Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: FIVE19 Creative Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Design Date Posted: September 15, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Spearhead the design and execution of impactful visual concepts and layouts for diverse client needs within the senior living marketing sector.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to refine designs, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and client objectives.
- Translate complex technical information and abstract concepts into compelling visual narratives that captivate target audiences.
- Maintain a high standard of design quality, leveraging best practices in typography, layout, and aesthetic principles to drive client success.
- Contribute to a dynamic creative environment by researching new design trends, software, and concepts to maintain a competitive edge.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on client needs, market transformation, and driving "extraordinary outcomes" suggests a role that bridges creative execution with strategic GTM (Go-To-Market) considerations, particularly within the specialized niche of senior living marketing. This implies a need for designers who can understand marketing objectives and translate them into visually effective campaigns.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and execute original design concepts, layouts, and visual assets for a variety of marketing collateral, digital platforms, and social media channels, ensuring adherence to brand identity and client specifications.
- Collaborate with marketing, sales, and client management teams to gather project requirements, provide design feedback, and ensure creative deliverables meet strategic objectives.
- Manage the design production process from concept to final delivery, including file preparation for print and digital, ensuring accuracy in typography, color, and layout.
- Create visual representations that effectively communicate client messaging, value propositions, and community benefits, often translating technical or service-based information into easily digestible graphics.
- Maintain and organize design assets, style guides, and project files, ensuring efficient workflow and brand consistency across all client projects.
- Research and propose innovative design solutions, staying current with industry trends, software advancements, and best practices in graphic and digital design.
- Build and deploy visual assets across various social media platforms, optimizing content for each channel's specific requirements and audience engagement.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core graphic design duties with an operational focus on client delivery, asset management, and platform deployment. The mention of "front end web design" and "posting on all social media outlets" indicates a need for designers who can also contribute to digital presence management and understand basic web principles, suggesting a broader role than a pure print designer.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a closely related field.
Experience: 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record of creating impactful marketing and communication materials.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and layouts.
- Strong understanding of typography, color theory, layout principles, and visual hierarchy to produce aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.
- Proficiency in front-end web design principles, with an understanding of how design translates to user experience on digital platforms.
- Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all design outputs, from small text elements to complex multi-page documents.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for clear collaboration with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team, contributing positively to collaborative workflows and creative problem-solving.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with HTML and an understanding of CSS, which can enhance collaboration with web developers and inform design decisions for digital applications.
- Experience in the senior living industry or a related service-oriented sector, providing insight into target audience needs and marketing nuances.
- Knowledge of social media content creation and optimization for various platforms.
- Experience with project management tools to track design workflows and deadlines.
- A portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating creative problem-solving and execution across print and digital media.
π Enhancement Note: The "front end web design principals are required, HTML skills are not required but an understanding of code is a plus" suggests a need for designers who can think about digital implementation and user experience, even if they aren't coding directly. This aligns with modern GTM operations roles where design must integrate seamlessly with digital platforms.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on marketing collateral (brochures, direct mail, ads) and digital assets (web graphics, social media posts).
- Case studies or project descriptions that highlight the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of the design on client objectives.
- Examples showcasing proficiency in typography, layout, and brand consistency across different media.
- Visuals that reflect an understanding of the senior living market or similar client-facing industries, demonstrating an ability to tailor designs to specific audiences.
- Evidence of collaboration and iterative design, showing how feedback was incorporated to improve final outcomes.
Process Documentation:
- Ability to articulate the design process followed for key projects, from initial brief and concept development through revisions and final production.
- Documentation or discussion points on how design decisions were made to meet specific client needs or overcome creative challenges.
- Examples of how design files were organized and prepared for various output methods (print, web, social media).
- Understanding of workflow management within a creative agency setting, including collaboration with account managers, copywriters, and other designers.
π Enhancement Note: For a role that requires collaboration and meeting client needs, a portfolio that demonstrates not just aesthetic skill but also a thoughtful process and understanding of project goals is crucial. This aligns with operations' focus on efficiency and measurable outcomes.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on the experience level (2-5 years) and the location (Richmond, VA), the estimated annual salary for a Graphic Designer in this market typically ranges from $55,000 to $75,000. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for creative roles in mid-sized agencies and the cost of living in the Richmond area.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave.
- 8 Paid Agency Holidays to ensure work-life balance.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with company contributions to support long-term financial planning.
- Profit Sharing Plan, offering a stake in the company's success.
- Pet Insurance, recognizing the importance of furry family members.
- Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance for income protection.
- Life Insurance to provide financial security for beneficiaries.
Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely aligned with a full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but the role is based on-site, implying a structured workday within the agency's operating hours.
π Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable salary aggregators and industry surveys for graphic designers with 2-5 years of experience in a comparable metropolitan area. The benefits package is robust and typical for a company that aims to attract and retain talent, offering a good work-life balance and financial security.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Marketing and Advertising, specifically focused on the Senior Living sector. This niche requires an understanding of empathetic communication, trust-building, and community appeal.
Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "agency holidays" and a comprehensive benefits package suggests a company that has moved beyond a small startup phase, likely falling into the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category, employing between 20-100 professionals. This size often fosters a close-knit team environment with opportunities for direct impact.
Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on transforming senior living marketing with "authenticity, originality, and purpose" indicates a company that values innovation and client-centric approaches.
Team Structure:
- The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a creative team, potentially reporting to a Creative Director or Art Director.
- Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting close working relationships with copywriters, account managers, and potentially marketing strategists.
- The role requires interaction with various departments to understand client briefs and deliver cohesive marketing solutions.
Methodology:
- Data-driven insights are likely employed to understand client needs and audience engagement, informing design strategies.
- Workflow planning and optimization are crucial in an agency setting to manage multiple client projects efficiently.
- Automation and efficiency practices, while not explicitly detailed for design, are implied through the need to stay competitive and leverage new technologies.
Company Website: https://www.five19creative.com/ (Inferred from the job posting URL structure)
π Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in senior living marketing means that designers need to be sensitive to the target audience and the emotional aspects of this sector. A strong understanding of empathetic design and clear communication is key.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks with minimal supervision, but also emphasizes collaboration and adherence to established office and design policies. The scope includes creating impactful designs from concept to delivery, suggesting a significant level of responsibility for project outcomes.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Art Director who oversees the agency's creative output and team. This structure provides guidance, feedback, and career development support.
Operations Impact: As a Graphic Designer at FIVE19 Creative, the impact on operations is significant by ensuring that client marketing materials are visually compelling, on-brand, and effectively communicate the value proposition of senior living communities. High-quality design directly supports lead generation, brand perception, and client retention, which are critical operational metrics.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Advancement: Opportunities to expand design expertise into digital marketing, web design, and social media content creation.
- Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in design for the senior living sector, understanding its unique visual language and communication needs.
- Leadership Potential: With proven performance and leadership capabilities, progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead roles is possible.
- Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to marketing strategy, client management, and account coordination can broaden professional development.
π Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in an agency setting often involves deepening creative skills, taking on larger or more complex projects, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized roles. The agency environment itself provides diverse project exposure, which is beneficial for career development.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The position is based on-site in Richmond, VA, in "The Fan" district. This suggests a professional office environment, likely within a creative agency setting that values in-person collaboration and a distinct company culture.
Office Location(s): Richmond, Virginia, United States. The specific office is located in The Fan, a well-known area in Richmond. Free private lot parking is available, which is a practical benefit for on-site employees.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for direct interaction with team members on design projects and client strategies.
- Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite on Mac platforms, is provided.
- The environment likely encourages a blend of focused individual work and dynamic team brainstorming sessions.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. As an on-site role, adherence to the agency's operational hours is expected, though there may be some flexibility depending on project demands and company policy.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role in a specific district with parking indicates a commitment to a physical workspace that supports team cohesion and efficient project execution, which is typical for creative agencies prioritizing collaborative workflows.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit. Candidates must be willing to work on-site in Richmond, VA.
- Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: Likely involves a discussion about your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of client objectives. You may be asked to walk through specific projects, explaining your creative choices and the impact of your designs.
- Skills-Based Exercises: Potentially includes a design challenge or a discussion about how you would approach specific design tasks relevant to the senior living market. This evaluates your technical skills and creative thinking under pressure.
- Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your collaborative style, enthusiasm, and alignment with FIVE19's culture of authenticity, originality, and purpose.
- Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss your overall fit and long-term potential with the agency.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Thoughtfully: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and the type of work FIVE19 does. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to translate client needs into effective visual solutions.
- Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, challenges, and the final outcome. Highlight how you incorporated feedback and achieved desired results.
- Highlight Senior Living Relevance: If possible, include projects that show sensitivity to or experience within the senior living sector or similar client-focused industries.
- Digital Presentation: Be prepared to present your portfolio digitally (e.g., PDF, online portfolio link) and speak to each piece confidently. Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and mobile-friendly.
- Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand perception).
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand the Client: Research FIVE19 Creative and their work in the senior living marketing space. Understand their brand voice and the typical challenges their clients face.
- Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of core design principles, typography, and color theory.
