is based on typical contract rates for this role and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nonprofit / Recreation / Hospitality / Education

Company Size: The company has over 500 dedicated employees, indicating a significant organizational structure and a substantial operational footprint. This size suggests established processes and a need for clear brand consistency across various departments and initiatives.

Founded: Leroy Springs & Company has a legacy spanning over 80 years, highlighting a strong history, established values, and a deep-rooted commitment to its mission. This longevity implies stability and a well-defined organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely collaborate closely with the Marketing team, which is a key stakeholder.

• The role involves interaction with designated Leroy Springs & Company (LSC) representatives for project objectives and deliverables.

• Given the company's size and diverse portfolio (Greenway, golf courses, retreat, afterschool program), the designer may interface with representatives from various "family of brands" to understand specific project needs.

• The structure supports independent work while emphasizing collaborative communication with specific LSC points of contact. Methodology:

• Design projects are driven by project objectives, brand guidelines, marketing initiatives, and organizational priorities.

• The approach involves translating project needs and creative direction into compelling visual communications.

• Emphasis is placed on applying established brand standards and sound design principles.

• Project management is expected to be handled independently by the contractor, with proactive communication regarding status and potential challenges.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=dc041bae-a14f-41c9-8003-61f025521496

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission as a nonprofit focused on outdoor recreation and education is a core aspect of its identity. Designers should be mindful of this mission and how their work can contribute to community engagement and the organization's values. The "family of brands" structure suggests a need for brand adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Independent Contractor for a specific project duration (3 months). It's a specialized, mid-level design role focused on execution and creative output rather than long-term career progression within Leroy Springs & Company.

Reporting Structure: The contractor will collaborate with and report project status to designated LSC representatives, primarily within the Marketing team. The contractor manages their own workflow and execution methods.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual communication and brand perception of Leroy Springs & Company and its family of brands. Effective design supports marketing initiatives, program engagement, and overall organizational messaging, contributing to the mission of providing affordable recreation and education.

Growth Opportunities:

• For this specific contract role, formal growth opportunities within Leroy Springs & Company are limited due to its temporary nature.

• However, the role offers significant opportunities for portfolio enhancement by showcasing work for a well-established nonprofit with a diverse range of services.

• The contractor can gain experience working with a larger organization and potentially broaden their understanding of design applications within the nonprofit, recreation, and hospitality sectors.

• Successful completion of this contract could lead to future project-based engagements or recommendations for similar roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, the focus is on project delivery rather than internal career advancement. The primary "growth" comes from portfolio building and gaining experience with a mission-driven organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description specifies that the contractor is responsible for providing their own "Internet and workspace." This strongly implies a remote or hybrid work arrangement, though the location is listed as Fort Mill, SC. It's possible that some on-site collaboration might be expected, but the core work setup is contractor-provided.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Fort Mill, SC. Given the contractor's responsibility for their own workspace, this likely refers to the company's headquarters or primary operational base where collaboration would occur.

Workspace Context:

• The contractor is responsible for their own computer, design software licenses, internet, and workspace, emphasizing autonomy and self-sufficiency.

• Collaboration will occur with the Marketing team and other designated LSC representatives.

• The work environment requires strong self-discipline and the ability to manage one's own time and resources effectively.

• The company's mission and values around recreation and community engagement may influence the creative direction and tone of the design work. Work Schedule:

• The contract is for 3 months, with an estimated 40 hours per week.

• While the contractor manages the "manner and means" of service performance, collaboration with LSC representatives regarding project objectives, deliverables, and deadlines is crucial.

• Availability during standard business hours for meetings and communication is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for the contractor to provide their own workspace and equipment strongly suggests a remote or hybrid model, despite the on-site location listing. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding on-site presence for meetings or collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates will be evaluated based on their resume and, critically, their portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Expect a thorough review of your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, your design process, creative rationale, and how you translated objectives into visual solutions.

• Concept Presentation/Challenge (Potential): The company may present a small design challenge or ask you to conceptualize a solution for a hypothetical project to assess your creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Collaboration & Cultural Fit: Interviews will likely assess your ability to communicate effectively, receive feedback, manage projects independently, and align with the company's mission and values.

• Contractual Agreement: If selected, you will enter into an independent contractor agreement outlining terms of service, compensation, confidentiality, intellectual property, and other requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Aim for 5-8 diverse projects that highlight your skills in both print and digital design.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your approach, challenges, creative solutions, and final outcome. Visuals of initial concepts or sketches can be impactful.

