Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Location: Hybrid Flex - Durham Campus, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-04-30

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for conceptualizing and executing high-quality visual designs across multiple mediums to support Blue Cross NC and the CuraCor family of companies.

• Collaborate within a team of designers, writers, and project managers to produce comprehensive marketing communications for diverse business segments.

• Develop and maintain visual brand consistency by adhering strictly to company Brand Guidelines for Blue Cross NC and the CuraCor family of companies.

• Engage with internal business partners to understand their needs and translate them into effective design solutions, ensuring strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a marketing operations and creative services function, focusing on the visual execution of Go-To-Market (GTM) materials. The emphasis on brand guidelines, cross-functional collaboration with marketing segments, and the need for a strong portfolio indicate a mid-level position requiring both creative talent and an understanding of corporate branding and communication strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and produce graphic design assets for a wide range of marketing communications, including sales materials, publications, collateral, corporate graphics, multidimensional displays, and event materials.

• Create engaging graphic designs for digital and interactive platforms such as web banners, email campaigns, presentations, and social media content, ensuring platform-specific optimization.

• Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to established brand guidelines for Blue Cross NC and the CuraCor family of companies, maintaining visual integrity and brand recognition.

• Consult with internal business partners to effectively define project requirements, understand strategic objectives, and gather necessary input for design development.

• Collaborate closely with project teams, including writers and project managers, to determine optimal design elements, ensure cohesive messaging, and meet project deadlines.

• Prepare and refine artwork for stakeholder approval, incorporating feedback and making necessary revisions to ensure final distribution meets all quality and strategic requirements.

• Demonstrate versatility by adapting design styles to suit different brands, target audiences, and desired tones of voice, showcasing flexibility and strategic communication skills.

• Exhibit meticulous attention to detail in all design work, focusing on elements like kerning, spacing, alignment, and visual hierarchy to enhance overall design quality and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on design role with a strong strategic component. The emphasis on "consulting internal business partners" and "collaborating with other members of the project team" suggests a need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills, typical of operations roles that bridge creative execution and business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency across print and digital mediums. In lieu of a degree, 5+ years of equivalent experience will be considered.

Required Skills:

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

• Proven ability to develop and produce graphic design for various marketing communications, including print collateral, digital assets, and presentations.

• Strong understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to consistently apply them across diverse projects and brands.

• Excellent attention to detail, with a keen eye for typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Canva for quick-turnaround or specific campaign needs.

• Familiarity with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere or Adobe After Effects.

• Experience with project management tools like Adobe Workfront.

• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation design and Microsoft CoPilot for enhanced productivity.

• Experience designing for the healthcare industry or within a regulated environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud is standard for graphic design roles. The "Bonus Points" for additional software like Canva, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects suggest opportunities for candidates with broader digital media skill sets, which can be a significant advantage in a GTM operations context where content creation spans multiple channels.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of design work.

• Must include distinct samples of print design, demonstrating expertise in layout, typography, and production-readiness for physical materials.

• Must include samples of digital design, highlighting proficiency in web banners, social media graphics, email templates, and presentation decks.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate ability to follow established design workflows from concept to final delivery, including briefing, concept development, revisions, and final asset handoff.

• Showcase understanding of brand governance processes and how to maintain brand consistency across all design outputs.

• Illustrate experience in preparing design assets for various production methods, whether for print vendors or digital platform deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio linking to print, digital, and logo samples is critical. For operations roles, this portfolio is not just about aesthetics but also about the candidate's ability to translate strategic needs into tangible, compliant, and effective visual assets that drive business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,998.00 - $107,197.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Extensive health and wellness programs designed to support employee well-being.

• Generous Parental Leave and support, including Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance.

• Robust Career Development Programs and Tuition Reimbursement for ongoing education.

• Competitive 401(k) plan with an employer match and annual company contribution.

