Graphic Designer / Marketing Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Marketing Specialist

Company: Progressive Staffing LLC (representing a local brewery/distillery)

Location: Ellicottville, NY

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Hire

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: June 18, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing a cohesive visual brand identity and driving customer engagement through creative marketing materials, focusing on brand consistency and loyalty for a brewery/distillery.

• Key responsibilities include graphic design for various marketing collateral, social media content creation, and collaboration with management on marketing strategies.

• The position requires a strong command of Adobe Illustrator for scalable vector artwork and production-ready design files, alongside excellent communication and organizational skills to manage vendor relationships and project timelines.

• Candidates will contribute to increasing brand awareness and customer foot traffic through innovative design and digital marketing efforts, playing an integral part in the company's GTM strategy for new products and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Marketing Specialist," the detailed responsibilities heavily lean towards graphic design with a strong emphasis on Adobe Illustrator and production-ready file preparation. The "marketing" aspect is primarily executed through the design of promotional materials and social media content. This role is best categorized under Creative Services or Marketing Operations with a significant design focus, rather than a broad marketing strategy role. The "0-2" years experience level suggests a focus on foundational design skills and a willingness to learn company-specific marketing strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative, brand-consistent graphic designs for a variety of marketing collateral, including beverage labels, flyers, digital campaigns, custom merchandise, and restaurant/taproom menus to enhance company identity and build brand loyalty.

• Create compelling and engaging content for daily social media posts (Instagram & Facebook), email newsletters, and website updates to actively increase customer engagement and drive foot traffic.

• Utilize Adobe Illustrator to develop scalable vector artwork, logos, and typography that align with established brand aesthetics, ensuring a consistent visual identity across all platforms.

• Produce detailed, production-ready design files for various materials (apparel, vinyl, etc.), ensuring correct color profiles (CMYK vs. RGB), bleeding, and formatting requirements are met for print vendors.

• Collaborate with management to conceptualize and design marketing strategies, campaigns, and special events (e.g., late-night/seasonal menus, live music events) to drive business growth and solidify the brand's market presence.

• Communicate effectively with print and promotional product vendors regarding material specifications, timelines, and order accuracy to ensure timely and accurate delivery of marketing assets.

• Stay abreast of current industry trends in graphic design and marketing to ensure all promotions and campaigns are fresh, competitive, and engaging.

• Maintain meticulous organization of design files and project assets, ensuring efficient retrieval and version control.

• Work collaboratively within a team environment and independently on assigned tasks, demonstrating strong self-motivation and initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the execution of design tasks for marketing purposes. The "marketing strategy" component is framed as collaboration with management, implying the candidate will be an executor of strategies rather than a primary strategist. The need for production-ready files and vendor communication highlights a practical, execution-oriented aspect of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While formal education isn't explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically preferred for roles requiring strong design principles and creative execution.

• Candidates with a robust portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and proficiency in design software will be strongly considered. Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a focus on marketing collateral and digital content creation.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining brand consistency across various media.

• Experience working with print vendors and understanding production requirements is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• Adobe Illustrator: Mandatory proficiency in creating scalable vector artwork, logos, and typography. This is a critical requirement for developing production-ready files.

• Graphic Design Principles: Strong understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Brand Identity Development: Ability to create and maintain consistent brand aesthetics across all design outputs.

• Digital Content Creation: Experience designing for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook), email newsletters, and websites.

• Production-Ready File Preparation: Expertise in preparing files with correct bleed, trim, color profiles (CMYK/RGB), and formatting for various print and digital applications.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for collaborating with management, vendors, and internal teams.

• Organization Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and vendor communications effectively.

• Time Management Skills: Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines efficiently.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design and file preparation to ensure accuracy and quality.

• Proficient Computer Skills: General proficiency with operating systems and standard office software.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other Adobe Creative Suite applications (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign).

• Familiarity with marketing strategy development and campaign execution.

