Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Nine

Location: North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-09

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize and execute high-impact, multi-channel marketing campaigns for a leading Australian media company.

• Drive audience growth and retention through innovative visual storytelling across diverse platforms.

• Act as a brand guardian, ensuring creative consistency while pushing creative boundaries.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate marketing objectives into compelling visual narratives.

• Design with a mobile-first mindset, optimizing assets for performance and user engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Nine's Audience Growth team, indicating a strategic focus on leveraging design to expand and engage the company's subscriber base and overall audience reach. The emphasis on "prestige brands" and a "news-cycle environment" suggests a dynamic, fast-paced setting requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of editorial and commercial brand needs within the media industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design high-impact marketing assets from initial brief to final delivery for prestigious brands.

• Produce high-quality creative for a diverse channel mix, including digital Out-of-Home (OOH), social media, print, display banners, and EDM templates.

• Ensure all creative output adheres to brand guidelines while innovating for audience growth and retention objectives.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Design Manager and internal stakeholders to translate marketing goals into engaging visual narratives.

• Design with a mobile-first approach, ensuring all digital assets are optimized for performance, accessibility, and user engagement.

• Manage technical requirements for print-ready files and digital specifications with 100% accuracy in a deadline-driven environment.

• Develop engaging motion graphics and visual content for various marketing initiatives.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design workflows and creative processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative thinking and meticulous execution. The requirement to manage "technical requirements for print-ready files and digital specifications with 100% accuracy" underscores the importance of precision and understanding of production workflows, crucial for a media organization with significant print and digital distribution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level roles in this industry.

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in an in-house studio or agency, ideally within publishing, media, or subscription-based industries.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Advanced skills in Figma for modern design workflows and team collaboration.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating a high level of craft in typography, layout, and digital design.

• Solid understanding of digital constraints, including HTML/CSS and responsive design principles.

• Ability to conceptualize and design high-impact marketing assets for multi-channel campaigns.

• Experience in brand stewardship and maintaining brand consistency.

• Proficiency in designing with a mobile-first mindset.

• Ability to manage technical requirements for print and digital files accurately.

• Proactive mindset with the ability to juggle multiple briefs under pressure.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in After Effects for creating engaging motion graphics.

• Experience designing for Digital Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web assets.

• Understanding of audience segmentation and targeted marketing design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma alongside Adobe Creative Suite points to a modern design team that values collaborative tools and efficient digital workflows. The stated need for "advanced skills" in Figma suggests it's not just a supplementary tool but a core part of the design process, likely for prototyping, UI design elements within marketing assets, and team handoffs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a clear emphasis on marketing campaigns.

• Demonstrations of high-quality craft in typography, layout, and overall visual design across various media.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the ability to translate marketing briefs into compelling visual stories.

• Projects that highlight experience with digital channels (social media, banners, EDM) and print media.

Process Documentation:

• Visual examples of how design briefs were interpreted and transformed into final assets.

• Documentation of the design process, from conceptualization and iteration to final delivery.

• Showcase of technical accuracy in file preparation for both print and digital specifications.

• Evidence of collaborative design processes, potentially including Figma prototypes or workflow examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate strategic thinking in audience growth, adaptability to different brand guidelines, and technical proficiency with specified design software. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, rationale, and how their work contributed to specific marketing objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Sydney, Australia, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $70,000 - $95,000. This range can vary based on the specific depth of experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• 18 weeks paid parental leave (no distinction between primary and secondary carers).

• Access to the 'Employee Exclusives' program offering unique experiences and perks related to Nine's brands.

• Digital newspaper subscription to Nine's mastheads (e.g., The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review).

• Annual gift voucher for a Stan subscription.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role operates in a deadline-driven environment within a news-cycle context, which may require occasional flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from Australian job boards and salary aggregators for similar roles in Sydney, considering the mid-level experience requirement and the industry (media/publishing). The benefits package reflects Nine's commitment to employee well-being and engagement, with a notable emphasis on parental leave and access to their media properties.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Publishing (Television, Radio, Digital, Publishing). Nine is one of Australia's largest locally owned media companies, with a significant reach across the nation.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Likely 1,000+ employees, based on "Australia's largest locally owned media company" and extensive brand portfolio). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Nine has a long history in Australian media, with its origins tracing back to the 1950s, evolving through mergers and acquisitions into its current form. This legacy suggests a company with deep roots and a strong understanding of the media landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the "Audience Growth team," reporting to a Senior Design Manager.

