Coordinator, Creative Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Coordinator, Creative Designer

Company: USTA National Headquarters

Location: Lake Nona, FL (Orlando Area)

Job Type: Other (Implied Full-Time)

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: January 22, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role provides critical support to a dynamic Creative Services department, focusing on the execution and delivery of design assets for various USTA marketing, advertising, and promotional campaigns.

• The position involves hands-on design work, production management with external vendors, and strict adherence to brand guidelines, ensuring a cohesive brand identity across all USTA initiatives.

• Successful candidates will demonstrate strong creative and production skills, proficiency in industry-standard design software, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• This role is an excellent opportunity for an emerging creative professional to gain experience within a prominent sports organization, contributing to the growth and promotion of tennis at all levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided employment_type is "OTHER", the responsibilities and expected experience level strongly suggest a full-time, permanent position. The "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a need for on-site presence, likely for collaborative work and access to specific company resources, while offering flexibility. The role is categorized under Marketing & Design Operations due to its focus on producing creative assets that support broader marketing and GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Creative Services department in executing design projects for USTA Corporate, USTA Marketing, and the USTA Foundation.

• Independently execute assigned design tasks, with final creative approvals from the Director, Creative Services.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and collaborate with content creators to develop innovative design solutions.

• Partner with the broader Communications & Content team to develop materials that support key USTA initiatives and real-time events.

• Manage the full production lifecycle with external vendors, including obtaining bids, establishing project timelines, overseeing press runs, and processing invoices.

• Ensure all creative materials strictly adhere to USTA's established design policies and brand guidelines, including corporate, Community Tennis program, and Section logos.

• Perform essential administrative duties such as archiving creative assets, managing supplies and equipment, coordinating software upgrades, and assisting with training.

• Provide feedback and input on creative projects managed by external agencies, as requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual design execution and project management, requiring the candidate to be both a hands-on creator and a detail-oriented coordinator. The emphasis on brand guidelines and vendor management points towards a need for strong organizational skills and an understanding of production workflows within a structured corporate environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional experience in graphic design, creative services, or a similar role, ideally within an agency, design studio, or in-house corporate marketing department.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Strong creative and design abilities with a keen eye for aesthetics, layout, and typography.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential for creating and manipulating digital and print assets.

• Production Management: Solid production skills, including understanding print processes, file preparation for vendors, and managing project timelines.

• Brand Stewardship: Ability to understand and meticulously apply corporate and program-specific brand guidelines to ensure consistency.

• Software Proficiency: Competency in presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) and Microsoft Word for document creation and collaboration.

• Independent Work Ethic: Proven ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in design execution, file management, and vendor coordination.

• Collaboration & Communication: Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• HTML5 Asset Creation: Experience producing interactive HTML5 assets using tools like Google Web Designer or Adobe Animate.

• Cross-Platform Familiarity: Working knowledge of both PC and Macintosh operating systems and their associated peripherals.

• Project Coordination: Experience managing projects from concept through completion, including vendor bidding and invoicing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of 0-2 years, coupled with a Bachelor's degree, positions this as an entry-level to junior role. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and production skills is standard for design roles. The preference for HTML5 experience suggests that digital creative assets are a significant part of the role's output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating creative thinking, design execution, and production capabilities.

• Examples should highlight versatility across different media (print, digital, social).

• Include case studies or project breakdowns that explain the design process, challenges faced, and the final outcome.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and follow established design workflows from brief to final delivery.

• Understanding of asset archiving best practices for easy retrieval and management.

• Experience managing production timelines and coordinating with external vendors, demonstrating an organized approach to project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Coordinator" level role in Creative Services, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evaluation tool for design skills and production readiness. Emphasis should be placed on clear project examples, not just final outputs, to showcase the candidate's thought process and problem-solving abilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $58,000 - $60,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Access to virtual doctor consultations.

• Financial Management: Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.

• Protection: Life insurance and disability insurance coverage.

• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick, and personal days. Paid holidays and a paid winter recess. Parental leave.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with an employer match of up to 3%.

• Professional Development: Learning and Development programs, and up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement.

• Mental Well-being: Mental health and meditation benefits, and resources for overall well-being.

• Additional Perks: Personalized health management program, pet insurance, commuter benefits, identity theft protection, and discounts with partner networks.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in balancing remote and in-office work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and falls within typical entry-level to junior designer compensation in the Orlando, FL area. The benefits package is robust, including a 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and a strong emphasis on wellness, which are attractive offerings for many professionals. The "Hybrid with Flexibility" approach to work arrangements is a key selling point.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, Non-Profit Organization

Company Size: The USTA is a large, established national governing body for tennis in the US, implying a significant number of employees and departments.

Founded: The USTA was founded in 1881, indicating a long-standing history and deep roots in the sport of tennis.

Team Structure:

• The Coordinator, Creative Designer reports to the Director, Creative Services.

• The role is embedded within the Creative Services department, which likely collaborates closely with broader Marketing, Communications, and potentially Sponsorship teams.

Methodology:

• Design projects are executed with a focus on supporting USTA's mission to grow tennis.

• Emphasis is placed on adhering to established brand guidelines and policies to maintain a unified brand identity.

• Collaboration and brainstorming are encouraged to foster creativity and innovative solutions.

• A structured approach to project management, including vendor relations and production oversight, is expected.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The USTA's mission-driven nature and long history suggest a culture that values dedication to the sport and its growth. As a national governing body, it likely operates with a degree of formality and structure, balanced by a passion for tennis and community engagement. The "We are Tennis!" slogan and emphasis on accessibility point to an inclusive and passionate work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level/Junior Designer (Coordinator)

This role is ideal for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design and creative services. It provides foundational experience in executing creative deliverables within a professional sports organization.

