Graphic Designer - PT

Great Parks of Hamilton County
Full-timeβ€’Cincinnati, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - PT

Company: Great Parks of Hamilton County

Location: Cincinnati, OH, US

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-05-07T17:01:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Estimated)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Visual Content Creation: Develop visually engaging graphics and layouts for a wide range of print and digital media, ensuring alignment with Great Parks' brand and mission.

  • Brand Stewardship: Assist in maintaining and evolving design standards and brand guidelines to ensure consistent visual identity across all communication channels.

  • Collaborative Development: Work closely with the Creative Director and marketing team to brainstorm creative concepts and contribute to overall design strategies.

  • Project Management: Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to department standards in a fast-paced environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a part-time Graphic Designer within a public park system, focusing on marketing and brand strategy to communicate the mission of protecting nature and inspiring communities. The emphasis is on visual content creation for both print and digital platforms, requiring a strong understanding of brand consistency and collaborative development within a marketing team.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and create visually engaging graphics and layouts for print materials such as flyers, banners, and signage.

  • Develop digital content, including social media graphics, website assets, and digital advertisements, to enhance online presence.

  • Collaborate with the Creative Director and marketing team to brainstorm and execute creative concepts for various campaigns and initiatives.

  • Perform image editing, retouching, and manipulation to ensure high-quality visual assets.

  • Prepare final artwork files for production, ensuring correct specifications for print and digital output, including understanding color separations and typography.

  • Assist in the development and maintenance of comprehensive brand guidelines and design standards.

  • Support the Marketing Department by managing design requests and prioritizing tasks to meet project deadlines effectively.

  • Participate in team meetings, offering input on design strategies, project feasibility, and timelines.

  • Contribute to special events and other assigned tasks as directed by the Creative Director.

  • Uphold and promote positive and respectful working relationships across the division and organization.

  • Demonstrate flexibility, openness to change, and a willingness to collaborate to advance the mission of Great Parks.

  • Adhere to Great Parks of Hamilton County's policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance and work assigned schedules.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and collaborative support within a marketing and brand strategy context. The role requires not only design proficiency but also an understanding of project management, brand consistency, and teamwork within a public sector organization focused on conservation and community engagement.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in brand development, art design, and graphic design, or a related field is preferred.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

  • Fundamental understanding of color separations and typography.

  • Ability to create visually engaging graphics and layouts for both print and digital applications.

  • Experience with image editing and file preparation for production.

  • Strong collaboration and communication skills for effective teamwork with the Creative Director and marketing team.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working with Content Management Systems (CMS).

  • Familiarity with brand development and maintaining brand guidelines.

  • Knowledge of design principles for social media marketing and digital advertising.

  • Creative brainstorming and concept development skills.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and a solid understanding of design principles for various media. The preference for 2 years of experience suggests a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision on day-to-day design tasks, while the Bachelor's degree requirement indicates a foundational understanding of design theory and practice. The mandatory driver's license and on-site requirement are critical logistical considerations.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio link is mandatory for all applicants.

  • The portfolio should showcase a diverse range of design projects, including examples of print media (flyers, banners, signage) and digital content (social media graphics, web assets).

  • Demonstrate proficiency in brand development and the ability to maintain consistent visual identity across different projects.

  • Include examples that highlight your skills in image editing and file preparation for production.

Process Documentation:

  • Examples of how you have contributed to or maintained design standards and brand guidelines.

  • Demonstrate your approach to managing multiple design projects simultaneously, including any personal workflow or organizational strategies.

  • Showcase your collaboration process when working with marketing teams or creative directors on concept development and project execution.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The absolute requirement for a portfolio link underscores the practical, visual nature of this role. Candidates must be prepared to present their best work, demonstrating not only technical skill but also creative problem-solving and versatility across different design mediums and brand applications relevant to a park system.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • $29.00 per hour.

Benefits:

  • Membership in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Working Hours:

  • 15 hours per week.