• This team likely collaborates closely with marketing, content, digital product, and editorial departments.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The Audience Growth team likely uses subscriber data, web analytics, and campaign performance metrics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis on efficient design processes, likely leveraging tools like Figma for collaboration and Adobe Creative Suite for execution, to meet the demands of a fast-paced media environment.

• Automation & Efficiency: Design assets must be produced accurately and efficiently, potentially involving template creation and adherence to strict technical specifications for various platforms.

Company Website: https://www.nine.com.au/ and careers site https://ninecareers.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nine's position as a major media player means the culture is likely dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on innovation to stay competitive. The "Audience Growth" team specifically indicates a strategic, results-oriented approach where design is a key driver of business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is a key contributor within the creative function, responsible for executing design projects with a degree of autonomy under the guidance of a Senior Design Manager. It's a role focused on craft and campaign delivery, rather than strategic design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Design Manager, who likely oversees a team of designers and collaborates with marketing leadership. This structure provides mentorship and clear direction, while also allowing for individual contribution.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to driving audience growth and retention for Nine's prestigious brands. Effective, high-impact marketing assets designed by this role will contribute to increased engagement, subscriptions, and overall brand visibility, directly influencing Nine's commercial success in a competitive media landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics (After Effects), advanced digital design, or even UI design principles relevant to marketing.

• Brand Experience: Gain extensive experience working with and growing some of Australia's most recognized media brands.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading smaller projects or mentoring junior designers, or transitioning into specialized roles within marketing or digital product design.

• Industry Exposure: Deep immersion in the rapidly evolving media and publishing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Audience Growth" team context implies that success in this role can lead to opportunities in performance marketing design, conversion rate optimization (CRO) through design, or even roles focused on subscriber experience design, given the company's focus on subscription models for some of its publications.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at "1 Denison Street, North Sydney," which is Nine's headquarters. This suggests a modern, professional office environment designed for collaboration and creativity, typical of large media organizations.

Office Location(s): 1 Denison Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia. This location is a central hub for Nine's operations in Sydney, offering accessibility and a professional workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The presence of a Senior Design Manager and cross-functional collaboration with marketing and other teams indicates a dynamic, team-oriented workspace.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and potentially other project management and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with fellow designers, marketers, and content creators, fostering a creative and communicative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is expected, the news-cycle environment means that deadlines are paramount. The company offers flexibility options (flexible hours, hybrid work) which can be discussed, but the core role is on-site, emphasizing in-person collaboration and immediate responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at the North Sydney headquarters underscores the value Nine places on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and immediate responsiveness, particularly crucial in a fast-paced media environment where ideas can be rapidly iterated upon and executed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session with the Senior Design Manager and potentially other marketing stakeholders to walk through selected portfolio pieces. Expect questions about design rationale, problem-solving, collaboration, and how your work aligns with brand objectives and audience growth strategies.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Potentially a short design exercise or a take-home brief to assess practical skills, speed, and conceptual thinking under specific constraints relevant to Nine's brands or campaign types.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with team members or hiring managers to assess alignment with Nine's values, work ethic, and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the responsibilities and preferred skills for this role (e.g., marketing campaigns, digital design, print, branding).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, the challenges faced, and the outcome or impact (if quantifiable). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and how you managed technical specifications for print and digital delivery.

• Showcase Brand Adaptability: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines while still bringing creative innovation.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your understanding of mobile-first design, and your experience with audience growth initiatives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Familiarize yourself with Nine's various brands (news mastheads, broadcast channels, digital platforms) and their distinct visual identities.

• Think Audience-Centric: Consider how design choices impact different audience segments and contribute to growth objectives.

• Focus on Efficiency: Be prepared to demonstrate how you can deliver high-quality work quickly and accurately, especially if given a timed challenge.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "news-cycle environment" and "deadline-driven" nature of the role means that interviewers will likely be assessing not just creative output but also efficiency, ability to handle pressure, and clear communication under tight timelines. Portfolio examples demonstrating successful, fast turnarounds on marketing campaigns would be highly beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. These are foundational for print layout, image manipulation, and vector graphics.