• Highlight Brand Application: Include examples where you successfully applied or adapted brand guidelines.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, event attendance), mention it.

• Ensure Production-Ready Examples: Include final files or mockups that demonstrate your understanding of print and digital specifications.

• Organize Clearly: Make your portfolio easy to navigate, with clear titles and descriptions for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review the company's existing brand materials and their family of brands to understand their visual identity.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a project with limited information or ambiguous objectives.

• Consider how your design work can support a nonprofit mission focused on recreation and community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application for this role. Candidates must be prepared to present and discuss their work in detail, demonstrating not just design skills but also project management and communication abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential proficiency required in:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, brochures, print collateral, and publications.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Comparable Professional Graphic Design Software: While Adobe CC is specified, familiarity with alternatives might be a plus, though not explicitly required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core responsibilities, but an understanding of how design impacts digital performance (e.g., click-through rates on web banners, engagement on social media) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable. The designer's role is focused on creative output, not CRM management or workflow automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is a hard requirement. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their expertise in these specific applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that meets or exceeds project objectives.

• Integrity: Upholding professional standards, transparent communication, and ethical practices in all project dealings.

• Community: Contributing to the organization's mission by creating visuals that engage and resonate with the community served by Leroy Springs & Company.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with the Marketing team and other stakeholders, incorporating feedback constructively while maintaining creative integrity.

• Efficiency: Managing projects independently, meeting deadlines, and delivering work in a timely and organized manner.

Collaboration Style:

• The contractor will work collaboratively with the Marketing team and other designated LSC representatives.

• This involves understanding project briefs, presenting concepts, receiving and incorporating feedback, and maintaining open communication channels.

• While collaboration is key, the role emphasizes the contractor's independence in managing the "manner and means" of service execution.

• The company values trust, collaboration, and a shared vision, suggesting a positive and supportive working relationship.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is contract-based, the company's emphasis on values like excellence, integrity, and community suggests that candidates should align with these principles in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Applying established brand standards across diverse projects while still producing fresh and engaging visual solutions.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and juggling various design tasks for different brands and initiatives within a limited timeframe.

• Translating Abstract Objectives: Converting project objectives, marketing goals, and organizational priorities into clear, compelling visual communications.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with the LSC team while working independently, potentially remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: Gaining diverse project experience for a well-established nonprofit with a broad portfolio of services.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the nonprofit, recreation, and hospitality sectors, offering unique design challenges and opportunities.

• Brand Versatility: Developing skills in adapting design across multiple distinct brands under one organizational umbrella.

• Independent Project Management: Honing skills in self-management, client communication, and deadline adherence in a contract setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is both creatively adept and highly organized, capable of managing their own workload and client relationships effectively.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new design concept from a client brief." (Focus on how you translate objectives, research, ideation, and presentation.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" (Discuss your approach to brand stewardship and creative problem-solving.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage competing deadlines for multiple projects. How did you prioritize and deliver?" (Highlight your project management and organizational skills.)

• "How do you handle receiving and incorporating creative feedback, especially if you disagree with it?" (Demonstrate your communication, adaptability, and professional maturity.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Leroy Springs & Company and its mission?" (Research the company's mission, values, and family of brands.)

• "How do you approach design for a nonprofit organization compared to a for-profit entity?" (Show an understanding of mission-driven design.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for a diverse audience?" (Relate to the company's value of serving "all people.") Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Start with a brief overview of your background and then walk through 3-5 key projects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the challenge, your process, your creative decisions, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with print, digital, brand consistency, and potentially nonprofit work.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical skills, creative choices, and project management approach.

• Discuss Your Contractor Setup: Be ready to briefly discuss your equipment, software, and ability to manage your own resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent but also the ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and align with the company's mission and values. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this independent contractor graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) that prominently features your strongest print and digital design work. Select projects that best demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, your understanding of brand guidelines, and your ability to manage projects from concept to completion.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, specifically mentioning your years of professional graphic design work, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and any experience with print/digital production or nonprofit organizations.

• Prepare Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, creative rationale, and project management approach. Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio pieces, focusing on the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

• Research Leroy Springs & Company: Familiarize yourself with their mission, their "family of brands" (Anne Springs Close Greenway, golf courses, etc.), and their overall brand aesthetic to better understand their needs and demonstrate your interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to contract graphic design roles. All details, particularly regarding contract terms, specific deliverables, and compensation negotiation, should be clarified directly with Leroy Springs & Company during the application and interview process.