Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Auberge Collection

Location: Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Hospitality

Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK, with potential for hybrid work in Bethesda, MD or New York, NY)

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for developing and executing elevated visual designs that support Auberge Collection's global portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, and private clubs.

• Translates brand strategy and creative direction into refined visual systems and crafted collateral across print and digital platforms.

• Contributes to both property-level identities and brand-wide creative projects, ensuring a consistent yet distinct representation of each destination.

• Collaborates closely with senior creative leadership to bring projects from concept through final production, maintaining high standards of quality and craftsmanship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "Graphic Designer" but the "Job Type: Management" in the raw data suggests a potential senior or lead aspect not fully captured in the title. Given the 5+ years of experience requirement and reporting structure, this role likely involves significant autonomy and project ownership within the Brand Team. It is positioned as a critical contributor to brand expression and visual storytelling for a luxury hospitality portfolio.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Development & Execution: Conceptualize and produce thoughtful, elevated design solutions for a wide range of brand and property initiatives, including guest experiences, food & beverage outlets, and wellness programs.

• Visual Identity Support: Contribute to the development and refinement of visual identities for new and existing properties within the Auberge Collection portfolio, ensuring alignment with brand standards.

• Marketing Collateral Design: Design and refine marketing materials such as pitch decks, presentations, and sales materials, focusing on clarity, impact, and elevated brand expression.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure all design work consistently reflects Auberge Collection's high standards for quality, craftsmanship, and visual consistency across all touchpoints.

• File Preparation & Production Support: Prepare organized, production-ready files and provide support for print production and vendor coordination as needed, ensuring smooth project handoffs.

• Project Management: Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, maintaining strong attention to detail, organized file management, and adherence to deadlines.

• Creative Collaboration: Partner closely with the Senior Director and Manager of Creative Services to brainstorm, design, and deliver projects from initial creative brief through final execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative conceptualization and hands-on execution, typical for a mid-to-senior level designer in a brand-focused organization. The focus on property-level identities and brand-wide projects indicates a need for versatility and an understanding of how to adapt brand guidelines for diverse applications within the hospitality sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience within an agency, brand, or studio environment. Experience in the hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, or luxury brand sectors is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating a polished eye for brand design, typography, layout, and composition.

• Ability to translate creative direction and brand strategy into thoughtful, well-crafted design solutions.

• Proven experience working within visual identity systems across both print and digital platforms.

• Working knowledge of print production processes and preparing mechanical files for vendors.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proficiency in Canva for rapid design iterations or specific template-based needs.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong aesthetic sensibility.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, or luxury brands.

• Illustration skills, particularly the ability to create custom visual elements that enhance brand storytelling.

• Experience with motion graphics, animation, or social media design, demonstrating an understanding of extending brand expression across digital channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "polished eye" and "strong aesthetic sensibility" highlights the importance of visual quality in this luxury brand context. The preference for hospitality/luxury experience and illustration skills suggests the company values designers who understand the nuances of high-end branding and can contribute unique visual assets. Proficiency in Canva alongside Adobe Creative Suite indicates a need for both sophisticated design capabilities and efficient content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a strong foundation in brand identity development, including logo design, color palettes, and typography systems.

• Demonstrate experience in creating a variety of collateral, such as brochures, menus, presentation decks, and marketing materials, highlighting versatility.

• Include examples of how design principles were applied to support specific brand strategies or property identities.

• Highlight projects that required close collaboration with marketing, brand managers, or stakeholders, showcasing communication and integration skills.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final file delivery and production oversight.

• Portfolio pieces should ideally illustrate problem-solving through design, showing how creative solutions addressed specific business or brand objectives.

• Demonstrate an understanding of file organization and preparation for various output methods (print, digital, web).

• Be prepared to discuss how brand guidelines were developed, implemented, or maintained across projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role in a brand-focused organization like Auberge Collection, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics and demonstrate a strategic approach to design, an understanding of brand application, and the ability to manage production workflows. The emphasis on "thoughtful, elevated design" and "craftsmanship" means the portfolio should reflect meticulous execution and a deep understanding of visual communication principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Voluntary benefits options.

• 401k with employer match.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Team member hotel stay program, offering exclusive benefits at Auberge Collection properties.

Working Hours: The role is listed as Full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. The "Remote OK" status suggests flexibility in work location for eligible candidates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the US market and aligns with typical compensation for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience, especially in creative hubs like Bethesda or New York. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting standard offerings for full-time employees in the hospitality and corporate sectors, with the added perk of a team member hotel stay program being a significant draw for those interested in the luxury travel industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality (Luxury Hotels, Resorts, Residences, Private Clubs)

Company Size: Auberge Collection boasts 30 unique properties, indicating a significant global presence. The corporate team size is not explicitly stated but would likely encompass various marketing, brand, operations, and administrative functions to support this portfolio.

