Graphic Designer - Panthers

Tepper Sports & Entertainment
Full-timeCharlotte, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Panthers

Company: Tepper Sports & Entertainment

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is pivotal in developing compelling visual assets that drive revenue and enhance brand presence for the Carolina Panthers and Tepper Sports & Entertainment.

  • The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in conceptualizing and executing creative solutions across a wide range of marketing and sponsorship initiatives, ensuring brand consistency and impact.

  • Success in this position requires a blend of creative talent and strategic thinking, with a focus on collaborating with various departments to achieve campaign objectives.

  • The position demands a proactive approach to design, from initial concept through final delivery, with an emphasis on innovation and continuous skill development within a fast-paced professional sports environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input describes a "Graphic Designer," the context of "Panthers," "Tepper Sports & Entertainment," and responsibilities like "revenue driving campaigns," "sponsorship, marketing, ticketing," and "optimize creative campaign effectiveness" strongly suggests this role operates within a GTM (Go-To-Market) or Marketing Operations framework, focusing on visual assets that directly support sales and marketing efforts. The emphasis on brand reinforcement, campaign optimization, and cross-departmental collaboration aligns with GTM operational needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Produce and design high-impact content for revenue-driving campaigns, presentations, and various projects supporting sponsorship, marketing, ticketing, and other organizational departments.

  • Maintain and reinforce the brand standards of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and its subsidiaries across all visual touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and strong brand identity.

  • Generate innovative ideas, concepts, and execute designs for creative assets from initial ideation through final production.

  • Collaborate internally with departments like video production, corporate sales, and community outreach to enhance creative effectiveness and achieve shared objectives.

  • Partner with teams to optimize creative campaign performance by analyzing experimentation results and iterating on designs based on data and analytics.

  • Continuously develop personal design skills and explore emerging creative techniques and technologies to maintain a cutting-edge visual output.

  • Effectively communicate creative ideas, concepts, and project progress within a collaborative team environment.

  • Develop campaign ads for multiple platforms, including run-of-site ads, emails, and social media, ensuring alignment with campaign goals.

  • Create print-ready materials for marketing and ticketing purposes, adhering to strict quality and brand guidelines.

  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely delivery and effective communication of project statuses and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong connection to revenue generation and campaign optimization, typical of a role supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. The emphasis on "revenue driving campaigns," "sponsorship, marketing, ticketing," and "optimize creative campaign effectiveness" indicates a need for designers who understand how their work directly impacts business outcomes. The requirement to collaborate with sales and marketing departments further solidifies this GTM operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • 3-5 years of professional experience in Graphic Design, preferably within an agency setting or a corporate marketing department.

  • Demonstrated experience in developing campaign ads across multiple platforms (e.g., run-of-site ads, emails).

  • Proven experience in creating print-ready materials for marketing and ticketing purposes.

Required Skills:

  • Expertise in current graphic design practices and emerging technologies.

  • Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

  • Proficiency in Adobe Lightroom, Outlook, and Microsoft Office Suite on a MAC platform.

  • Strong understanding of photography, composition, and lighting principles.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.

  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects with limited supervision.

  • Capacity to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment and effectively communicate project statuses.

  • High level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

  • Professional attitude, adaptability to change, and receptiveness to project modifications.

  • Ability to work independently and as a cooperative member of a cross-functional team.

  • Understanding of the role graphic design plays in supporting marketing and sales processes.

  • Openness to coaching, diverse perspectives, and operating effectively within a team dynamic.

Preferred Skills:

  • Ability to develop motion graphics from scratch or adapt existing files.

  • Knowledge of and/or prior work in the sports business sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize not just design software proficiency but also a strategic understanding of design's role in marketing and sales, a key trait for operations-focused creative roles. The inclusion of "emotional intelligence," "self-awareness," and "adaptability" points to the need for someone who can navigate the dynamic environment of professional sports operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency across various media (digital, print, campaign assets).

  • Specific examples of work that directly supported marketing or revenue-driving campaigns, highlighting the design process and outcomes.

  • Demonstration of ability to maintain and evolve brand identity across different applications and platforms.

Process Documentation:

  • Examples of workflow management for handling multiple projects with competing deadlines, showcasing organizational skills and efficiency.

  • Illustrations of how design concepts were iterated upon based on feedback, data, or analytics, demonstrating a data-informed design approach.

  • Prototypes or mock-ups that showcase an understanding of user experience and visual hierarchy for different platforms (web, mobile, print).