  • This is a part-time, on-site position.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $29.00 is competitive for a part-time graphic design role with the specified experience level and location. The OPERS membership is a significant benefit for public sector employment, offering long-term retirement security. The limited hours per week are crucial for candidates to understand when assessing work-life balance and potential for additional employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Parks & Recreation; Environmental Conservation; Public Sector.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but Great Parks of Hamilton County is a large, established public entity managing numerous parks and facilities. This implies a structured organization with established processes and a commitment to public service.

Founded: Information not provided, but Great Parks of Hamilton County has a long history of serving the region.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing and Brand Strategy team.

  • This position reports directly to the Creative Director, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative department.

Methodology:

  • Brand Alignment: A primary focus on creating visual content that strictly aligns with Great Parks' established brand identity and mission.

  • Mission-Driven Design: All design work is intended to support the agency's mission of protecting nature and inspiring communities to explore, learn, and care for the outdoors.

  • Collaborative Concepting: Emphasis on brainstorming and developing creative concepts in conjunction with the Creative Director and marketing team.

  • Process Adherence: Commitment to upholding organizational policies, procedures, and performance expectations, including regular attendance and punctuality.

Company Website: https://www.greatparks.org/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in its mission of environmental conservation and community engagement. The Marketing and Brand Strategy team plays a crucial role in communicating this mission. Candidates should expect a professional, mission-oriented environment with an emphasis on brand consistency and collaborative execution of creative projects.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-to-mid-level Graphic Designer position, focusing on execution and support within a specialized marketing function. It's ideal for someone looking to gain experience in a public sector environment and refine their design skills.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Creative Director, providing direct guidance and oversight. This structure allows for focused skill development under experienced leadership.

Operations Impact: The work of the Graphic Designer directly impacts how Great Parks communicates its mission and engages the public. Effective visual content can enhance visitor engagement, promote conservation efforts, and build community support for the parks.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital media, print production, brand consistency) within the context of a large park system.

  • Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the public sector and non-profit/conservation industry, which can be a unique career path.

  • Portfolio Expansion: Contribute to a wide range of projects that will significantly enhance an individual's professional portfolio.

  • Networking: Build professional relationships within the marketing and creative fields, both within Great Parks and potentially with external vendors.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While this is a part-time role, the experience gained is substantial, especially for individuals early in their design career. The direct reporting line to a Creative Director offers mentorship opportunities, and the impact of the work on public engagement and conservation messaging is significant. Growth would likely involve taking on more complex projects or potentially moving into a full-time role if opportunities arise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, primarily based at the Great Parks’ Winton Center. The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a municipal or public agency setting.

Office Location(s): Winton Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Candidates must be able to work from this location.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Space: The role requires close interaction with the Creative Director and other marketing team members, fostering a collaborative design process.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) will be provided. Candidates are expected to bring their fundamental understanding of these tools.

  • Team Interaction: Regular participation in team meetings and direct communication with colleagues for project alignment and feedback.

Work Schedule:

  • Part-time, approximately 15 hours per week.

  • Specific days and times may be flexible, but the role is on-site, requiring presence during working hours.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. The Winton Center location is the primary workspace, and candidates should consider commute times and accessibility. The part-time nature implies a need for efficient work practices to maximize output within the limited hours.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of applications, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio.

  • Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative choices, and how their work aligns with the role's requirements. This may be followed by an interview with the Creative Director and potentially other marketing team members.

  • Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or challenge to assess real-time design skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design software.

  • Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of how well the candidate's work style and values align with Great Parks' mission and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest and most relevant pieces that showcase versatility across print and digital media, and demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines.

  • Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. This is crucial for demonstrating problem-solving skills.

  • Show Brand Adaptability: Include examples that show you can adapt your design style to different brands or specific project needs, especially those related to nature, recreation, or community engagement.

  • Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly displays your mastery of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, including examples of typography and color usage.

  • Link Accessibility: Ensure the portfolio link is active, easily accessible, and well-organized.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a graphic for a park event or a social media campaign.

  • Practice creating quick mock-ups or concepts under time constraints.