Founded: The company's history isn't detailed, but its portfolio size suggests a well-established entity within the luxury hospitality market. Auberge Collection is part of The Friedkin Group, a broader family of global brands founded in 1969.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Brand Team, reporting to the Senior Director of Creative Services and collaborating closely with the Manager of Creative Services.

• The Brand Team is responsible for maintaining and evolving the Auberge Collection brand identity and supporting property-level branding initiatives.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: The company emphasizes a "crafted approach to luxury" and bringing "the soul of the locale to life." This translates to design that is sophisticated, authentic, and reflects the unique spirit of each destination.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: There is a strong focus on "thoughtful, elevated designs," "beautifully crafted collateral," and "exceptional service," indicating a high bar for creative output and attention to detail.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated for design, within the broader hospitality context, decisions are likely informed by guest feedback, market trends, and performance metrics to ensure design initiatives are both aesthetically pleasing and strategically effective.

Company Website: https://aubergeresorts.com/ or http://auberge.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Auberge Collection operates in the high-end luxury segment, which dictates a culture of excellence, attention to detail, and a refined aesthetic. The company's affiliation with The Friedkin Group, a diversified global conglomerate, suggests a stable and well-resourced organization with a long-term vision. The Brand Team's role is crucial in maintaining the aspirational quality associated with luxury hospitality.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience, suggesting a mid-level to senior individual contributor role within the creative function. It's not a management position in terms of direct reports, but it implies significant responsibility for project execution and creative output.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director of Creative Services and works closely with the Manager of Creative Services. This structure allows for mentorship and clear creative direction.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perceived quality and brand integrity of Auberge Collection and its individual properties. Strong visual design enhances marketing effectiveness, guest experience, and overall brand perception in the competitive luxury hospitality market. This role contributes to the "soul of the locale" and "captivating design" that defines the Auberge brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like luxury brand identity, hospitality design, illustration, or motion graphics.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to lead design aspects of larger brand initiatives or property openings.

• Advancement within Brand Team: Potential progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead roles within Auberge Collection or The Friedkin Group.

• Cross-Portfolio Exposure: Working across 30 diverse properties provides extensive experience and exposure to various design challenges and solutions within the luxury sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers growth through deepening specialized design skills and gaining experience with a large, diverse portfolio of luxury properties. While direct management might not be immediate, the opportunity to lead design efforts on significant projects and influence brand direction is a key growth path. The connection to The Friedkin Group might also open doors to broader creative opportunities within their extensive portfolio of brands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting indicates the role can be based in Bethesda, MD, New York, NY, or Remote. This suggests a flexible work environment, likely with a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. If on-site, the office would be a professional corporate setting supporting the Brand Team.

Office Location(s):

• Bethesda, MD: 7250 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814

Workspace Context:

• For Remote/Hybrid: Requires a dedicated, professional home office setup with reliable internet access to support design software and video conferencing.

• For On-site/Hybrid: Access to a collaborative office space designed for creative teams, likely equipped with necessary hardware and software. Proximity to colleagues in marketing and creative services would facilitate seamless collaboration.

• Technology: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design software and project management tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Google Workspace, Asana) is essential.

Work Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours are implied. The remote flexibility suggests potential for some autonomy in managing work hours, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" designation is a significant factor for many candidates. It implies that while the company has physical office locations, remote work is fully supported, likely requiring strong self-management and communication skills. For hybrid arrangements, the collaboration aspect with the Senior Director and Manager of Creative Services would be key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess qualifications, experience, and aesthetic alignment with the Auberge brand.

• Creative Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a small design exercise relevant to the hospitality or luxury brand sector.

• Interviews with Creative Leadership: Discussions with the Senior Director and Manager of Creative Services to assess creative vision, technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Potential Final Interview: Depending on the structure, there might be an interview with a higher-level marketing or brand executive.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase brand design, visual identity systems, and collateral creation. Prioritize work that aligns with luxury hospitality aesthetics.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your design process, the challenges faced, and the outcome. Visuals of sketches, mood boards, or iterations can be highly effective.

• Highlight Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., how a presentation deck contributed to a successful pitch, how a visual identity enhanced brand recognition).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital applications, and if applicable, show how you've extended a brand across different touchpoints.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other tools mentioned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Auberge Collection, its properties, its brand values, and its target audience. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual identity and marketing materials.