  • Demonstration of how design assets were prepared for specific production needs (e.g., print-ready files, optimized web graphics), indicating an understanding of technical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting GTM and revenue initiatives, the portfolio should not merely be a collection of aesthetically pleasing work. It needs to demonstrate how the designer's output contributes to business objectives. This includes showcasing an understanding of campaign effectiveness, brand consistency, and efficient production processes, all critical aspects of operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

  • Access to unique perks associated with working for a professional sports team (e.g., tickets, team merchandise discounts).

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

  • Requires flexibility to work non-standard hours, including game weekends, nights, and holidays, to meet the demands of a professional sports organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data for Graphic Designer roles in Charlotte, NC, with adjustments for the specialized sports industry context and the experience level specified. The benefits listed are standard for full-time roles in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment, Professional Football (NFL). Tepper Sports & Entertainment owns the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, operating within a highly competitive and dynamic entertainment market.

Company Size: Part of a larger organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals, indicating a structured corporate environment with diverse departments.

Founded: Tepper Sports & Entertainment was acquired in 2018, with the Carolina Panthers having a long history dating back to 1995. This blend of established history and recent organizational evolution suggests a culture that values tradition while embracing innovation.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer reports to the Art Director, indicating a clear creative hierarchy.

  • The role is part of the Marketing department, suggesting close collaboration with marketing strategists, content creators, and potentially sales enablement teams.

Methodology:

  • The team emphasizes a creative and collaborative environment, fostering innovation and idea sharing.

  • A data-driven approach is encouraged, with a focus on optimizing creative campaign effectiveness based on analytics and experimentation results.

  • Workflow optimization and efficient project management are key, given the fast-paced nature of the sports industry and the need to meet tight deadlines.

  • A commitment to continuous learning and skill development ensures the team stays ahead of design trends and technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the sports entertainment industry context is crucial. It's a high-energy, deadline-driven environment where creativity must align with commercial objectives. The company's dual ownership (NFL and MLS) suggests a need for versatile design skills adaptable to different fan bases and marketing strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer (3-5 years experience), focused on execution and creative problem-solving within established brand guidelines. It represents a crucial contributor role within the marketing operations function.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Art Director, indicating a clear line of supervision and creative guidance. This structure allows for focused mentorship and development in design craft.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly supports revenue-generating activities by creating visually compelling assets for marketing campaigns, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Their output influences brand perception, fan engagement, and ultimately, commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, digital campaign design, or brand identity development.

  • Creative Leadership: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director positions, leading projects and mentoring junior designers.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of marketing and sales operations by collaborating on diverse projects, potentially leading to roles in marketing strategy or creative direction.

  • Industry Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge and a strong network within the professional sports and entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer in this environment often involves mastering the unique visual language of sports marketing while also developing an understanding of the operational aspects that drive campaign success and revenue.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a professional office environment located within or near the stadium facility. This setting fosters collaboration and allows for quick access to game-day operations and event needs.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, North Carolina. The role is on-site, requiring physical presence in the office and stadium.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative workspace designed to facilitate brainstorming and teamwork among the creative and marketing departments.

  • Access to industry-standard design software and hardware (MAC platform), including Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially other project management or asset management tools.

Work Schedule:

  • Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, but requires significant flexibility.

  • Expect to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the NFL season, game days, and major events. This schedule is typical for operations roles in professional sports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its fast pace, deadline-driven nature, and the need for physical presence, especially during events. Candidates must be comfortable with the demands of a 24/7 sports operation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative style against the role's requirements.

  • Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and how their work has contributed to campaign success or business objectives. Be prepared to articulate your creative decisions and problem-solving approach.

  • Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a timed design task or a case study analysis, to evaluate design skills, creative thinking, and ability to work under pressure within brand guidelines.

  • Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on teamwork, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and how you handle deadlines and feedback in a fast-paced environment.

  • Team/Art Director Interview: A final discussion with the Art Director and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit and alignment with the team's creative vision and operational needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills and experience required for this role, especially those related to campaign design, brand consistency, and marketing/sales support.

  • Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the results or impact of your design.

  • Highlight Operations Relevance: Emphasize projects where your design directly contributed to revenue, engagement, or marketing campaign effectiveness. Use metrics if available.

  • Tailor to Sports: If possible, include relevant sports marketing or entertainment design examples to showcase your understanding of the industry's aesthetic and demands.

  • Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, software proficiency, collaboration experiences, and how you handle feedback and tight deadlines.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Brand Guidelines: Thoroughly review the Carolina Panthers and Tepper Sports & Entertainment branding.

  • Think Strategically: Approach any design challenge with a strategic mindset, considering the target audience, campaign objectives, and brand consistency.