• Experience in the food and beverage industry, particularly with breweries or distilleries.

• Basic understanding of web design principles or content management systems (CMS).

• Experience with photography or video editing for marketing content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Illustrator is paramount. Candidates must explicitly highlight their experience and proficiency with this tool. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that a strong portfolio and demonstrated skills in Illustrator might outweigh extensive formal experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects, including beverage labels, promotional flyers, digital campaign assets, social media graphics, and custom merchandise designs.

• Adobe Illustrator Mastery: Specific examples within the portfolio highlighting complex vector artwork, logo design, and typography created in Adobe Illustrator, showcasing scalability and production readiness.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Projects that illustrate the ability to maintain a cohesive brand identity across different media and applications.

• Production File Examples (Optional but Recommended): If possible, include examples or descriptions of how design files were prepared for specific production requirements (e.g., print, apparel vinyl).

• Process Documentation (Optional): Brief descriptions of the design process, from concept to final delivery, including client/stakeholder feedback loops.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from conceptualization and initial sketching to final file delivery and vendor communication.

• Understanding of the lifecycle of a marketing campaign asset, from design brief to implementation and performance tracking (even if performance tracking is managed by others).

• Familiarity with best practices for file management, version control, and asset organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level to mid-level role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the technical proficiency required for production, especially with Adobe Illustrator. The ability to articulate their design process is also a key expectation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $24.00 - $25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

• Estimated Annual Salary (Full-Time, 40 hours/week): Approximately $49,920 - $52,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Stipends: Potential for additional stipends, likely for specific project-based work or responsibilities.

• Bonuses for Special Projects: Opportunities for performance-based bonuses tied to the successful execution of special projects, indicating a performance-driven incentive structure.

• Direct Hire: Permanent employment with the client company, not a contract or temporary position.

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Flexibility with 3 days in-office and 2 days working from home, promoting work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid schedule allows for flexibility in location for 2 days of the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided hourly. The annual estimate assumes a standard 40-hour work week. The "stipends/bonuses" suggest a compensation structure that rewards initiative and successful project completion beyond the base hourly rate. The hybrid schedule is a significant benefit for work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Brewery/Distillery)

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB). The context of a "local brewery/distillery" and "growing team" suggests an organization that is likely agile, hands-on, and values direct impact from its employees.

Founded: Not specified, but the emphasis on a "growing team" and evolving marketing efforts implies a company that is likely past its startup phase and focused on scaling.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to "management" and involves collaboration with "the team." This implies a relatively flat hierarchy, common in SMBs, where cross-functional interaction is frequent.

• The Graphic Designer/Marketing Specialist will likely work closely with ownership or senior management on strategic initiatives and directly with production or sales teams depending on project needs.

• Collaboration will be key, particularly with those responsible for sales, events, and product development within the brewery/distillery. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Marketing: While not explicitly stated, the expectation to "increase brand awareness," "drive foot traffic," and "increase customer engagement" implies a need for designs and content that resonate with a target audience and contribute to measurable business outcomes.

• Agile Project Management: Given the SMB context and dynamic nature of a brewery/distillery (seasonal menus, events), a flexible and adaptable approach to project planning and execution is likely.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Designs and marketing efforts are aimed at attracting and retaining customers, suggesting a focus on understanding the target demographic and their preferences.

Company Website: www.progressivestaffingllc.com (This is the staffing agency's website; the client brewery/distillery's website is not provided but would be crucial for candidates to research.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should research local breweries and distilleries in Western New York to understand the competitive landscape and common marketing tactics. This will help them tailor their portfolio and interview responses to the specific industry and company context. The lack of the client's direct website is a significant gap for candidate preparation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career position (0-2 years of experience). It's an opportunity for a designer to gain practical experience in a specific industry and develop marketing execution skills.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer / Marketing Specialist will report to management, likely a Marketing Manager, General Manager, or business owner, depending on the company's size and structure.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's brand perception, customer acquisition, and sales through visually appealing and effective marketing materials. Successful execution can lead to increased brand awareness, customer engagement, and ultimately, revenue growth for the brewery/distillery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in graphic design for the beverage industry, focusing on packaging, label design, and promotional materials.

