Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Memphis Grizzlies

Location: 191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Sports & Recreation

Date Posted: January 15, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in bringing the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Hustle, FedExForum, Grind City Media, and Grizz Gaming brands to life through compelling visual design.

• You will be responsible for conceptualizing and producing a diverse range of creative assets across digital, social media, in-arena, broadcast, and print platforms.

• This position requires close collaboration with various business operations departments to support marketing campaigns, special events, and strategic initiatives aimed at fan engagement and brand reinforcement.

• The Graphic Designer will contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative environment, merging creativity, storytelling, and design expertise to enhance brand presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly focused on brand asset creation for multiple entities under the Memphis Grizzlies umbrella, indicating a need for versatility and adherence to distinct brand guidelines. The emphasis on "business operations department" collaboration suggests a strategic function beyond purely aesthetic design, requiring an understanding of marketing campaign objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design original, high-impact creative materials including digital marketing assets, social media graphics, in-arena visuals, broadcast graphics, and printed collateral.

• Ensure creative output consistently adheres to established brand guidelines and graphic standards for the Grizzlies, Hustle, FedExForum, Grind City Media, and Grizz Gaming.

• Collaborate closely with the Manager of Creative Services and incorporate feedback from the Director of Creative Services to refine and elevate the quality of creative output.

• Execute creative project direction, goals, and requirements as outlined by the Creative Project Manager, ensuring timely delivery of all design assets.

• Foster and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders across all organizational departments to facilitate effective design support.

• Assist in the organization and maintenance of the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system by archiving, tagging, and distributing digital assets.

• Adapt to event-driven schedules, which may include working occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays to meet project deadlines.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the creative and marketing objectives of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both creative execution and diligent asset management, particularly within a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system. The mention of "event-driven schedules" and occasional weekend/holiday work is common in sports and entertainment industries and requires candidates to be flexible and adaptable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Strong design and production skills with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to high quality.

• Expertise in typesetting and layout, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual hierarchy.

• Excellent grammar, spelling, and proofreading skills, with clear and concise written communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapting effectively to changing priorities and deadlines.

• Creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Highly organized and motivated, possessing strong time and project management capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography, motion graphics, and/or illustration skills.

• Fluency in creating interactive PDF files.

• Knowledge of and genuine interest in the professional sports industry, particularly the NBA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is entry-level, but the emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, strong design fundamentals (typography, layout, hierarchy), and project management skills indicates that practical application and a robust portfolio are crucial. The "Nice to Have" section points towards desirable but not mandatory skills that can differentiate candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of graphic design projects across digital, social, print, and broadcast media.

• Specific examples of work that showcase adherence to brand guidelines and the ability to maintain visual consistency across multiple brands (Grizzlies, Hustle, FedExForum, etc.).

• Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate your design process, from conceptualization to final asset delivery, highlighting problem-solving within design challenges.

• Visual evidence of strong typography, layout skills, and an understanding of visual hierarchy in various applications.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly requested, candidates are expected to articulate their design workflow and project management approach during interviews.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders and incorporate revisions efficiently.

• Demonstrate an understanding of asset archiving and organization, particularly regarding the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is paramount. The expectation is not just a collection of images, but a curated selection that proves versatility, brand adherence, and a structured approach to design projects, especially within a multi-brand environment like this.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Industry-leading health coverage, short and long-term disability, team member and dependent life insurance, group voluntary benefits, wellness programs via EAP and Headspace.

• Financial: Matching 401(k), Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Perks & Discounts: Tuition reimbursement, team store discounts, employee referral bonuses, employee recognition programs, NBA sponsored discount programs.

• Work-Life Integration: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), holiday pay, paid parental leave, free parking, and game night meals.

• Team Activities: Happy hours and other social activities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility for event-driven schedules, potentially involving occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits list is extensive and highly attractive, covering health, financial security, professional development, and work-life balance. The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for this role and experience level in the specified location and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Sports (NBA, G-League, Esports), Entertainment, Venue Management.

Company Size: The Memphis Grizzlies organization, including its associated teams and venue operations, likely employs several hundred individuals, placing it in the mid-to-large size category for sports franchises.

Founded: The Memphis Grizzlies franchise was established in 2001 after relocating from Vancouver. FedExForum opened in 2004.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Creative Services department, reporting to a Manager of Creative Services and working under the guidance of the Director of Creative Services.

• This department collaborates extensively with Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, Partnership Marketing, Game Operations, and Business Development teams.

Methodology:

• Design decisions are driven by brand strategy, campaign objectives, and fan engagement goals.

• A data-informed approach may be used to understand audience preferences for digital and social content.

• Emphasis on timely and efficient delivery of high-quality creative assets to support ongoing marketing and operational needs.

Company Website: www.nba.com/grizzlies/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates across multiple distinct brands within the sports and entertainment sphere. This implies a need for adaptability in design style while maintaining overarching brand integrity. The culture is likely fast-paced, deadline-driven, and focused on fan experience and brand activation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at an entry-level to early-career stage (0-3 years of experience). It offers foundational experience in a dynamic, multi-brand environment within the professional sports industry.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Manager of Creative Services, with oversight from the Director of Creative Services. This structure provides clear guidance and mentorship opportunities.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perception and engagement of all associated brands. High-quality visuals are crucial for marketing effectiveness, fan experience within FedExForum, and the overall brand image of the Grizzlies and their related entities. Their output directly supports revenue-generating activities through marketing and fan engagement initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, illustration, or digital asset management through project experience.

• Brand Expansion: Potential to take on more complex design projects and gain experience with larger-scale campaigns and initiatives as proficiency grows.