  • Time Management: Practice executing design tasks within a set timeframe.

  • Clear Communication: Be prepared to present your work concisely and defend your creative decisions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for creative roles in sports often involves a practical demonstration of skills. A strong portfolio that highlights campaign effectiveness and operational understanding will be key to advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite:

    • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout design, print production, and publications.
    • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
    • Adobe Photoshop: Required for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Lightroom: Proficiency needed for photo editing and asset management.

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for general business operations and presentation creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

  • Motion Graphics Software: Adobe After Effects is a strong plus for developing motion graphics.

  • Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be beneficial for managing workflow.

  • Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with DAM software for organizing and distributing creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for diverse output needs. Motion graphics capability is a significant differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, compelling visual content that pushes creative boundaries.

  • Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, share ideas, and support colleagues to achieve common goals.

  • Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards, handling sensitive information with care, and representing the organization professionally at all times.

  • Data-Driven Improvement: Using insights from campaign performance and analytics to inform design decisions and enhance effectiveness.

  • Efficiency & Reliability: A commitment to meeting deadlines, managing workloads effectively, and being a dependable contributor to the team's output.

  • Continuous Learning: An eagerness to develop new skills, explore emerging technologies, and adapt to evolving design trends and industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, sales, and other departments to understand their needs and integrate design solutions seamlessly into broader strategies.

  • Feedback Culture: Openness to providing and receiving constructive criticism to improve design quality and project outcomes.

  • Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, potential challenges, and creative ideas.

  • Team-Oriented Approach: Valuing team success and contributing positively to a supportive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a balance between creative expression and operational execution. Team members are expected to be both innovative designers and reliable contributors who understand the business impact of their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Fast-Paced Environment: The demanding schedule of a professional sports team, with constant deadlines and the need for rapid turnaround on creative assets.

    • Mitigation: Strong organizational skills, effective time management, and proactive communication are key.
  • Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the creative vision with the varied requests and objectives from different departments (sponsorship, ticketing, marketing).

    • Preparation: Developing strategic communication skills to articulate design rationale and negotiate creative direction.
  • Brand Consistency Across Multiple Entities: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity for the Panthers and potentially other Tepper Sports & Entertainment properties.

    • Skill Development: Deepening understanding of brand architecture and applying guidelines consistently.
  • Evolving Design Trends & Technology: Staying current with the latest design software, techniques, and digital platforms to ensure work remains relevant and impactful.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Workshops: Access to training on new Adobe features, motion graphics, or specialized design techniques.

  • Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend sports marketing or design conferences for networking and professional development.

  • Cross-Departmental Projects: Exposure to different facets of the organization, broadening understanding of marketing, sales, and operations.

  • Mentorship: Guidance from the Art Director and senior team members on creative direction and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the high-stakes, fast-paced nature of professional sports. However, these challenges also offer substantial growth opportunities for designers eager to expand their skills and industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to create design assets for a revenue-driving campaign. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on campaign objectives, your creative strategy, and any measurable results.)

  • "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across multiple platforms and campaigns for a large organization like Tepper Sports & Entertainment?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and your systematic approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you specifically about working for the Carolina Panthers and Tepper Sports & Entertainment?" (Research the team's recent performance, marketing initiatives, and company values.)

  • "How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment?" (Provide concrete examples of your time management and organizational strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design choices), and the impact (results/feedback).

  • Quantify When Possible: If your designs contributed to specific metrics (e.g., increased engagement, higher conversion rates), present that data.

  • Highlight Process: Show sketches, mood boards, or early concepts to illustrate your creative journey and problem-solving approach.

  • Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant software.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with sports marketing, campaign design, and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beyond showcasing design skills, interviewers will assess your understanding of how design supports business goals and your ability to thrive in a dynamic, deadline-driven sports environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects that demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, campaign design, and brand consistency, particularly highlighting any work relevant to sports or entertainment.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the 3-5 years of professional experience, specific software proficiencies (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom), and any experience in sports marketing or related fields. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss how you manage deadlines and collaborate effectively.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Carolina Panthers' recent marketing campaigns, brand identity, and the overall mission of Tepper Sports & Entertainment. Understand the fast-paced, high-energy culture of professional sports operations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been created to provide a comprehensive overview for operations professionals. While it incorporates industry standards and likely expectations, candidates should always refer to the official job posting for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Direct communication with the hiring organization is recommended for any specific inquiries.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have a BA in Graphic Design and 3-5 years of professional experience in an agency or corporate setting. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and the ability to work flexible hours, including game weekends and holidays, is required.