Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: ADF International Location: Vienna, Austria Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-09-23 Experience Level: 0-2 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal for shaping ADF International's visual identity and brand presence across all platforms, contributing directly to the organization's mission outreach through compelling design.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a wide array of design materials, encompassing both digital and print media, ensuring adherence to high standards of excellence and brand consistency.
• A key aspect of this position involves developing engaging content tailored for social media, websites, and development initiatives, effectively communicating the global impact of ADF International's work.
• The role requires a strong understanding of current design trends and best practices, with a focus on creating aesthetically pleasing, audience-appropriate, and contemporary visual assets that reinforce the organization's messaging and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description indicates a Graphic Designer role, the context provided by ADF International's mission ("protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people") suggests a strong emphasis on mission-driven design and advocacy communication. This implies that the ideal candidate will not only possess technical design skills but also a passion for the cause and an ability to translate complex ideas into visually impactful narratives. The role's placement within the "Content Team" of the "Development Department" further underscores its strategic importance in fundraising and advocacy efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the ideation and creative development process for design projects, actively participating in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative visual concepts.
• Produce compelling and story-driven content for diverse platforms, including social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X), websites, print materials (flyers, reports, advertisements), and development campaign assets, all designed to highlight ADF International’s global and lasting impact.
• Uphold and reinforce the organization's general creative direction, ensuring a consistent tone, voice, and adherence to the established lexicon and brand guidelines across all communication channels.
• Design a variety of materials for both digital and print mediums, such as flyers, comprehensive reports, advertisements, reusable brand templates, engaging social media graphics, and other essential visual assets.
• Develop designs that are not only legible and aesthetically pleasing but also contemporary, tailored to specific audience demographics, and strictly consistent with ADF International's established visual identity, paying close attention to typography, graphics, and overall composition.
• Collaborate closely with external videographers and photographers to source or create high-quality visual assets, including photos, illustrations, and graphics, ensuring cohesive and professional media content for all design projects.
• Maintain clear and organized media files, managing their storage and accessibility to ensure easy retrieval and long-term usability for various teams and projects.
• Execute related duties and special projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute to the broader objectives of the Development Department and Content Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic brand management. The emphasis on "global and lasting impact" and "news cycle around the globe" suggests that the designer will need to be agile and responsive to current events and global trends, requiring a proactive approach to content creation and design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Art/Graphic Design. Experience: Ideally 1-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles.

Required Skills:

• Creative Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Canva is essential for creating a wide range of visual assets.
• Visual Design Principles: Strong understanding of stylistic trends, best practices in design, and a keen eye for aesthetics, composition, typography, and graphics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment, collaborating with content creators, producers, and other stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills to address design challenges and deliver creative solutions.
• Project Ownership: Demonstrated ability to own tasks from ideation through to final production, managing the entire design lifecycle.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in design aesthetics, technical specifications, grammar, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt designs and workflows to ADF International’s unique needs and dynamic environment, embracing constructive critique to evolve designs.
• Communication: Ability to clearly present ideas, articulate design rationale, and receive constructive feedback objectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital & Print Media Best Practices: In-depth knowledge of design requirements and specifications for both digital and print content across various platforms.
• Content Marketing Acumen: Understanding of content marketing principles and how design contributes to effective messaging and audience engagement.
• Photography & Animation: Additional skills or experience in photography and/or animation would be a significant asset, enhancing the range of visual content that can be produced.
• Media Asset Management: Experience in organizing, managing, and storing media files efficiently.
• Knowledge of Messaging Practices: Openness to learning and applying effective messaging and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ideally 1-2 years of experience" suggests that candidates with strong internship experience or a compelling portfolio from academic projects will be considered. The emphasis on "owning tasks from ideation to production" indicates a need for self-starters who can manage their workload independently.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, including digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, ad creatives) and print materials (flyers, reports, brochures).
• Include case studies or explanations for at least 2-3 projects, detailing the design process, creative challenges, and how the final design addressed specific objectives or solved a problem.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Canva, with examples that highlight mastery of these tools.
• Present examples that clearly illustrate an understanding and application of brand identity guidelines, showing how visual consistency was maintained across different media.
• Quantify impact where possible, such as showing engagement metrics for social media graphics or conversion rates for advertisement designs, to demonstrate ROI.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how you manage design projects from initial brief to final delivery, highlighting workflow efficiency and project management techniques.
• Illustrate your approach to incorporating feedback and iterating on designs, demonstrating a collaborative and responsive design process.
• Showcase your understanding of design specifications for various platforms (e.g., social media aspect ratios, print bleed requirements) and how you ensure technical accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on mission-driven communication, portfolios that demonstrate an ability to translate complex or sensitive topics into accessible and compelling visual narratives will be highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their creative process and strategic thinking behind their design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: In Vienna, Austria, for a Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated annual gross salary typically ranges from €30,000 to €40,000. This range can vary based on the specific qualifications, the employer's budget, and the overall economic conditions.