• Hospitality Nuances: Be prepared to discuss design considerations specific to the hospitality industry—creating welcoming experiences, conveying luxury, and reflecting local culture.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common design tasks for a luxury hotel brand, such as designing a new property brochure, a special event invitation, or a digital ad campaign.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates must ensure it is highly polished, strategically curated, and directly addresses the requirements of a luxury hospitality brand. Demonstrating an understanding of the brand's ethos and the specific needs of hotels and resorts will be key during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected. This includes:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print collateral, presentations, and publications.

• Canva: Required for efficient design creation, template utilization, and potentially for property-level teams to create basic assets.

Analytics & Reporting: Not explicitly mentioned for this role, but understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media) might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role.

Project Management & Collaboration:

• Google Workspace: Familiarity with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides is expected for collaboration and document sharing.

• Asana: Familiarity with project management tools like Asana is preferred, indicating a need for organized workflow and task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is standard for graphic designers. The inclusion of Canva alongside it suggests a need for efficiency and potentially enabling others within the organization to create branded content. Proficiency with collaboration and project management tools is crucial for working effectively within a distributed or hybrid team and managing multiple projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A deep appreciation for meticulous detail, high-quality execution, and the creation of beautiful, lasting designs.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding the Auberge Collection brand standards and ensuring every visual touchpoint is consistent, elevated, and aligned with the luxury experience.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging thoughtful design solutions that capture the unique essence of each destination and evoke a sense of place.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively within the Brand Team and with other departments to achieve shared goals and bring creative visions to life.

• Client-Centricity (Internal): Understanding and responding to the needs of the properties and other internal stakeholders to support their marketing and branding objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Close collaboration with the Senior Director and Manager of Creative Services, involving feedback loops and shared creative direction.

• Cross-Functional: Engaging with marketing, communications, and property teams to understand their needs and integrate design solutions effectively.

• Process-Driven: Maintaining organized workflows, clear communication, and efficient file management to ensure smooth project execution and delivery.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback from stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values individuals who are passionate about design, understand the nuances of luxury branding, and can work collaboratively within a structured creative environment. The emphasis on "soul of the locale" suggests a desire for designers who can bring authenticity and storytelling into their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Properties: Ensuring a unified brand look and feel while allowing for individual property character and local relevance.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Delivering innovative designs that push creative boundaries while strictly adhering to Auberge Collection's established brand standards.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders and Projects: Juggling design requests from various properties and internal departments, each with potentially different needs and timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Keeping design approaches fresh and relevant in the fast-paced digital landscape, particularly for social media and online marketing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Luxury Hospitality Branding: Gaining specialized knowledge and experience in a highly discerning market segment.

• Exposure to Diverse Design Projects: Working on a wide array of collateral, visual identities, and marketing campaigns for unique luxury destinations.

• Mentorship from Senior Creative Leadership: Learning from experienced professionals in brand strategy and creative execution.

• Potential for Illustration & Animation Skill Development: The preferred skills suggest opportunities to expand into these areas if the candidate shows aptitude and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be translating the core Auberge brand into distinct yet cohesive visuals for a portfolio of 30 unique properties. This requires a strong understanding of brand architecture and the ability to be creatively flexible within defined parameters. Growth lies in mastering luxury branding and potentially expanding creative skill sets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual identity for a new Auberge property in a culturally distinct region, ensuring it reflects both the local spirit and the Auberge brand standards?" (Focus on process, research, and brand integration)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative ambition with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure your design met both objectives?" (Focus on problem-solving and adherence to brand)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Auberge Collection's brand and its approach to luxury hospitality?" (Demonstrates research and alignment)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide when to incorporate them into a luxury brand context?" (Focus on professional development and strategic application)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final output; explain the "why" behind your design choices, the problem you were solving, and the impact of your work.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your design decisions to the Auberge brand's values of luxury, craftsmanship, and sense of place.

• Showcase Process: Include visual elements that illustrate your design journey – sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or iterations.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, print production knowledge, and file preparation techniques.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that are most similar to the work described in the job description – brand identity, collateral, marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating an understanding of the luxury hospitality sector, a keen eye for sophisticated aesthetics, and a structured, collaborative approach to design. The portfolio presentation is the candidate's primary tool to showcase these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate and Polish Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is impeccably designed, showcases your best work relevant to luxury branding and hospitality, and clearly demonstrates your skills in typography, layout, and visual identity systems.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of professional design experience, emphasizing any experience within agency, brand, or studio environments, particularly in luxury, hospitality, or lifestyle sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and explaining how your work aligns with Auberge Collection's brand values and aesthetic. Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and project management tools.

• Research Auberge Collection: Thoroughly understand the company's portfolio, brand ethos, and target audience. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual language and marketing materials to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.