• Annual Incentive Bonus program, based on corporate goal achievement and individual performance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The "Hybrid Flex" arrangement suggests a degree of flexibility in daily scheduling, with a requirement to be present in the office at least two days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a mid-level Graphic Designer role in the US, especially within the healthcare sector. The comprehensive benefits package reflects a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking long-term career stability and support. The stated salary philosophy of planning near the middle of the range indicates a focus on fair market compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare and Health Insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is a major provider of health insurance in North Carolina, operating within a highly regulated and competitive market. The inclusion of the "CuraCor family of companies" suggests a broader network or affiliation, potentially in healthcare services or related fields.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicated by the broad scope of operations and employee benefits typically offered by established organizations in the healthcare sector.

Founded: The company has a long-standing history, contributing to its established brand and market presence. This implies a culture that values stability, compliance, and long-term strategic planning, while also needing to adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing Creative team, which likely includes other designers, writers, and project managers.

• This team likely reports into a broader Marketing department, which in turn supports various business segments (e.g., Commercial, Medicare, Individual & Family Plans).

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly a data analysis role, the designer will need to interpret marketing briefs and campaign performance data to inform design choices, ensuring visual communications are data-driven and effective.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing individual design projects within a larger team workflow, requiring efficient task management and adherence to project timelines to optimize throughput.

• Automation & Efficiency: While the core role is creative, the "Bonus Points" for tools like Adobe Workfront and Microsoft CoPilot hint at an environment that values efficiency and leveraging technology to streamline creative processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry (healthcare) is critical. It implies a need for sensitivity to regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, marketing compliance) and a focus on clear, trustworthy communication. The "Hybrid Flex" model indicates a modern approach to work, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is classified as mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. The responsibilities indicate a significant level of autonomy in design execution and collaboration with internal stakeholders, positioning it as a key contributor within the marketing operations and creative function.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a design lead or manager within the Marketing Creative team. This team likely operates within the broader Marketing department, with potential dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with marketing segment leads.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's external representation and the effectiveness of its Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. High-quality, brand-compliant visuals are crucial for customer acquisition, retention, and brand perception in the competitive health insurance market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific design areas (e.g., digital marketing, brand identity, presentation design) or industry niches within healthcare.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to expand technical skills with preferred software (Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Canva) and learn new design methodologies or tools.

• Leadership: With experience, progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Design Team Lead roles, managing projects and potentially mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional Transition: Potential to move into related roles within marketing operations, content strategy, or project management, leveraging design expertise in a broader strategic capacity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the growth path is key. This role offers a clear track for creative specialization and potential entry into broader marketing operations or project management roles by demonstrating strong execution, collaboration, and an understanding of business objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company utilizes a "Hybrid Flex" approach, meaning the role is not fully remote. Employees are expected to work from the Durham Campus at least two days per week. This setup is designed for intentional in-person collaboration and connection.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Durham Campus. The company acknowledges candidates from outside the local area and in listed states, with onsite expectations discussed during interviews.

Workspace Context:

• The Durham campus likely offers a professional office environment designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

• The workspace will be equipped with the necessary technology and tools to support graphic design tasks, including access to Adobe Creative Cloud and other relevant software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, project managers, and marketing stakeholders will be readily available during in-office days.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule. The Hybrid Flex model offers flexibility, but adherence to team collaboration needs and project deadlines will be paramount. This means being available for key meetings and collaborative sessions, typically scheduled during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid Flex" model is a significant aspect. For operations roles, this requires adaptability to both remote work efficiency and in-office collaboration dynamics. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they manage their hybrid schedule effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and mandatory online portfolio. Candidates without a portfolio link will likely be screened out. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases print, digital, and logo design samples.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, skills, and how your background aligns with the role and company. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio and your role in them.

• Design Assessment/Challenge: This may involve a practical design exercise or a case study presentation focusing on a hypothetical marketing challenge. Prepare to demonstrate your design process, problem-solving approach, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other designers, writers, or marketing stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior marketing leader.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest, most relevant pieces that demonstrate the required skills (print, digital, logo).