• Marketing Strategy Contribution: As experience grows, the individual may have more input into the strategic development of marketing campaigns, moving beyond execution to planning.

• Broader Marketing Responsibilities: Potential to expand into other areas of marketing, such as digital advertising management, event coordination, or content strategy, as the company grows and needs evolve.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, there's potential to become a lead designer or marketing lead as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is heavily dependent on the company's expansion and the candidate's initiative. Emphasizing a willingness to learn and take on new challenges will be key for candidates looking for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a requirement of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. This suggests a modern approach to work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Ellicottville, NY. This is a location known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities, which might appeal to candidates seeking a particular lifestyle.

Workspace Context:

• In-Office: The 3 days in the office will likely involve collaboration with management and potentially other team members, utilizing company-provided design software and hardware. The environment is expected to be creative and fast-paced, typical of a growing brewery/distillery.

• Remote: The 2 days of remote work offer flexibility for focused design tasks, content creation, and administrative duties that do not require in-person presence.

• Tools & Technology: Candidates should expect to use industry-standard design software, primarily Adobe Illustrator, and potentially other creative tools and communication platforms.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, standard 40-hour work week.

• The hybrid model allows for a blend of in-person and remote work, potentially offering more autonomy and better work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should consider the implications of working in a brewery/distillery environment, which can sometimes involve events or busy periods requiring flexibility in work hours or location, even within a hybrid model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by Progressive Staffing LLC to assess basic qualifications, experience with Adobe Illustrator, and alignment with job requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates will present their design portfolio, focusing on relevant projects (label design, promotional materials, social media content). Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative choices, and technical execution, especially regarding Adobe Illustrator.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Test: Potentially a practical design exercise or a challenge related to creating a specific marketing asset (e.g., a social media post, a flyer for an event) within a time limit, to assess Adobe Illustrator proficiency and creative problem-solving.

• Manager/Client Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring management at the brewery/distillery to assess cultural fit, understanding of the brand, and ability to contribute to marketing goals.

• Final Offer: Extension of the job offer based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your skills for a brewery/distillery – label design, menu design, event flyers, social media graphics.

• Highlight Adobe Illustrator: Clearly label or describe projects created using Adobe Illustrator, emphasizing vector capabilities and production-readiness.

• Tell Your Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "design led to a 15% increase in event attendance").

• Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within or establish brand guidelines.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital PDF or an online platform.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Briefs: Prepare for potential design challenges that might involve creating a social media graphic for a new beer release, a flyer for a live music event, or a concept for a menu update.

• Focus on Brand Alignment: Demonstrate an understanding of how your design choices align with the brand's identity and target audience.

• Time Management: Practice designing under timed conditions to simulate a potential skills assessment.

• Execution Focus: Emphasize your ability to deliver production-ready files efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Illustrator and the potential for a design challenge mean candidates must be technically prepared. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating suitability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: This is the mandatory and primary tool for this role. Proficiency in creating scalable vector artwork, logos, and typography is essential.

• Adobe Photoshop: Likely used for image editing, retouching, and preparing raster graphics for digital or print.

• Adobe InDesign: Potentially used for layout of multi-page documents such as menus and brochures.

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general computer proficiency, email communication, document creation, and potentially spreadsheet use for basic tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus of the role, understanding basic social media analytics (engagement rates, reach) and website traffic metrics could be beneficial for designing more effective content. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as core requirements for this design-focused role. However, familiarity with how marketing automation platforms (used for email newsletters) interact with design assets could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular focus on demonstrating advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging designs and marketing ideas that stand out in a competitive market.

