Graphic Designer Level 1 - Temporary F/T

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Level 1 - Temporary F/T

Company: PlanMember Financial Corporation

Location: Carpinteria, CA

Job Type: Temporary / Full-Time

Category: Marketing / Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-04

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute graphic design solutions for both print and digital media, ensuring alignment with PlanMember's brand and production standards.

• Conceptualize and create compelling designs for marketing, advertising, sales, events, and other communication channels.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver projects in a timely manner, adhering to design best practices.

• Support the Creative Services team within the Marketing department, contributing to a group of 20 professionals.

• Utilize expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite and possess a strong understanding of design principles such as color, composition, and typography.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is classified as "Graphic Designer Level 1," the responsibilities suggest a foundational-level position within a professional marketing department. The emphasis on developing new materials alongside updating existing ones indicates a need for creative input, not just execution. The collaboration with a broader marketing team of 20 professionals highlights the integrated nature of this role within a larger GTM strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Update and revise existing print collateral, including flyers, sales materials, forms, applications, investment sheets, booklets, and newsletters.

• Create compelling new designs for both print and digital mediums that support marketing strategic initiatives and adhere to corporate branding standards.

• Design social media posts and prepare web imagery requests to enhance online presence and engagement.

• Select and prepare imagery, charts, and graphic elements for various platforms, including websites, email campaigns, and other digital communications.

• Coordinate with marketing team members and cross-departmental stakeholders to conceptualize and deliver design projects efficiently and on schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of updating "investment sheets" and "sales materials" points to a direct contribution to the sales enablement function, underscoring the role's impact on Go-To-Market (GTM) efforts. The responsibility for "social media posts" and "web imagery" also links this role to digital marketing and demand generation activities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design preferred, or equivalent certification or experience.

Experience: One to two years of professional design experience preferred.

Required Skills:

• Highly competent skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Competent in the use of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

• Ability to understand and rigorously follow established brand guidelines.

• Knowledge of all standard graphic file formats and the ability to learn and adhere to specific file format requirements.

• Strong understanding of color, composition, and typography. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing designs for both print and digital mediums, including websites and email campaigns.

• Familiarity with production management processes for print and digital assets.

• Creative problem-solving abilities with an innovative approach.

• Analytical thinking to inform design decisions.

• Learning agility to adapt to new tools and design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "highly competent skills" in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with the "one to two years" experience preference, suggests that while entry-level, candidates are expected to be proficient and capable of independent work within these core tools. The emphasis on following brand guidelines and learning specific file formats indicates a need for meticulousness and attention to detail, crucial for maintaining brand consistency in a regulated industry like financial services.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects, including both print and digital collateral, that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications.

• Include examples of work that effectively communicates marketing messages and aligns with brand guidelines.

• Present case studies or examples of how design solutions were developed to meet specific project objectives or solve design challenges.

• Highlight projects that required collaboration with stakeholders or adherence to specific production requirements. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design process from concept to final delivery, including file preparation for print and digital output.

• Illustrate ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing time management and organizational skills.

• Evidence of following brand guidelines and production standards in executed designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Level 1 Graphic Designer, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating foundational design skills, proficiency with core tools (Adobe Creative Suite), and the ability to follow instructions and brand standards. It's less about strategic GTM impact and more about solid execution and adherence to established processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour. The final hourly wage will be determined based on the scope of the position, candidate's relevant experience, credentials/certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Generous benefits package offered.

• Temporary, Full-Time employment status.

• Opportunity to work within a growing financial services firm.

• Exposure to a personalized company culture that champions career growth.

Working Hours: Full-Time, implying approximately 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may vary but will be coordinated within the Marketing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined per hour. The "generous benefits" are mentioned but not detailed, which is common for temporary roles. For a temporary position, benefits might be more limited than permanent roles, but the company does highlight its overall generous benefits package for its employees. The estimated annual salary based on the hourly rate and full-time status would be in the range of $45,760 - $52,000.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services, specializing in retirement and investment services. PlanMember is a top-ranked fee-based broker dealer with a significant presence in serving education, nonprofit, and governmental sectors.

Company Size: Mid-sized company, with the Marketing department comprising 20 professionals. This suggests a structured environment with opportunities for specialization and collaboration.

Founded: Over three decades ago, indicating a stable and established organization with a proven track record in the financial services sector.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer Level 1 reports to the AVP of Creative Services.

• They are part of the Creative Services team, which is a sub-group within the broader Marketing department (20 professionals).

• This team provides creative, content, video, marketing automation, and event support across various business lines (corporate, retail, institutional, partner development). Methodology:

• The Creative Services team, and by extension this role, likely employs a project-based workflow, coordinating with stakeholders for project briefs and feedback.

• Emphasis on brand alignment and adherence to design best practices within the financial services industry.

• Data-driven insights are likely leveraged by the broader marketing team, influencing creative requests.

Company Website: https://www.planmember.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on client service ("positive difference for our Partners, Members and Employees") suggest a culture that values stability, professionalism, and client-centricity. The mention of a "personalized company culture that champions career growth" is a key indicator for potential long-term opportunities, even for a temporary role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level position (Level 1) within the Creative Services function of the Marketing department. It is designed for individuals with foundational graphic design skills and 1-2 years of experience. The temporary nature may offer a pathway to permanent roles based on performance and business needs.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the AVP of Creative Services, providing clear guidance and oversight. This structure allows for focused skill development and mentorship within the creative team.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in revenue generation or operational efficiency in the traditional sense, this role's output directly supports GTM activities. High-quality marketing collateral, sales materials, and digital assets are crucial for lead generation, client acquisition, and brand perception, indirectly contributing to revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, gain experience with a wider range of marketing materials, and learn about brand management in the financial services sector.

