Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Alterra Location: Olympic Valley, CA, United States Job Type: Other Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2025-10-14 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for creating a wide range of visual assets across digital and traditional mediums to uphold and enhance the Palisades Tahoe brand identity.
• Executes creative projects from concept through completion, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with marketing objectives.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external agencies to develop compelling design solutions that drive engagement and support business goals.
• Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced resort environment.
• Focuses on delivering high-quality, performance-driven graphics optimized for various platforms, including print, web, social media, and paid advertising.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a traditional Graphic Designer position within a resort and hospitality context, rather than a Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role. The enhancements will reflect the core responsibilities and requirements of a graphic designer in this specific industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative assets for both digital and print media, including but not limited to trail maps, brochures, posters, merchandise designs, digital signage, and presentations.
• Design engaging social media graphics (static and animated), video title cards, lower thirds, and basic animations.
• Create custom headers, graphics, and calls-to-action (CTAs) for email marketing campaigns and CRM communications, ensuring optimization for desktop and mobile viewing.
• Design UI/UX elements, landing page mockups, and app graphics for web and mobile applications.
• Produce versioned creative assets for paid media campaigns across various ad formats, including short animated loops.
• Manage marketing and stakeholder job lists within project management platforms (e.g., Basecamp), ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Maintain organized shared asset libraries for efficient cross-departmental access and workflow.
• Provide quick-turn graphic updates for in-resort needs such as weather information, event promotions, and operational announcements.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, outside agencies, and diverse departments to conceptualize and deliver impactful design solutions.
• Prioritize and manage multiple design projects concurrently, adhering to specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
• Work closely with the Signage & Graphics Manager and marketing representatives to ensure design outcomes meet desired objectives and brand standards.
• Deliver final graphics that are visually appealing, on-brand, and contribute to performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad spectrum of design tasks, emphasizing the need for versatility across print, digital, and motion graphics within a resort’s marketing and operational needs. The mention of "performance-driven" graphics suggests an understanding of how design contributes to marketing effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certificate from a college or technical school, or a combination of education and equivalent experience (3+ years of related training).

Experience:

• 3 or more years of professional graphic design experience.
• Proven experience creating a diverse portfolio across both print and digital media.

Required Skills:

• Platform Proficiency: Expert command of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, Lightroom, Acrobat) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Design Software: Demonstrated proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Project Management: Experience with project management platforms such as Basecamp, or similar systems, for task tracking and workflow management.
• Brand Management: Strong understanding of brand identity principles and the ability to consistently apply them across various media.
• Time Management: Excellent ability to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and adapt to last-minute requests in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of giving and receiving constructive feedback and working effectively with diverse teams.
• Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail, layout, typography, and aesthetic principles in all design work.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to translate marketing objectives and business needs into effective visual solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the ski industry or a similar resort/hospitality environment.
• Intermediate ski or snowboard ability.
• Experience in motion graphics creation and animation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical design software proficiency, project management capabilities, and soft skills crucial for collaborative environments. The preferred skills highlight industry-specific advantages and advanced creative capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong range of graphic design work across both print and digital media.
• Demonstrations of creativity, technical skill, and ability to execute on brand guidelines.
• Examples of design projects for various applications, including marketing collateral, digital assets, social media content, and potentially UI/UX elements.
• Clear case studies or descriptions for key projects, highlighting the problem, your solution, and the outcome.
• Evidence of ability to adapt design style to meet specific project objectives and target audiences.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement for submission, the ability to articulate your design process and workflow for past projects will be crucial during interviews. This includes:
  • Your approach to understanding project briefs and objectives.
  • Your methods for concept development and iteration.
  • How you manage feedback and revisions.
  • Your process for preparing and delivering final files for different media.