• Brand Consistency: A commitment to upholding and strengthening the company's visual identity across all touchpoints.

• Customer Focus: Designing and creating content with the end customer in mind, aiming to attract, engage, and retain them.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Willingness to work effectively with management and other team members to achieve common goals.

• Attention to Detail & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, error-free work, especially in production-ready files.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with management and potentially other departments (e.g., sales, events) to understand needs and translate them into effective designs.

• Feedback Incorporation: An openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and marketing materials.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with management and vendors to ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a hands-on, creative, and results-oriented approach. The candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment where their creative output directly contributes to business success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to established brand standards and production requirements.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Managing multiple design requests with potentially short turnaround times, especially for events or promotions.

• Adapting to Industry Trends: Continuously staying updated with design and marketing trends relevant to the craft beverage industry.

• Working in a Hybrid Environment: Effectively managing workflow and communication across both in-office and remote workdays.

• Quantifying Design Impact: Demonstrating the direct impact of design work on business metrics like brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining specialized experience in designing for the brewery and distillery sector, understanding its unique aesthetic and compliance needs.

• Marketing Strategy Exposure: Learning from management about the strategic side of marketing campaigns and how design contributes to overall business objectives.

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Opportunity to master Adobe Illustrator and potentially other design tools, expanding technical capabilities.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Understanding how design integrates with sales, events, and product development within the company.

• Potential for Expanded Roles: As the company grows, opportunities may arise to take on more responsibility in marketing coordination or content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates who are proactive in seeking out learning opportunities and demonstrating their ability to overcome challenges will be well-positioned for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach creating a new beverage label that is both visually appealing and compliant with industry regulations?" (Focus on creativity, brand, and production readiness).

• "Describe your process for developing social media graphics that aim to increase customer engagement for a brewery or distillery." (Highlight audience understanding, platform specifics, and your design workflow).

• "Imagine we have a last-minute event promotion. How would you prioritize and execute the design tasks under a tight deadline?" (Demonstrate time management, communication, and problem-solving).

• "What is your experience with preparing print-ready files, and what are the key considerations you always check?" (Technical proficiency, attention to detail, vendor communication).

• "How do you stay updated on graphic design and marketing trends, especially within the food and beverage industry?" (Proactiveness, industry awareness). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a brewery/distillery, and what do you know about our brand?" (Research local breweries, understand the industry).

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your designs?" (Openness to feedback, collaborative approach).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure productivity and communication?" (Self-management, communication strategies).

• "What are your thoughts on brand consistency, and how would you ensure it for our company?" (Understanding brand guidelines, meticulous approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin by showcasing your strongest, most relevant projects (e.g., label design, event flyers).

• Explain Your 'Why': For each project, articulate the design choices, the creative process, and how you addressed the brief.

• Highlight Adobe Illustrator: Explicitly mention and point out elements created using Illustrator, discussing its advantages for the project (scalability, vector quality).

• Showcase Production Readiness: If possible, discuss how you ensured files were production-ready.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and ask insightful questions about the company's design needs and brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail, especially your process and technical skills with Adobe Illustrator. Researching local breweries in the WNY area will be beneficial for demonstrating industry awareness.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Zoho Recruit portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with Adobe Illustrator, graphic design for marketing, and any relevant work in the food/beverage industry.

• Resume Optimization: Quantify your achievements where possible. For example, instead of "Designed social media posts," use "Designed engaging social media graphics that contributed to a X% increase in follower interaction."

• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Practice presenting 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your process, design choices, and technical execution, especially with Adobe Illustrator. Be ready to discuss how your designs align with brand goals.

• Company Research: Research the craft beverage industry in Western New York and any publicly available information about the client brewery/distillery (if discoverable). Understand their current marketing efforts and brand aesthetic.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Progressive Staffing LLC or the hiring organization before making application decisions. The absence of the client's direct website necessitates diligent independent research by candidates.