• Project Exposure: Work on diverse projects for different business lines, expanding the candidate's portfolio and understanding of marketing strategies.

• Potential for Permanent Role: Strong performance in this temporary role could lead to opportunities for permanent positions within PlanMember's Marketing or Creative Services teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a temporary role, "growth" is often defined by skill acquisition and portfolio enhancement. The note about the company championing career growth suggests that exceptional temporary employees might be considered for permanent openings, making this a potential stepping stone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at PlanMember's Carpinteria, CA Headquarters. This indicates a traditional office setting.

Office Location(s): Carpinteria, California, United States. This location is known for its coastal setting, potentially offering a pleasant work environment.

Workspace Context:

• The role is part of the Creative Services team within the Marketing department, suggesting a collaborative workspace with other marketing professionals.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and standard office tools (Microsoft Office).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with managers and team members for project guidance and feedback.

Work Schedule: Full-Time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. As an on-site role, the schedule will likely be consistent with typical business hours, allowing for focused work and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Carpinteria, CA, is a key factor for candidates. The "personalized company culture" mentioned in the company profile suggests a potentially friendly and supportive office atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Skills Assessment: May include a practical design exercise or a portfolio review session where candidates discuss their work, creative process, and problem-solving approaches.

• Interviews: Conversations with the AVP of Creative Services and potentially other marketing team members to evaluate cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of design principles within a corporate context.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall suitability for the temporary role, including ability to meet deadlines and adhere to brand guidelines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Include both print and digital examples if possible.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Highlight projects where you successfully followed brand guidelines or adapted designs to specific corporate identities.

• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to discuss your creative thinking, problem-solving, and how you approached each project to meet client or marketing objectives.

• Highlight Collaboration: If you have projects that involved teamwork or stakeholder feedback, be ready to discuss your role and contributions.

• File Format Awareness: Briefly mention your understanding of file formats relevant to print and web.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a potential design challenge focused on creating a simple marketing asset (e.g., a social media graphic, a flyer update) within a set timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Be ready to demonstrate your ability to quickly grasp and apply brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Level 1 role, the portfolio review will focus more on technical proficiency and adherence to instructions rather than strategic GTM impact. The interview will likely assess a candidate's ability to learn quickly and integrate into an existing team structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator (required, highly competent skills).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint (competent skills).

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable for this role, but understanding how creative assets perform in marketing campaigns might be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable, but familiarity with how marketing materials are deployed through channels supported by CRM and automation tools could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite is crucial. Candidates must be proficient in these core design and productivity tools. Any experience with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems, while not required, could be a differentiator if it informs their understanding of how their designs will be used.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Focus: Ensuring all creative output meets PlanMember's brand standards and production quality.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with marketing team members and cross-departmental stakeholders.

• Efficiency: Managing time effectively to deliver projects on schedule.

• Learning Agility: Willingness to learn new design techniques, software features, and company procedures.

• Brand Adherence: Commitment to upholding and implementing corporate brand guidelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working within the Creative Services team and with the broader Marketing department.

• Stakeholder-Focused: Collaborating with various departments to understand their design needs and deliver appropriate solutions.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback on designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The competencies listed (Information Seeking, Solving Problems, Creativity, Analytical Thinking, Learning Agility, Quality Focus, Time Management, Initiating Action) directly translate into the expected team culture and values for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing and prioritizing design tasks for various stakeholders with competing deadlines.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying corporate branding in all creative outputs, especially within a regulated industry.

• Learning New Software/Techniques: Quickly adapting to any new design tools or workflows introduced by the company.

• Meeting Tight Turnaround Times: Delivering high-quality designs under pressure, common in marketing environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and mastering design principles for print and digital media.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in graphic design within the financial services sector, understanding its unique communication needs.

• Portfolio Expansion: Adding a variety of professional marketing collateral and digital assets to their portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "challenges" listed here are framed as opportunities for growth and development, aligning with the company's stated culture of championing career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new marketing flyer from brief to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, tool usage, and stakeholder communication.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines?" (Emphasize attention to detail and understanding of brand identity.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to update existing collateral. What was your approach?" (Highlight revision skills and ability to maintain consistency.)

• "How do you manage your time when working on multiple design projects simultaneously?" (Showcase organizational skills and prioritization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for PlanMember, specifically in a temporary role?" (Connect your skills and career goals to the company's mission and industry.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members and other departments?" (Demonstrate teamwork and communication skills.)

• "What are your expectations for this temporary Graphic Designer role?" (Show enthusiasm for learning and contributing.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, briefly explain the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate, with high-quality images of your work.

• Brand Focus: Be ready to discuss how you applied brand guidelines and any design rationale behind your choices.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to answer questions about your specific usage of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid understanding of core design principles, proficiency with the required software, and an ability to follow instructions and brand guidelines. Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to a team environment is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this temporary Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on app.trinethire.com.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best 3-5 design projects, emphasizing your skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Include examples of both print and digital collateral if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience (1-2 years preferred) and specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, how you adhere to brand guidelines, and your experience managing multiple projects. Practice articulating your portfolio pieces and your approach to design challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PlanMember Financial Corporation's mission, services, and target audience to better understand the context of their marketing materials and brand.

⚠️ 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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