Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Cottage Health Location: Goleta, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: January 13, 2026 Experience Level: 3-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the CH Media Services department, focusing on the strategic design and execution of visual communications for both print and digital platforms.
• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with the Marketing team to conceptualize and develop creative assets that effectively inform, promote, and inspire target audiences, with a specific emphasis on internal communications.
• A key aspect of this role involves ensuring all visual materials adhere to corporate branding guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional brand image across all touchpoints.
• The position requires strong project management capabilities to handle multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output that supports organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on internal communications, collaboration with Marketing, and adherence to corporate branding suggests a role with operational responsibilities within a Goleta-based healthcare system. The focus on "visual communication across print and digital platforms" and "creative concepts for communications" points towards a need for strategic thinking beyond pure design execution, aligning it with broader marketing and communications operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop a wide range of visual communication materials, including brochures, flyers, presentations, social media graphics, web banners, and internal newsletters, ensuring alignment with brand standards and marketing objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing stakeholders to understand project requirements, translate strategic goals into compelling visual concepts, and iterate on designs based on feedback.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept to completion, prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and ensuring on-time delivery for internal and external campaigns.
• Maintain and enforce corporate branding guidelines across all visual assets, ensuring consistency in logos, color palettes, typography, and overall visual identity.
• Prepare design files for both print and digital production, ensuring proper specifications, pre-press checks, and optimization for various platforms.
• Stay abreast of current design trends, digital marketing platforms, and social media best practices to inform creative approaches and enhance visual communication effectiveness.
• Assist in the development of creative concepts for marketing campaigns, internal communications, and special projects that promote Cottage Health's mission and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational execution, typical for a graphic designer working within a structured marketing department. The emphasis on "internal audiences" and "corporate branding guidelines" indicates a need for process adherence and a strategic understanding of internal communication goals within a healthcare setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Art, Advertising, Public Relations, or Marketing.

Experience:

• Minimum: At least 3 years of full-time professional Graphic Design experience.
• Preferred: Experience working within a corporate environment, particularly in healthcare or a similar regulated industry.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in fundamental design principles and industry standards.
• Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Thorough understanding of pre-press production processes and print specifications.
• Knowledge of web and digital design best practices, including web and social media specifications.
• Exceptional creative thinking and visual communication skills.
• Strong writing and proofreading skills for clear and effective messaging.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven project management abilities to handle multiple deadlines and priorities effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and their design requirements.
• Experience with web design principles or basic HTML/CSS.
• Knowledge of video editing or motion graphics software.
• Experience working with content management systems (CMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical design foundation combined with essential project management and communication skills. The preference for corporate experience, especially in healthcare, suggests an understanding of the unique communication needs and regulatory considerations within such an environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects across both print and digital media.
• Examples demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and adherence to design principles.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight problem-solving through design, particularly for internal communications or corporate branding initiatives.
• Visuals that illustrate your ability to translate marketing objectives into effective creative concepts.
• Proof of experience in preparing files for print production and digital deployment.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how you handle briefs, revisions, and final delivery.
• Documentation or visual representation of how you ensure brand consistency across various collateral.
• Any personal process for staying organized and managing multiple competing design priorities.
• Examples of how you've collaborated with marketing or other stakeholders to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to execute within operational constraints like branding guidelines and project timelines, especially for internal communications within a healthcare setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Goleta, California, the estimated annual salary range is between $60,000 and $80,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region and the specific requirements of the role within the healthcare sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., 401k).
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education, including workshops and training related to design software and marketing trends.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Wellness programs and employee assistance programs designed to support overall well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, with potential for some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to departmental needs and manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for Graphic Designers in the Goleta, CA area with the specified experience level and industry context. Actual compensation will be determined by Cottage Health based on qualifications, experience, and internal salary bands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare - Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system dedicated to serving the central coast communities of California with excellence, integrity, and compassion. This industry requires a high degree of professionalism, adherence to regulations, and a focus on patient well-being and community service. Company Size: Cottage Health operates as a significant health system with multiple acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, numerous clinics, and a multi-site urgent care system. This indicates a large, established organization with diverse departments and a robust operational structure. Founded: Established in 1888, Cottage Health has a long-standing history and deep roots in the Santa Barbara area, signifying stability, a commitment to enduring community service, and a well-established organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the CH Media Services department, working closely with the Marketing team. This suggests a collaborative environment where design is integrated into broader marketing strategies.
• The team likely comprises marketing specialists, communications professionals, and potentially other creative staff, fostering a cross-functional approach to content creation and dissemination.
• Reporting likely goes up through a Marketing Manager or Director, with close collaboration with various internal departments needing design support.

Methodology:

• A data-driven approach to understanding audience needs and campaign effectiveness, informing design decisions.
• Emphasis on clear, concise, and impactful visual communication to support the organization's mission and patient-centric values.
• Rigorous adherence to established brand guidelines and quality control processes to ensure consistency and professionalism.
• Collaborative workflows that encourage feedback and iteration to achieve optimal design outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.cottagehealth.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a mature, mission-driven healthcare organization. For a Graphic Designer, this means understanding the sensitivity and professionalism required in healthcare communications, particularly when designing for internal audiences like employees and physicians. The long history suggests a stable work environment with established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3+ years of professional experience. It involves executing design tasks based on established guidelines and collaborating with marketing teams, rather than defining overall design strategy or managing a team. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Creative Director within the CH Media Services department. They will collaborate closely with the Marketing team and potentially other departments that require design support. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the clarity and effectiveness of internal and external communications, influencing employee engagement, physician understanding, and the overall perception of Cottage Health's brand and services. High-quality visuals are crucial for conveying important health information and organizational messages accurately and compellingly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital design, motion graphics, or UI/UX design through internal training or external courses.
• Leadership Potential: With significant experience and demonstrated success, potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects or mentoring junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Ability to gain broader marketing and communications experience by working on diverse projects across different departments within the health system.
• Industry Advancement: Potential to transition into related roles within marketing, communications, or even digital content strategy within the healthcare sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation within a reputable healthcare system. Growth opportunities are likely tied to expanding design skills and taking on more strategic or complex projects, rather than immediate management roles, given the mid-level nature of the position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site within Cottage Health's facilities in Goleta, CA. This implies a professional office setting that supports creative work, likely with access to necessary design hardware and software. Office Location(s): Primarily based in Goleta, California, with potential for occasional travel to other Cottage Health facilities if project needs require. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with the Marketing team and other stakeholders to effectively address design needs.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided.
• The environment will be professional and fast-paced, reflecting the demands of a hospital system's communication needs.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily scheduling, contingent upon departmental needs and manager approval, allowing for better work-life integration in adhering to project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key. The environment will likely be structured and professional, aligning with the healthcare industry's standards. Collaboration will be a significant aspect, requiring effective communication and teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications and experience against the job requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Interview: A session with the hiring manager and potentially a member of the Marketing team to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and past project outcomes.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or present a concept for a hypothetical project relevant to Cottage Health's internal communications.
• Final Interview: A meeting with key stakeholders or department heads to discuss cultural fit, team dynamics, and overall alignment with Cottage Health's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to this role, with a focus on internal communications, branding, and print/digital collateral.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals that clearly articulate your design thinking.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within or helped establish brand guidelines.
• Tailor to Healthcare: If possible, include any healthcare-related design work or demonstrate an understanding of the industry's communication nuances.
• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design choices, software proficiency, and project management approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Cottage Health's mission, values, and recent communications.
• Understand the importance of internal communications in a healthcare setting.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing materials for employees, physicians, or volunteers.
• Practice articulating your design rationale concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills and portfolio presentation. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to apply design principles within a corporate and healthcare context, with a strong focus on internal communications and brand consistency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design work. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is mandatory.
• Pre-Press Software: Understanding of software used for generating print-ready files and managing pre-flight checks.
• Digital Design Tools: Familiarity with tools for optimizing images and creating assets for web and social media platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a Graphic Designer, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (e.g., social media, web banners) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool usage is expected for this role, but awareness of how marketing automation platforms utilize visual assets can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, along with a solid understanding of print production and digital asset optimization. Experience with other design-related software is a plus but secondary to the core Adobe suite skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design that effectively communicates messages and upholds the Cottage Health brand.
• Integrity: Ensuring accuracy, professionalism, and ethical representation in all visual communications.
• Compassion: Designing with empathy, understanding the needs of internal audiences and the sensitive nature of healthcare communications.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with marketing teams and stakeholders to achieve shared communication goals.
• Efficiency: Managing design projects effectively to meet deadlines and optimize resource utilization.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with the Marketing team to translate strategic objectives into visual assets.
• Open communication and receptiveness to feedback are crucial for iterating on designs and ensuring project success.
• A proactive attitude in seeking clarity on project briefs and understanding stakeholder needs will be highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect Cottage Health's mission-driven approach. A Graphic Designer in this environment should demonstrate a commitment to quality, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit, understanding the impact of their work on internal stakeholders and the broader organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas within the strict confines of corporate branding and healthcare communication standards.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with unique requirements and priorities.
• Staying Current with Evolving Digital Platforms: Adapting design skills to meet the demands of new social media trends and digital marketing technologies.
• Communicating Design Rationale: Articulating design choices clearly and persuasively to non-designers to gain buy-in.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specialized Adobe Creative Suite features or explore new design software.
• Workshops on Digital Marketing & Social Media Design: Learning best practices for creating engaging content for online platforms.
• Internal Training on Healthcare Communications: Gaining deeper insights into the unique communication needs and regulatory considerations within the healthcare industry.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior marketing or design professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a corporate setting, requiring adaptability and strong communication. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing technical design skills and understanding the specific nuances of healthcare communications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Preparation: Prepare a specific example from your portfolio that showcases this skill.)
• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate complex information, especially for internal audiences like employees or physicians?" (Preparation: Discuss your process for understanding the audience and message, and how visual hierarchy and clarity are achieved.)
• "Imagine we need to design a new internal newsletter to boost employee engagement. What would be your initial design considerations and process?" (Preparation: Think about audience, tone, visual elements, and layout principles for internal communications.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Cottage Health, and what appeals to you about our mission?" (Preparation: Research Cottage Health's mission, values, and history. Connect your personal values and career goals to theirs.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing teams or other stakeholders who may have different ideas about design?" (Preparation: Emphasize your communication skills, ability to listen, and how you guide discussions toward effective solutions.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work while maintaining brand integrity?" (Preparation: Discuss your methods for continuous learning and how you filter trends for relevance and brand fit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design decisions.
• Focus on Impact: Highlight the problem you solved or the objective you helped achieve with your design.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of work, from print to digital, and different types of collateral.
• Be Concise: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also an understanding of corporate branding, effective communication strategies for internal audiences, and a collaborative mindset within a healthcare context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, adherence to brand guidelines, and experience with internal communications or corporate collateral. Prioritize work relevant to the healthcare industry if available.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, technical skills (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any relevant experience in corporate or healthcare environments. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you collaborate with stakeholders. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to creativity, branding, and communication.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cottage Health's mission, values, services, and recent marketing efforts. Understand the importance of their internal communications strategy for employees, physicians, and volunteers.

⚠️ 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.