- Problem-Solving: Think about how you approach design challenges, including how you gather information, brainstorm ideas, and refine concepts.
- Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your work serves the client's objectives.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to collaborate, understand client needs, and adapt to an agency environment. A strong portfolio that tells a story about the design process and impact is crucial.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all design tasks.
- Front-End Web Design Principles: Understanding how designs translate to web interfaces, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) elements.
- Social Media Platforms: Familiarity with creating and optimizing content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (e.g., click-through rates, conversion rates) is beneficial.
CRM & Automation:
- No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as required for the designer, but awareness of how design assets are managed and deployed within marketing workflows could be advantageous.
π Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of "front end web design principals" suggests an expectation for designers to have an awareness of digital implementation, even if they are not directly involved in coding or using advanced web design software.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Authenticity: A commitment to genuine and honest communication and design in all client interactions and creative output.
- Originality: Fostering a culture of innovation and unique creative solutions that stand out in the market.
- Purpose: Ensuring that all work has a clear objective and contributes meaningfully to client success and community impact.
- Client-Centricity: Placing client needs and ambitions at the forefront of all design and strategic decisions.
- Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and collective effort to achieve superior outcomes.
Collaboration Style:
- The agency emphasizes "superb team collaboration" and working closely with others to "improve and evolve work."
- This suggests an open and communicative environment where feedback is welcomed and constructive dialogue is encouraged to refine creative concepts.
- Successful collaboration will involve working with various departments to ensure design aligns with overall marketing strategies and client goals.
π Enhancement Note: The company's core values of authenticity, originality, and purpose are central to its identity and likely guide its operations and client relationships. A candidate who embodies these values will likely be a better fit for the team.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Creativity with Client Needs: Consistently delivering innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs that strictly adhere to client briefs, brand guidelines, and industry-specific sensitivities (senior living).
- Meeting Tight Deadlines: Managing a high volume of diverse projects within demanding agency timelines, requiring efficient workflow management and prioritization.
- Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with the latest design software, digital marketing trends, and best practices to maintain a competitive edge and deliver modern solutions.
- Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively visualizing abstract or technical information related to senior living services and community benefits into clear, engaging graphics.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Specialized Industry Knowledge: Gaining deep insights into the senior living market, its target demographics, and effective marketing strategies for this sector.
- Digital Design Expansion: Enhancing skills in web design principles, UI/UX considerations, and social media content creation.
- Agency Workflow Mastery: Developing expertise in project management, client communication, and collaborative processes within a creative agency environment.
- Mentorship and Skill Sharing: Learning from experienced creative professionals within the agency, potentially leading to specialized roles or leadership opportunities.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role within an agency, requiring a blend of artistic talent, project management, and client service skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing both creative and operational expertise within a specialized market.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict client brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Assesses understanding of client constraints and creative problem-solving.)
- "Walk me through your process for designing a marketing brochure for a senior living community. What key elements would you focus on to appeal to the target audience?" (Evaluates industry understanding and design methodology.)
- "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially if it differs from your initial vision?" (Tests collaboration skills and adaptability.)
- "What is your experience with front-end web design principles, and how do you ensure your digital designs are user-friendly and visually appealing?" (Assesses digital design awareness.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What attracts you to FIVE19 Creative and our focus on senior living marketing?" (Tests research and alignment with company mission.)
- "How do you embody our core values of authenticity, originality, and purpose in your work?" (Evaluates cultural fit.)
- "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative atmosphere." (Assesses teamwork and interpersonal skills.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Project Selection: Choose projects that showcase your versatility and ability to meet diverse client needs, particularly those with a marketing or communication focus.
- Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a story: the client's challenge, your design approach, the execution, and the outcome. Emphasize how your design solved a problem or achieved an objective.
- Highlight Key Skills: Point out examples in your portfolio that demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, layout, and any relevant web design principles.
- Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects of each project.
- Enthusiasm and Passion: Convey your passion for design and your excitement about contributing to FIVE19 Creative's mission.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles, client-centricity, collaborative skills, and a genuine interest in the senior living sector. Articulating the design process and the impact of your work is key.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
- Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your resume or application) and highlights projects relevant to marketing collateral and digital assets. If you have senior living experience, prioritize those pieces.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3-5 years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of design principles, and any experience with front-end web design concepts. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, how you incorporate feedback, and your understanding of working within an agency structure. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and how your skills align with FIVE19's values.
- Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FIVE19 Creative's work and their specialization in senior living marketing. Understand their mission and values to better articulate your fit during the interview.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related discipline and 3-5 years of experience in graphic design. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a solid understanding of design principles are essential.