• Figma: Advanced skills required for collaborative design, prototyping, and modern workflow management. Its use suggests a team that embraces digital collaboration and efficient handoffs.

• After Effects: Proficiency is preferred for creating engaging motion graphics, a key element in modern digital marketing.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM/automation tools are listed as direct requirements for the designer, but understanding how marketing campaigns are deployed through these systems can be beneficial for designing effective assets. Familiarity with EDM template design implies understanding of email marketing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma at an "advanced skills" level, alongside the Adobe Creative Suite, indicates that proficiency in modern, collaborative design tools is as critical as traditional design software for this role. This highlights Nine's commitment to efficient, contemporary design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, impactful designs that stand out and engage audiences.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and ability to maintain the integrity and consistency of Nine's diverse brands.

• Audience Focus: Designing with a clear understanding of target audiences and their engagement drivers.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team, sharing ideas, and incorporating feedback constructively.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: Delivering high-quality work on time and with meticulous attention to technical detail.

• Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced, news-cycle environment that requires quick thinking and flexibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership with marketing teams, Senior Design Manager, and potentially editorial and digital product teams to ensure design aligns with broader business objectives.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture where design feedback is given and received constructively to refine creative output.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, new techniques, and insights within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Nine's values, as implied by their industry and focus on audience growth, likely emphasize a blend of creative excellence, commercial acumen, and a strong sense of teamwork. The emphasis on "local" media suggests a connection to Australian culture and audiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Constantly adapting to tight deadlines and the dynamic nature of the media industry and news cycles.

• Brand Diversity: Managing and designing for multiple distinct brands, each with its own guidelines and target audience.

• Balancing Creativity & Constraints: Innovating while adhering to strict brand guidelines, technical specifications, and marketing objectives.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the direct impact of design on audience growth and campaign performance metrics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Motion Graphics Specialization: Developing skills in After Effects to create more dynamic and engaging visual content.

• Digital Design Mastery: Deepening expertise in mobile-first design, responsive layouts, and digital advertising best practices.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Gaining insights into marketing strategy, content creation, and audience analytics.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of evolving design trends, digital technologies, and media consumption habits.

• Mentorship: Learning from a Senior Design Manager and collaborating with experienced marketing professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be maintaining creative excellence and strategic impact in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment. Growth will come from mastering these demands and leveraging them to develop specialized skills that are highly valued in the media and digital marketing sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a marketing campaign you designed from concept to completion. What was the brief, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for a new brand or a brand with strict guidelines?" (Assess brand stewardship and adaptability).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a mobile-first social media ad campaign." (Evaluate understanding of digital constraints and audience engagement).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your thoughts on Nine's brands, such as The Sydney Morning Herald or 9Now?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• "How do you collaborate with marketing teams or stakeholders who may have different creative visions?" (Assess teamwork and communication skills).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software?" (Evaluate commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design), and the results.

• Quantify where possible: If your designs led to increased clicks, engagement, or subscriptions, highlight these metrics.

• Explain your design choices: Be ready to defend your aesthetic decisions and explain why you chose certain colors, typography, or layouts.

• Showcase your Figma and Adobe skills: Be prepared to discuss your workflow and how you utilize these tools effectively.

• Be concise and engaging: Respect the interviewer's time and present your work with enthusiasm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but also understands the business objectives of audience growth and can translate them into effective visual communication within a competitive media landscape. Preparation should focus on demonstrating this strategic understanding through portfolio examples and thoughtful answers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features marketing campaign work, digital design, and examples that demonstrate your ability to work with established brands and meet technical specifications. Tailor your portfolio to highlight skills in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience in publishing, media, or subscription-based industries. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Audience Growth," "Multi-channel Marketing," "Brand Stewardship," "Figma," "Adobe Creative Suite," and "Mobile-First Design." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on design rationale, problem-solving, and the impact of your work. Prepare answers for behavioral and situational questions related to fast-paced environments and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Nine's various brands, their target audiences, and their current marketing efforts. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion as mentioned in the job posting.

⚠️ 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.