Reporting Structure:

• The Coordinator reports directly to the Director, Creative Services, offering mentorship and direct oversight.

Operations Impact:

• The Creative Designer's work directly influences how USTA's brand, programs, and initiatives are perceived by the public, members, and stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe Suite) and potentially expand into digital asset creation (HTML5).

• Project Management: Develop project management skills through vendor coordination and production oversight.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to Senior Designer, Art Director, or other leadership roles within the Creative Services department or broader Marketing/Communications teams as experience grows.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the sports industry, which can open doors to other roles within sports organizations or related fields.

• Learning & Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and internal L&D programs supports continuous professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a stepping stone. The "Coordinator" title and 1-3 years of experience requirement indicate it's designed for early-career professionals. Growth opportunities are tied to demonstrating proficiency, taking on more responsibility, and potentially specializing in digital design or project management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining remote flexibility with in-office collaboration. The USTA National Headquarters in Lake Nona likely offers modern office facilities designed for creative work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Lake Nona, Florida (part of the Orlando metropolitan area). This location is home to the USTA's National Campus, suggesting a vibrant sports-focused environment.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team meetings in the office.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially specialized hardware or printing facilities may be available on-site.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (likely 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. The "Flexibility" mentioned in benefits suggests some autonomy in scheduling within the hybrid framework, though core hours for collaboration are probable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect, balancing the need for creative collaboration with remote work flexibility. Being located at the USTA National Campus indicates a unique, sports-centric work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, design skills, and relevant experience.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Director, Creative Services) to discuss experience, creative approach, and cultural fit. This may include a review of portfolio pieces.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A design challenge or portfolio presentation may be required to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand application.

• Final Interview: Potential interview with other key stakeholders in Marketing or Communications to ensure alignment across departments.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility (print, digital, branding) and adherence to guidelines.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, include a brief overview: the client/purpose, your role, the challenge, your creative process, and the final outcome. Use high-quality mockups.

• Highlight USTA Relevance: If you have experience with sports organizations, non-profits, or similar branding challenges, emphasize these. Showcase any work that aligns with tennis or community engagement.

• Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other tools used.

• Presentation Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. PDF format is typically preferred for initial submissions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to receive a design brief and create a concept or asset within a set timeframe.

• Focus on understanding the brief, applying brand guidelines, and delivering a clear, well-reasoned creative solution.

• For portfolio presentations, practice articulating your design choices and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should tailor their presentation to showcase skills directly applicable to the USTA's needs, emphasizing brand consistency and creative execution within a structured environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator (essential).

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides.

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Word.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Potential/Preferred Tools:

• HTML5 Asset Creation: Google Web Designer, Adobe Animate.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com could be beneficial for vendor and project management.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with DAM principles for archiving and retrieval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is strong proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with HTML5 animation tools is a significant plus, indicating a need for digital creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Tennis: A deep appreciation for the sport and its role in community development.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Commitment to making tennis available to everyone, reflected in design messaging and program support.

• Excellence & Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in creative output and operational execution.

• Collaboration: Working effectively as a team to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Seeking creative solutions to promote and grow the sport.

Collaboration Style:

• The Creative Services team likely works in a highly collaborative environment, with regular feedback loops and cross-functional interaction.

• Expected to be open to constructive criticism and able to integrate feedback effectively into design revisions.

• Partnerships with marketing, communications, and program managers are key to ensuring creative aligns with strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The USTA's mission clearly shapes its values. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values, showing passion for sports, community, and professional excellence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while still being fresh and engaging.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Supporting diverse programs (Corporate, Community, Foundation) each with unique creative requirements and priorities.

• Vendor Management: Effectively communicating design needs and managing production timelines and quality with external vendors.

• Rapid Turnaround Times: Ability to deliver high-quality creative assets quickly to meet event deadlines or campaign launches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn new software features or design methodologies.

• Digital Design Expansion: Developing skills in motion graphics, HTML5, or interactive design.

• Project Management Acumen: Gaining experience in managing full project lifecycles.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepening understanding of sports marketing and non-profit operations.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from experienced creative professionals within the USTA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a corporate design role, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills. The growth opportunities are substantial for an early-career professional looking to build a robust design portfolio and gain experience in a unique industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines for a project. How did you maintain creativity while adhering to them?" (Assesses ability to balance constraints and creativity).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your process, and the outcome?" (Evaluates design thinking, problem-solving, and communication).

• "How do you approach managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Tests organizational and time management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the USTA and the sport of tennis?" (Assesses passion and cultural fit).

• "How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism on your designs?" (Evaluates adaptability and professionalism).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of your background, then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions about your choices and process. Show enthusiasm for your work and the USTA's mission.

• Technical Detail: Be ready to briefly discuss the technical aspects of your work (e.g., file formats, software used).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating creativity, adherence to brand standards, strong technical skills, and a genuine interest in the USTA's mission. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these elements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Designer position:

• Submit your application through the USTA careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features graphic design projects, ideally showcasing versatility in print and digital media. If possible, include examples that align with sports, community programs, or non-profit work.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), production management, and any relevant project coordination. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and the rationale behind your creative decisions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer questions about your approach to brand guidelines and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the USTA's mission, current initiatives (e.g., Net Generation, US Open), and brand identity. Understand their commitment to growing tennis and making it accessible.

⚠️ 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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