Benefits:

• Work Permit/Citizenship: Assistance or requirement for a work permit for Austria or EU citizenship, simplifying legal employment.
• Mission-Driven Work: Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and work for an organization dedicated to protecting fundamental freedoms.
• Professional Development: Potential for learning and growth within the content and development teams, with opportunities to expand design skills and responsibilities.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a dedicated Content Team and Development Department, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
• International Exposure: Engage with global initiatives and contribute to communication strategies for a worldwide organization.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically corresponding to 40 hours per week, in line with standard full-time employment in Austria. The nature of working with news cycles may involve some flexibility or occasional need to adjust schedules to meet urgent deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for junior graphic designer positions in Vienna, Austria, and does not account for specific benefits packages that ADF International may offer. Candidates are encouraged to inquire about the full compensation and benefits package during the interview process. The requirement for an Austrian work permit or EU citizenship is a critical factor for eligibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Public Advocacy / Legal Services Company Size: ADF International is part of a larger global network, with specific team sizes varying by department and location. Based on general information for similar organizations, it's likely to range from 50-200 employees globally, with a focused team in Vienna. This size allows for a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: ADF International was founded in 2007. This history provides a foundation of experience and established mission, while the ongoing operations suggest a dynamic and evolving organization committed to its long-term goals.

Team Structure:

• Content Team: This role is situated within the Content Team, which likely comprises individuals focused on creating and distributing various forms of media and written content to support the organization's mission.
• Development Department: The Content Team operates under the broader Development Department, indicating a strategic alignment with fundraising, donor relations, and overall organizational growth objectives.
• Reporting: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Multimedia Producer, suggesting a collaborative workflow focused on producing high-quality visual and multimedia content.

Methodology:

• Mission-Centric Design: All design work is expected to align with and advance ADF International's core mission and values, focusing on clarity, impact, and ethical communication.
• Data-Informed Content: While not explicitly stated for design, the emphasis on "global and lasting impact" suggests that design choices may be informed by content strategy and communication goals aimed at maximizing reach and engagement.
• Collaborative Creation: The role emphasizes participation in creative meetings and working within cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative approach to content development.

Company Website: https://adfinternational.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: ADF International's identity as a "faith-based legal advocacy organization" is a crucial aspect of its culture. Candidates should be comfortable with and supportive of this foundation, as it will inform the organization's messaging, values, and operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior / Entry-Level Designer (0-2 years experience). This role serves as a foundational position within the creative and content operations of ADF International, offering hands-on experience in a mission-driven environment.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Multimedia Producer. This direct reporting line facilitates clear communication, feedback, and guidance on design projects and strategy. The position is part of the larger Development Department, implying collaboration with marketing, communications, and fundraising teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work has a direct impact on how ADF International communicates its mission, advocacy efforts, and impact to a global audience. High-quality, consistent visual assets are critical for building brand recognition, engaging supporters, fundraising, and advocating for policy changes. Effective design can significantly influence public perception and the organization's ability to achieve its goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as social media graphics, report layout, or digital advertising design, potentially becoming a subject matter expert for the team.
• Broader Creative Exposure: Exposure to multimedia production through collaboration with the Multimedia Producer, potentially leading to opportunities in motion graphics, basic video editing, or other related creative fields.
• Strategic Design Input: As experience grows, the designer may have more input into the overall creative strategy and visual direction of campaigns.
• Leadership Potential: With significant growth and demonstrated impact, there could be avenues for senior designer roles or team lead positions within the content or creative department over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years of experience" indicates that this is an entry-level position designed for growth. Candidates should demonstrate a strong desire to learn and develop their skills within a supportive, mission-focused team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Vienna, Austria. This implies a traditional office setting where in-person collaboration and direct interaction with team members are prioritized. Office Location(s): Vienna, Austria. This location offers a vibrant cultural and professional environment, with access to talent and resources typical of a major European capital.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely fosters collaboration, with designers working closely with the Multimedia Producer, content creators, and other members of the Development Department.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and potentially other digital tools necessary for content creation and project management.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions to share ideas and receive feedback, essential for a creative role.