📝 Enhancement Note: For creative roles like Graphic Designer, the portfolio is paramount. While the job description doesn't detail a formal submission process for a portfolio, it's implied as a critical component for demonstrating capabilities. The emphasis is on breadth of work and understanding of brand application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base hourly pay range: $22.96 - $32.14 per hour.
• This range represents potential compensation, with actual pay determined by factors such as experience, education, training, location, performance, and responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Recreation: Free skiing + riding privileges at 16 iconic resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat, and Solitude.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive healthcare options available for both seasonal and year-round employees.
• Discounts: Generous employee discounts on outdoor gear, apparel, food & beverage at Palisades & Alpine, and retail stores (e.g., The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley).
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Additional Perks: Free lift tickets, discounted lift tickets (50% off), and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours:

• Standard work hours are not explicitly defined but imply a 40-hour work week.
• The role requires flexibility to adjust schedules as needed to support a seven-day resort operation, indicating potential for varied shifts or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided hourly, which is common for resort positions. The benefits package is a significant draw, particularly the extensive ski and resort-related perks, which are highly attractive to individuals in the outdoor and ski industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality, Ski Resort Operations, Recreation, Tourism. Alterra Mountain Company operates a portfolio of mountain resorts, offering a unique work environment focused on outdoor recreation and guest experience. Company Size: Alterra Mountain Company is a large organization with a significant number of employees across its various resort properties. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and opportunities for career development. Founded: Alterra Mountain Company was formed in 2017. Palisades Tahoe itself has a long history, dating back to 1949. This blend of a modern corporate structure with established resort heritage shapes the company culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Signage & Graphics Manager or a Marketing Director.
• Collaboration is expected with various internal departments such as Marketing, Operations, Retail, Food & Beverage, and potentially HR/Events teams.
• The role also involves working with external agencies and vendors for specialized creative needs.

Methodology:

• Design work is expected to be brand-aligned, creative, and performance-driven.
• Emphasis on utilizing project management tools (like Basecamp) for workflow efficiency and accountability.
• A collaborative approach to design problem-solving, involving cross-functional input and feedback.
• Adaptability to the dynamic needs of a resort operation, requiring quick turnarounds for urgent requests.

Company Website: www.alterramtnco.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply tied to the outdoor lifestyle and the specific demands of operating a major ski resort. The emphasis on brand consistency and collaboration suggests a team-oriented environment where creative input is valued but must align with overarching business and brand objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an individual contributor position focused on specialized creative output. It represents a mid-level designer role, requiring 3+ years of experience and a solid portfolio. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager, likely within the Marketing or Creative department, and will work closely with various stakeholders across different departments. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, guest experience, marketing campaign effectiveness, and operational communications. High-quality visuals are critical for attracting visitors, promoting offerings, and ensuring clear communication for resort operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design, or digital marketing creative.
• Career Advancement: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or opportunities within broader marketing management roles within Alterra Mountain Company.
• Industry Experience: Gaining valuable experience in the unique and dynamic ski resort and hospitality industry, which can open doors to other roles within the sector.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Potential to move into related marketing or communications roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized design skills and demonstrating leadership potential within the creative function. The resort environment offers unique challenges and learning experiences that can be leveraged for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Olympic Valley, CA. The work environment is likely a combination of office-based creative work and potential site visits to understand resort operational needs and capture visual references. Office Location(s): Olympic Valley, California, within the Palisades Tahoe resort area. This location offers a unique setting surrounded by natural beauty, which can be both inspiring and demanding due to seasonal operations and weather.

Workspace Context:

• Likely involves a dedicated workspace with standard office equipment, including Mac/PC computers and access to design software.
• The environment is expected to be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with marketing teams and other departments.
• Access to creative resources and potentially a sign shop with production equipment will be available.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is implied, flexibility is a key requirement. The need to support a seven-day resort operation means the schedule may need to accommodate evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak seasons or for urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and flexible hours are critical considerations for candidates. The environment is fast-paced, seasonal, and requires adaptability to the demands of a large resort operation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to discuss past projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the rationale behind their design choices and outcomes.
• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a technical assessment to evaluate proficiency in required software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma).
• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on collaboration, time management, adaptability, and how candidates handle feedback and pressure.
• Team/Manager Interviews: Discussions to assess cultural fit and alignment with the team's working style and company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase versatility across print and digital media.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, and the results achieved. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").
• Highlight Brand Application: Include examples demonstrating your ability to adhere to and creatively interpret brand guidelines, especially for a brand like Palisades Tahoe.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in the required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma). Include examples of motion graphics if applicable.
• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to talk through your design choices, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating assets for a specific marketing campaign or operational need for Palisades Tahoe.
• Practice time management for design tasks.
• Focus on creating clear, on-brand visuals that meet specified objectives within a given timeframe.
• Be ready to present your work and rationale concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for evaluation. Candidates should meticulously prepare it, focusing on demonstrating versatility, brand understanding, and the ability to deliver impactful designs within a resort context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, Lightroom, Acrobat) is essential.
• Prototyping & Collaboration: Figma is explicitly mentioned and required for collaborative design and UI/UX elements.
• Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for general business tasks and presentations.
• Project Management: Basecamp or similar platforms for task management, workflow tracking, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics or ad platform performance data would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with email marketing platforms and CRM systems is beneficial for creating optimized email headers and graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable. Experience with project management tools like Basecamp is also a key requirement for daily workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and visually compelling solutions that align with the Palisades Tahoe brand.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve common goals.
• Guest Experience: A commitment to enhancing the experience of resort guests through effective visual communication and branding.
• Brand Integrity: Upholding and consistently applying the Palisades Tahoe brand standards across all touchpoints.
• Efficiency & Adaptability: Being able to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly to the dynamic needs of a resort operation.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be highly collaborative, working closely with marketing, operations, and other departments.
• Openness to feedback and constructive criticism is essential for iterating on designs.
• Proactive communication to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
• Sharing of design assets and knowledge to support broader team efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values creativity within brand boundaries and emphasizes teamwork to serve the unique needs of a large resort operation. Adaptability and a guest-centric mindset are likely core tenets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The resort industry is dynamic, with frequent changes in events, promotions, and operational needs, requiring quick design turnarounds.
• Brand Consistency: Maintaining strict brand consistency across a wide array of diverse media and departments can be challenging.
• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Needs: Ensuring design solutions are both aesthetically appealing and strategically effective in driving business objectives.
• Seasonal Demands: Peak seasons can lead to increased workloads and the need for flexible scheduling.
• Remote Collaboration (if applicable): While this role is on-site, coordination with remote teams or agencies may present communication challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining expertise in designing for the ski and resort industry, understanding its unique visual language and marketing needs.
• Software Proficiency: Deepening skills in advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics, or UI/UX design.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Understanding how design integrates with various business functions within a large resort operation.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Continuously building a strong portfolio with high-profile projects from a renowned resort brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the fast-paced, dynamic nature of resort operations and the need for versatile design output. Growth is tied to mastering industry-specific design challenges and expanding technical skill sets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to understanding a client's (internal stakeholder's) needs and translating them into design briefs.
• How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while still being creative and impactful?
• Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?
• How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs? Provide an example.
• How do you stay updated on current design trends and incorporate them into your work without compromising brand integrity?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in working for Palisades Tahoe and Alterra Mountain Company specifically?
• What do you know about our brand and our target audience?
• How do you see your skills contributing to the success of a resort like Palisades Tahoe?
• Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 key projects from your portfolio that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role.
• For each project, be ready to:
  • Clearly state the project objective.
  • Explain your design process and rationale behind key decisions.
  • Discuss any challenges you encountered and how you overcame them.
  • Quantify results or impact, if possible.
  • Highlight your use of specific software (Adobe Suite, Figma).
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with print vs. digital design and any motion graphics capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative expertise, practical workflow management, and a genuine interest in the resort industry. The portfolio presentation is your primary opportunity to showcase your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Alterra's career portal.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily navigable, and showcases a diverse range of your best print and digital design work. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to a resort or hospitality brand.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any relevant industry experience. Use keywords from the job description.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Palisades Tahoe and Alterra Mountain Company's brand identity, recent marketing campaigns, and overall mission. Understand their target audience and the unique aspects of operating a major ski resort.
• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your design process, your problem-solving approach, and your ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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