Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: The Villages Location: Middleton, FL, US Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-03T14:23:00 Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes creative design concepts and graphics for a variety of marketing mediums, aligning with campaign objectives and brand standards.
• Manages design projects from initial concept through to final production, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project specifications.
• Collaborates effectively with senior designers, art directors, and the broader marketing team to define project requirements and ensure cohesive brand messaging.
• Leverages a strong understanding of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts to produce impactful visual assets for both print and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the execution of marketing collateral and campaign assets, requiring a strong understanding of design principles and production processes within a marketing operations context. The emphasis on brand standards and campaign goals indicates a need for operational efficiency in design output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and conceptualize designs, illustrations, and graphics based on an understanding of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts to meet marketing campaign goals.
• Execute creative tasks and manage design projects from conception to completion, ensuring final products align with brand guidelines and client requests.
• Prepare initial layouts for art and copy arrangement, including type size, style, and aesthetic considerations, based on established brand guidelines.
• Compose and design various marketing materials such as mailings, advertisements, newsletters, signage, and collateral for both print and e-marketing platforms.
• Obtain approval for design concepts by submitting initial layouts for review, direction, and feedback from Sr. Graphic Designers and/or Art Directors.
• Implement suggested changes from Art Directors/Sr. Graphic Designers and prepare final design pieces for the Production Team.
• Coordinate with external vendors, including agencies, art services, and printers, as necessary for project completion.
• Engage in continuous learning through workshops, industry publications, and software updates to stay current with design trends and tools.
• Participate in team meetings, educational sessions, and assist with ongoing training for team members as directed.
• Utilize a range of software applications, including Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office Suite, to complete design tasks.
• Support the broader Marketing Team initiatives by contributing to related tasks and projects as assigned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a significant project management component. The need to coordinate with production teams and external vendors emphasizes the operational aspect of design execution and workflow management within a marketing department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for experience in print graphic design or the newsprint industry.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Illustrator.
• Strong understanding of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts.
• Excellent knowledge of print production processes, including file preparation for printing, folding, trimming, and binding.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills to work with creative teams and stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Outlook.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the newsprint industry or a similar high-volume print environment.
• Familiarity with digital marketing asset creation and e-marketing platforms.
• Basic understanding of project management methodologies.
• Customer service orientation, particularly in internal client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on print production and specific software proficiency (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator) points to a need for operational efficiency and technical expertise in preparing files for manufacturing. The experience requirement suggests a mid-level role with a need for independent execution and project oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and understanding of brand guidelines.
• Specific examples of print collateral, advertisements, and newsletters that highlight layout principles and aesthetic design.
• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the process from initial concept to final production, including any problem-solving involved.
• Visual evidence of ability to work within established brand standards and execute design directives from senior team members.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, including file preparation steps for print production.
• Understanding of workflow for obtaining approvals and managing revisions from art directors and senior designers.
• Examples of how design work is integrated into broader marketing campaigns and production schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is crucial for a graphic design role. The note emphasizes showcasing not just creative output but also the operational process behind it, including adherence to brand standards and production readiness, which are key in a marketing operations context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Middleton, FL, the estimated salary range is likely between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region and the typical compensation for creative roles requiring specialized software proficiency and production knowledge.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance (including HSA/FSA options)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401k and/or ROTH retirement plan options
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Eligibility for The Villages® Charter School

Working Hours: This is a full-time, onsite position. Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level, adjusted for industry norms. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a full-time employee in the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Villages is a large, master-planned community, operating within the Real Estate, Hospitality, and Lifestyle sectors. Its marketing efforts are extensive, covering a wide array of services and amenities for its residents. Company Size: The Villages is a large organization, suggesting a structured environment with established processes and potentially multiple departments dedicated to various functions, including a robust marketing team. Founded: Founded in 1960, The Villages has a long history and significant presence in Florida, indicating a stable and established corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing Team, working under the direct supervision of Sr. Graphic Designers and/or Art Directors.
• This role involves close collaboration with other marketing specialists, account managers, and the production team.
• The structure suggests a hierarchical creative department where junior designers learn from and support senior staff.

Methodology:

• Design execution is guided by established brand standards and marketing campaign objectives.
• Emphasis on a structured workflow from concept to final production, requiring adherence to timelines and approval processes.
• A collaborative approach is fostered, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing within the marketing department.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a dynamic marketing environment focused on promoting a large residential community. The operations of the marketing team will likely be process-driven, aiming for consistent brand messaging across diverse channels.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as a mid-level contributor within the marketing operations function. It requires independent execution of design tasks and project management under guidance, contributing to broader marketing initiatives. Reporting Structure: The role reports to Sr. Graphic Designers and/or Art Directors, indicating a clear line of reporting and mentorship within the creative team. The designer will also collaborate with Account Managers and potentially the Production Team. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by creating visually appealing and on-brand assets. High-quality design is crucial for conveying the lifestyle and offerings of The Villages, influencing resident acquisition and engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and learn new design techniques, software, and industry concepts through continuing education.
• Production Process Mastery: Gaining in-depth knowledge of print production workflows, which can lead to specialization in print design operations.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to contribute to various marketing initiatives, offering exposure to different aspects of marketing operations and campaign management.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Sr. Graphic Designers and Art Directors provides a pathway for career progression within the creative field.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to involve deepening technical design skills, understanding complex production pipelines, and potentially moving into more senior design or specialized roles within the marketing department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an onsite position, indicating a traditional office setting within The Villages' corporate facilities. Office Location(s): Middleton, FL, US (specifically within The Villages community). Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology and design software.
• Close proximity to the Marketing Team, Sr. Graphic Designers, and Art Directors will facilitate collaboration and feedback loops.
• Opportunities for interaction with other departments are present, supporting the "team effort" aspect of the role.
• The environment is described as one that aims to make "People's Dreams Come True," suggesting a positive and customer-centric atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected for this full-time, onsite role, typical for maintaining consistent operations and project timelines within the marketing department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The onsite requirement emphasizes a collaborative and structured work environment, where in-person communication and immediate access to resources are valued for efficient design and production workflows.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, design experience, and alignment with job requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and ability to meet client briefs and brand standards.
• Technical Assessment: A practical design exercise or test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in required software (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop) and problem-solving skills related to print production.
• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Discussion with Sr. Graphic Designers, Art Directors, or Marketing Managers to assess collaboration style, project management capabilities, and cultural fit within the marketing team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that prominently features high-quality examples of print design, including advertisements, newsletters, and collateral materials.
• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the design decisions made, and the final outcome, highlighting how you met campaign goals.
• Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of print production, showing files prepared for press.
• Be ready to discuss your experience using Adobe Creative Cloud and how you manage your workflow to meet deadlines.
• Showcase examples of how you've collaborated with team members or incorporated feedback from art directors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a marketing asset (e.g., an ad, a flyer) based on a provided brief, with a focus on brand consistency and print-readiness.
• Practice creating designs efficiently within a limited timeframe.
• Familiarize yourself with The Villages' current marketing materials and brand aesthetic to better tailor your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and a potential design challenge underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role within marketing operations. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creativity but also process adherence and technical execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator are essential for graphic design and print production file preparation.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Excel for data organization, Outlook for communication, and Word for general documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design assets perform in marketing campaigns might involve basic analytics interpretation, though direct responsibility is unlikely.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how designs integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is centered around industry-standard design software. Proficiency in these tools is paramount, as they are the operational instruments for executing design tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Fostering an environment where creative ideas are encouraged and developed into impactful designs.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve marketing objectives and support team members.
• Customer Focus: Upholding the company's spirit of "Making People’s Dreams Come True" by delivering excellent customer service internally and externally through design.
• Quality & Precision: Maintaining high standards in design execution and print production preparation to ensure professional and effective marketing materials.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging ongoing learning and adaptation to new design trends, software, and industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Sr. Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Account Managers, and the Production Team.
• Feedback-Driven: Design concepts are reviewed and refined based on direction from senior creative staff.
• Supportive Environment: The team structure encourages mutual support and knowledge sharing to ensure project success and team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture appears to be a blend of creative exploration and disciplined execution, driven by a strong customer service ethos and a commitment to quality in marketing output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Standards: Consistently producing fresh, creative designs while adhering strictly to established brand guidelines and marketing objectives.
• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Effectively prioritizing and managing a high volume of design requests from various stakeholders within tight deadlines.
• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with design trends and technologies to ensure marketing collateral remains relevant and effective across print and digital mediums.
• Print Production Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of print production processes to ensure designs translate accurately from screen to final printed product.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses to master advanced features of Adobe Creative Cloud or explore new design software.
• Print Production Seminars: Participating in industry events or training focused on the latest print technologies and best practices.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Working on diverse projects within The Villages' extensive marketing needs provides material for building a robust professional portfolio.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance from Sr. Graphic Designers and Art Directors offers invaluable learning experiences for career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role within a structured marketing department, emphasizing the need for operational discipline alongside creative flair. Growth opportunities are tied to skill enhancement and practical experience within the company's specific operational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design from initial concept to final production, especially for print materials." (Focus on workflow, approvals, and print readiness.)
• "How do you ensure your designs align with established brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" (Highlight balance between constraint and creativity.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?" (Demonstrate project management and organizational skills.)
• "What is your experience with print production processes, and how do you prepare files for printers?" (Showcase technical knowledge and attention to detail.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for a large community like The Villages?" (Research the company's mission and offerings.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a marketing and creative team?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and software?" (Show commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select projects that best represent your skills in print design, layout, and typography.
• For each project, explain the objective, your role, the design process, and the outcome, focusing on how you met the brief.
• Be prepared to discuss your software proficiency and any challenges encountered during production.
• Clearly articulate how your work contributes to marketing campaign goals and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative aptitude and operational efficiency, particularly in areas like project management, print production, and adherence to brand standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP workforcenow link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator), print production, and project management. Tailor your portfolio to showcase relevant print design examples.
• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description, such as "graphic design," "print production," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "InDesign," "project management," and "brand standards." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "designed X number of ads per week").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially for print projects, and be ready to discuss your portfolio with specific examples. Prepare to address how you manage time and collaborate within a team.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Villages' brand, marketing efforts, and the community itself. Understand their "Making People's Dreams Come True" philosophy and how design supports it.

⚠️ 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.