• Industry Exposure: Develop a strong understanding of the sports and entertainment marketing landscape, which can lead to further opportunities within the industry.

• Portfolio Development: Build a robust professional portfolio with high-profile work from a major sports franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is primarily focused on honing design craft and expanding responsibilities within the creative department. Advancement could lead to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within marketing or digital media teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the Memphis Grizzlies' facilities, which likely include corporate offices and potentially access to areas within FedExForum. This provides an immersive experience within the sports franchise.

Office Location(s): 191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103. This central Memphis location places the organization within a vibrant downtown area.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for interaction with creative team members and colleagues from other departments.

• Access to necessary design software and technology will be provided.

• The dynamic nature of a sports franchise means the environment can be fast-paced and require adaptability to shifting priorities.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours, but with the noted flexibility required for event-driven schedules, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. This is typical for roles supporting live events and ongoing marketing campaigns in the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the need for a candidate who thrives in a collaborative, in-person environment and can be present for key events and team interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager reviews applications and resumes, focusing on experience, education, and alignment with basic requirements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio in advance. This is a critical step where the creative team assesses design skills, style, and versatility.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Manager of Creative Services) to discuss experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit. May include a brief discussion of portfolio pieces.

• Second Interview/Creative Challenge: Potentially a more in-depth interview with the Director of Creative Services or a panel. May involve a design challenge or presentation of a specific portfolio project, assessing problem-solving and creative execution under pressure.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or other key department heads for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Tailor the selection to highlight skills mentioned in the job description (digital, social, print, brand consistency).

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, your process, and the outcome. Use case study format where possible.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within or adapted existing brand guidelines, or created new ones.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Show a range of styles and applications if possible, but prioritize quality and relevance over quantity.

• Ensure High Quality: Present your work professionally with clear visuals and easy navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clear communication of your design rationale and process.

• Be mindful of time constraints and deliver a well-reasoned, albeit potentially unfinished, solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their creative process and justify their design decisions in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. High proficiency required in:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print materials (brochures, posters, etc.) and interactive PDFs.
  • Acrobat: For managing and creating PDF files, including interactive elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Experience with or ability to quickly learn and manage a DAM system for archiving and distribution.

• Motion Graphics Software (e.g., Adobe After Effects): Preferred skill, useful for broadcast and social media assets.

• Photography/Videography Editing Software: Useful if candidates have skills in these "nice to have" areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with motion graphics and DAM systems would be significant advantages.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging novel ideas and visually engaging solutions that capture attention.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding the integrity and distinctiveness of each brand (Grizzlies, Hustle, FedExForum, Grind City Media, Grizz Gaming).

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Fan-Centricity: Designing with the fan experience and engagement as a primary consideration.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to producing high-standard, polished creative assets.

• Adaptability & Agility: Thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities and event-driven demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and feedback loops are expected within the creative team and with external stakeholders.

• A proactive approach to understanding project requirements and offering creative solutions is valued.

• The team likely works in a project-based manner, with designers often partnering with marketing managers, content creators, and partnership managers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative passion and professional discipline, essential for success in the demanding sports and entertainment industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Brands: Effectively switching between and maintaining distinct visual identities for several entities requires strong organizational and creative flexibility.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines common in sports, especially around game days, events, and campaign launches, demands efficiency and resilience.

• Incorporating Feedback: Balancing creative vision with constructive criticism and revisions from various stakeholders can be challenging.

• Staying Current: Keeping up with design trends, especially in digital and social media, while adhering to established brand guidelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to develop advanced skills in motion graphics, illustration, or photography through project work.

• Industry Insight: Gaining deep knowledge of sports marketing, fan engagement strategies, and the business operations of a professional sports franchise.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong portfolio with high-profile work that can propel future career advancement within or outside the sports industry.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced creative professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for creative roles in high-profile, fast-paced industries. The growth opportunities are significant for honing design skills and gaining industry-specific experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conceptualizing a new design project, from brief to final delivery." (Focus on your workflow, research, and iteration.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple, distinct brands like those of the Grizzlies organization?" (Prepare examples of brand adherence and adaptation.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design project from your portfolio. What were the objectives, your approach, and the outcome?" (Be ready to discuss problem-solving and your role.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Memphis Grizzlies and the sports industry specifically?" (Show genuine passion for sports and the brand.)

• "How do you collaborate with non-designers or stakeholders from different departments?" (Highlight your interpersonal and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 Key Projects: Choose pieces that best represent your skills relevant to the job description (social, digital, print, brand work).

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, outline:

  1. The Challenge/Brief: What was the goal?
  2. Your Role & Process: How did you approach it? What tools did you use?
  3. Key Design Decisions: Why did you make certain choices?
  4. The Outcome/Impact: What was the result? (If metrics are available, include them.)

• Be Concise and Clear: Speak to your work confidently, but avoid jargon where possible.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design thinking and process. Demonstrating an understanding of the sports industry and the Grizzlies' brand will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Memphis Grizzlies careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features work that aligns with the job description, such as digital marketing assets, social graphics, and examples of brand guideline adherence. Tailor your presentation to showcase versatility across the Grizzlies, Hustle, FedExForum, Grind City Media, and Grizz Gaming brands.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight specific skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat), years of relevant experience, and any experience with sports-related design or fast-paced creative environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects in detail, and preparing answers for common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and project management in a sports context.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Memphis Grizzlies' current branding, recent campaigns, and the overall mission of the organization. Understanding their visual identity and marketing efforts will be crucial for demonstrating your fit.

⚠️ 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.