Work Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard schedule is expected, the mention of following the "news cycle around the globe" suggests that occasional flexibility may be required to meet urgent deadlines or respond to time-sensitive global events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial. Candidates must be legally able to work in Austria (either EU citizen or possess a valid work permit) and be willing to commit to working from the Vienna office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios will likely be conducted to assess qualifications and creative output. Candidates must ensure their portfolio is easily accessible and highlights relevant skills.
• First Interview (likely with Hiring Manager/Multimedia Producer): This stage will focus on assessing creative skills, design process, software proficiency, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Expect questions about past projects and design rationale.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design task or present their portfolio in detail, explaining their process, problem-solving approach, and how their work aligns with ADF International’s mission. This is a critical step to evaluate practical skills and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview (with senior team members/department heads): This stage will likely delve deeper into cultural fit, alignment with ADF International's values, and long-term career aspirations. Questions may explore how the candidate perceives the organization's mission and how their design skills can contribute to it.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills required for this role (digital/print design, social media graphics, brand consistency).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the results or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Mission Alignment: If possible, include a project that showcases your ability to communicate complex or sensitive messages effectively, or a project where you considered audience and purpose deeply.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your work clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Canva.
• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio digitally (e.g., PDF, website link) in a clean, professional, and easy-to-navigate format.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, read the brief carefully and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the objectives, target audience, and desired outcome.
• Emphasize Process: Focus on demonstrating your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you arrive at your design solutions, not just the final output.
• Brand Consistency: If the challenge involves an existing brand, pay close attention to brand guidelines and ensure your design is consistent.
• Time Management: Be mindful of the time allocated for the challenge and prioritize key elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given ADF International's mission, candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design work can support advocacy and communicate important messages. A portfolio that shows an understanding of visual storytelling and impact-driven design will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo design, and complex illustrations. Expect to create and manipulate vector assets for various applications.
• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, photo manipulation, digital painting, and creating raster-based graphics for web and print.
• Adobe InDesign: The standard for page layout and desktop publishing, used for creating reports, flyers, brochures, and other multi-page documents.
• Canva: A user-friendly platform for creating quick, template-based designs, especially for social media graphics and internal communications. Proficiency in Canva complements Adobe Suite for efficiency.
• Adobe Acrobat: Used for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, including print-ready files and interactive forms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a Graphic Designer, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on ads, shares on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) might be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but understanding how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for campaigns could be a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both Adobe Creative Suite and Canva indicates a need for a designer who can handle high-fidelity, complex design work as well as produce high volumes of content efficiently for various platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Faith-Based Mission: A core value that underpins all work. Employees are expected to support and embody the organization's faith-based principles and commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms and human dignity.
• Excellence and Integrity: A commitment to producing high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring all communications are accurate, ethical, and impactful.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together across departments and roles to achieve common goals, fostering an environment of mutual support and shared success.
• Advocacy and Impact: A driving passion for making a tangible difference in the world through legal advocacy and public awareness, with a focus on measurable outcomes and global reach.
• Continuous Improvement: Openness to feedback, learning, and adapting designs and processes to better serve the organization's evolving needs and mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with the Multimedia Producer, content writers, marketing specialists, and potentially fundraising teams. This involves active participation in team meetings and clear communication channels.
• Feedback-Driven Development: A culture where constructive critique is welcomed and utilized to refine designs, ensuring that the final output meets the highest standards and effectively communicates the intended message.
• Shared Knowledge and Best Practices: An environment where team members share insights, design trends, and technical knowledge to collectively elevate the quality and impact of the organization's communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should research ADF International's mission and values thoroughly. Demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with their faith-based approach and advocacy goals will be critical for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Mission and Aesthetics: Effectively translating complex legal and advocacy messages into visually appealing and understandable designs that resonate with diverse audiences while staying true to the organization's mission.
• Rapid News Cycle Demands: Adapting quickly to urgent design requests driven by current events or breaking news, requiring agility and efficient workflow management without compromising quality.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified visual identity across a wide range of media and platforms, especially when working with various internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Resource Management: Potentially working with limited resources or tight deadlines, requiring creative problem-solving and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and implement new design software features, advanced typography, layout strategies, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to multimedia production, content strategy, and marketing principles through collaboration with other team members.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving design trends, digital media best practices, and advocacy communication strategies.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Regularly contributing to high-visibility projects that can significantly enhance a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for mission-driven organizations and fast-paced environments. Candidates who can demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be well-suited for this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final delivery. How do you ensure all stakeholders are aligned?" (Focus on: Project management, communication, stakeholder management, process documentation).
• "How do you approach designing for a mission-driven organization, particularly one with a faith-based foundation like ADF International? Can you provide an example?" (Focus on: Mission alignment, ethical communication, audience consideration, advocacy design).
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to solve a significant design problem or overcome a creative challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on: Problem-solving, critical thinking, design rationale, impact demonstration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about ADF International's mission and work? How do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Focus on: Research, mission alignment, strategic thinking).
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs? Can you share an example of how you've incorporated feedback to improve a project?" (Focus on: Adaptability, receptiveness to feedback, collaborative spirit).
• "This role requires adherence to our faith-based principles. How do you see your personal values aligning with our organizational values?" (Focus on: Cultural fit, understanding of faith-based organizations, alignment with ADF International's ethos).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your skills and experience, then diving into 2-3 key case studies. Conclude with a brief mention of other relevant work.
• Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome/impact. Use strong visuals.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign execution). If quantitative data isn't available, focus on qualitative impact related to communication clarity or brand messaging.
• Brand Alignment: Be prepared to discuss how your design choices align with brand guidelines and how you ensure consistency.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, tools, and your ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their understanding of how visual design supports advocacy and communication for non-profit organizations. Demonstrating an ability to translate complex ideas into clear, impactful visuals will be key.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, social media graphics, and print design. Select projects that best showcase your ability to create engaging, mission-aligned visual content.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your responsibilities and achievements, using keywords from the job description such as "digital and print design," "social media graphics," "brand identity," and "creative strategy." Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and how your skills align with ADF International's mission. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research ADF International’s mission, values, and recent campaigns. Be ready to discuss how your design work can contribute to their advocacy efforts and communicate their message effectively.

⚠️ 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.