  • Familiarize yourself with Great Parks' current branding and marketing materials to understand their visual language.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should ensure it is polished, professional, and directly addresses the requirements of designing for a park system. The interview process will likely focus on assessing both creative talent and the ability to integrate into a mission-driven public organization.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite:

    • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
    • Adobe InDesign: Crucial for layout design of print materials like flyers, banners, and brochures.
    • Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, retouching, and creating digital graphics.
  • Content Management System (CMS): Familiarity is preferred, suggesting the role may involve updating website content or collaborating with web administrators.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the Graphic Designer role's core technical requirements, but an awareness of marketing automation platforms might be helpful for understanding how marketing assets are deployed.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the core Adobe Creative Suite applications is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills in these tools. Any experience with CMS platforms will be a plus, indicating a broader understanding of digital content deployment.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Mission Alignment: A strong commitment to the mission of protecting nature and inspiring communities. Candidates should demonstrate a passion for conservation and public engagement.

  • Collaboration: Emphasis on working together as a team, sharing ideas, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.

  • Professionalism: Upholding organizational policies, procedures, and performance expectations, including reliability and punctuality.

  • Respect: Promoting positive and respectful working relationships across the organization.

  • Flexibility & Adaptability: Openness to change and a willingness to collaborate as needed to advance the mission.

Collaboration Style:

  • Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with the Creative Director and marketing team, involving regular communication, feedback exchange, and joint brainstorming sessions.

  • Process-Driven: Adherence to established workflows and organizational standards for design projects.

  • Feedback Integration: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with project goals and brand identity.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Candidates should understand that Great Parks is a public service organization with a distinct mission. Cultural fit, characterized by a commitment to the mission, collaborative spirit, and professional conduct, will be as important as technical design skills.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing priorities and deadlines for numerous design requests in a part-time capacity.

  • Brand Consistency: Consistently applying brand guidelines across diverse projects to maintain a unified visual identity for Great Parks.

  • Creative Constraints: Working within established brand guidelines and project briefs, which may sometimes limit creative freedom but require innovative solutions.

  • Adapting to Public Sector Pace: Navigating the pace and processes inherent in a public sector organization, which can sometimes differ from private sector environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deepen Design Expertise: Enhance skills in specific design software and techniques through hands-on project work.

  • Industry Knowledge: Gain insight into the operations and marketing strategies of a large public park system and conservation organization.

  • Portfolio Building: Contribute to a wide array of projects that will significantly strengthen a professional portfolio.

  • Mentorship: Benefit from direct guidance and feedback from an experienced Creative Director.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a valuable opportunity to hone design skills within a mission-driven context. The challenges are typical for a designer supporting a large organization, and the growth opportunities lie in skill refinement, industry exposure, and portfolio development.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to adapt your design style to fit strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure consistency while still bringing your creative input?" (Assesses brand adherence and creative problem-solving).

  • "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your process, and the outcome?" (Evaluates portfolio presentation, process thinking, and impact awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working for Great Parks of Hamilton County, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission of protecting nature and inspiring communities?" (Gauges alignment with the organization's mission and values).

  • "How do you approach collaboration with a marketing team and a Creative Director?" (Assesses teamwork and communication style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the "why" behind your design choices, the problem you were solving, and how your design met the objectives.

  • Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that are most similar in scope or style to the work described in the job posting (e.g., event promotion, digital content for a public entity).

  • Show Technical Skill: Be ready to discuss your use of specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and any technical considerations (e.g., file types, color modes).

  • Be Concise: Given the part-time nature and potential volume of applications, be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, and a genuine interest in Great Parks' mission. Being able to articulate your design process and showcase relevant portfolio pieces is paramount.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

  • Crucially, ensure your portfolio link is clearly visible and accessible on your resume or application. This is a mandatory requirement.

  • Tailor your resume to highlight experience in graphic design, brand development, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, using keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio during the interview, focusing on your design process and how you met project objectives.

  • Research Great Parks of Hamilton County's mission, current marketing campaigns, and overall brand aesthetic to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in graphic design or a related field and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. A portfolio of past work and a valid State Motor Vehicle Operators License are mandatory.