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain the brief, your thought process, challenges faced, and the final solution. This highlights your strategic thinking.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recognition).

• User Experience: Ensure your online portfolio is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and loads quickly.

• Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied strict brand guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly review Blue Cross NC and CuraCor branding before any assessment.

• Think Strategically: For any design challenge, consider the target audience, business objective, and brand guidelines.

• Process Articulation: Be ready to explain your design process step-by-step, emphasizing efficiency and problem-solving.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within realistic time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio and potential design challenges is standard for creative roles but also crucial for operations roles where tangible output and process are key. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the why and how behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. Mastery is required for all aspects of design production.

• Adobe Workfront (Preferred): A project management and workflow automation tool that helps manage creative projects, track progress, and streamline approvals. Familiarity can be a significant advantage.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating presentations and internal communications. Proficiency is expected, especially for hybrid roles.

• Canva (Bonus): Useful for rapid design creation, social media assets, or internal quick-turnaround needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed for this role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. The "Bonus Points" for additional tools like Adobe Workfront and Microsoft CoPilot indicate a company that values integrated workflows and efficiency, common in operations environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished design work that meets or exceeds expectations.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep respect for and adherence to brand guidelines, ensuring consistent and professional representation.

• Collaboration: A proactive approach to working with team members and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency & Agility: Ability to manage time effectively, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user and target audience in mind, ensuring communications are clear, effective, and resonate with them.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a blend of independent work and close collaboration, facilitated by the Hybrid Flex model.

• Expect regular team check-ins, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops to ensure alignment and continuous improvement.

• A culture of constructive feedback is likely present, encouraging designers to share insights and contribute to the overall creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Brand Stewardship" and "Excellence in Execution" are critical for any role interacting with external communications. For operations, this means understanding the impact of visual elements on brand perception and regulatory compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Effectively navigating the strict brand guidelines while still producing innovative and engaging designs.

• Managing Multiple Brand Identities: Adapting design style and tone for both Blue Cross NC and the CuraCor family of companies, requiring versatility and brand awareness.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with design trends and best practices for digital platforms, including web, email, and social media.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Suite or learn new creative tools.

• Industry Workshops: Participation in design conferences or workshops focused on healthcare marketing, digital design, or brand strategy.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers or art directors within the team.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, campaign planning, and other operational aspects of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing these challenges and growth opportunities allows candidates to prepare for potential interview questions and articulate their development goals, aligning them with the company's needs and industry trends.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and adherence to constraints.)

• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate the intended message to a specific target audience, especially in the healthcare sector?" (Highlight audience analysis, clarity, and strategic intent.)

• "Walk us through a complex design project from your portfolio. What was the objective, your role, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study emphasizing your process and impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Blue Cross NC and the healthcare industry? How do you see design playing a role?" (Research the company's mission, values, and current market position.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss strategies for effective communication, team engagement, and managing in-office vs. remote time.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected piece, tell a brief story focusing on the problem, your solution, and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Specifically point out examples demonstrating print, digital, and logo design proficiency.

• Brand Compliance: Showcase at least one project where you strictly applied brand guidelines.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions will demonstrate not only design skill but also strategic thinking, communication ability, and an understanding of the operational context of the role within a large organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://bcbsnc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/BCBSNC/job/Hybrid-Flex---Durham/Graphic-Designer_RQ0018589

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features your best print, digital, and logo design work, with clear links accessible. Tailor the selection to highlight experience relevant to healthcare or corporate branding if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly state your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and any experience with preferred tools (Canva, Premiere, After Effects, Workfront). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining specific portfolio pieces, and answering strategy-based questions. Be ready to discuss your approach to hybrid work and brand adherence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Blue Cross NC website, focusing on their mission, values, and recent marketing initiatives. Understand the CuraCor family of companies to grasp the breadth of brand representation required.

⚠️ 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.