Graphic Designer, Creative and Media Services - Vice President

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Creative and Media Services - Vice President Company: Citi Location: New York, NY, United States / Jacksonville, FL, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Communications Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-18 Experience Level: 5+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a hybrid position, requiring 3 days per week in the office, blending in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing compelling digital creative assets that align with Citi's corporate and business communication objectives.
• Key focus areas include supporting global campaigns, executive communications, and major corporate events through innovative visual design.
• The position demands strong collaboration skills, working with internal teams, external agencies, and senior stakeholders to ensure brand consistency and project success.
• This role is crucial for enhancing Citi's reputation and stakeholder engagement through impactful visual storytelling and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on graphic design, the "Enterprise Services and Public Affairs" and "Global Communications" context, along with the Vice President title, indicates a strategic role within a corporate communications function. This suggests a need for operational understanding of communication workflows, brand governance, and cross-functional project management, aligning it with Marketing or Communications Operations. The emphasis on global campaigns and stakeholder engagement further supports this categorization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-impact digital creative assets, including static and motion graphics, for various internal and external communication channels.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, external agencies, and internal stakeholders to conceptualize and execute global communication campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and strategic alignment.
• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to project specifications, timelines, and budget constraints while maintaining high-quality output.
• Create visually engaging presentation materials, graphics packages for video production, and other collateral to support corporate messaging and executive communications.
• Conduct image retouching and manipulation to ensure visual integrity and brand compliance across all design deliverables.
• Proactively contribute innovative creative solutions, new design methodologies, and recommendations for technology upgrades to enhance the team's capabilities.
• Ensure all design work adheres to Citi's brand guidelines, legal requirements, and ethical standards, demonstrating sound judgment and risk consideration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior graphic designer but are framed within a corporate communications context. For an operations-focused candidate, demonstrating experience in managing design workflows, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring brand governance across diverse projects will be critical. The mention of "prioritize and manage multiple projects" and "collaborate with outside agencies" points to operational project management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Design, Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in graphic design, multimedia production, or a related creative field, preferably within a large, complex, and matrixed organization.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) for creating a wide range of digital assets.
• Visual Design & Typography: Strong visual aesthetic, exceptional typography skills, and a deep understanding of layout, composition, and color theory.
• Portfolio Excellence: A robust and diverse portfolio showcasing technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and successful execution across various digital platforms and campaign types.
• Presentation Design: Proven ability to create compelling and effective presentation decks for executive audiences and major corporate initiatives.
• Motion Graphics/Video Support: Experience or demonstrated capability in motion design and supporting video production with graphics packages.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities, including the capacity to articulate design concepts and influence senior stakeholders.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills to effectively manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a corporate communications or public affairs team.
• Familiarity with digital content management systems (CMS) and web design principles.
• Knowledge of current design trends and emerging technologies in digital media and communications.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in a global organization.
• Understanding of brand management principles and their application in visual design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Vice President" title suggests a need for strategic thinking and leadership qualities beyond pure design execution. Candidates are expected to demonstrate not just creative talent but also the ability to manage projects, communicate effectively with senior leadership, and contribute to broader communication strategies, which are key operational competencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Brand Adherence: Showcase projects where brand guidelines were meticulously followed and adapted for diverse communication needs, highlighting an understanding of brand governance.
• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include examples of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, client feedback integration, or faster turnaround times. Quantify improvements where possible.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Present projects that required close collaboration with marketing, communications, and other business units, illustrating effective stakeholder management and communication.
• Digital Asset Management: Highlight experience with organizing and managing digital creative assets, ensuring version control and accessibility for global teams.
• Impactful Campaign Design: Showcase work that clearly contributed to business objectives, campaign success, or enhanced stakeholder engagement, with measurable results if available.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates may be asked to describe their process for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including client feedback loops, revision management, and quality assurance steps.
• Familiarity with documenting design workflows, style guides, and best practices for internal team reference and scalability is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is not just a showcase of creative output but a demonstration of operational capability. It should reflect an understanding of project lifecycle management, stakeholder communication, and process efficiency in a creative context. Highlighting how design processes were managed and optimized will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• New York, NY: $129,840.00 - $194,760.00 annually
• Jacksonville, FL: While the primary salary range is listed for New York, compensation in Jacksonville, FL, may differ due to regional cost of living adjustments. Based on industry benchmarks for a Vice President-level Graphic Designer in a major financial institution, a comparable range in Jacksonville might be approximately $110,000 - $165,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Life, accident, and disability insurance policies.
• Wellness programs designed to support employee health and well-being.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time role, typically corresponding to a standard 40-hour work week. However, the dynamic nature of corporate communications may require flexibility and occasional work outside of standard hours to meet project deadlines and event demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to New York. Operations professionals should be aware that location can significantly impact compensation, and research for Jacksonville is provided as a comparative estimate. The benefits package is standard for a large financial institution and aligns with expectations for a Vice President-level role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) Company Size: Citi is a global financial services powerhouse, employing over 200,000 colleagues worldwide, indicating a large, complex, and highly regulated environment. This scale necessitates robust operational processes and clear communication channels. Founded: 1812 (as City Bank of New York), with a long history of innovation and global presence, suggesting a culture that values stability, expertise, and adaptability.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Communications team, part of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs.
• This team is described as "nimble" and covers a broad scope, implying a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• The team collaborates closely with senior leadership, lines of business, and other members of the Enterprise Services and Public Affairs team globally.
• The structure likely involves specialists in executive communications, public relations, digital communications, and event support, with the Graphic Designer serving a key enabling function.

Methodology:

• The team emphasizes a client service attitude, anticipating needs, quick thinking, and problem-solving unexpected issues.
• Data-driven approaches are implied through the need to measure impact and support strategic objectives.
• Workflow optimization is likely a continuous effort, given the team's broad responsibilities and global reach.
• Automation and efficiency are implicitly valued in managing communications for a large workforce.

Company Website: citi.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes proactivity, intellectual curiosity, strong judgment, and a client-service orientation, which are all beneficial traits for operations roles. The "nimble" description of the team suggests an environment where adaptability and efficient execution are paramount, requiring strong operational coordination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Vice President (C13) - This signifies a senior-level position responsible for significant creative output and strategic input within the communications function. It implies a level of autonomy and responsibility for managing complex projects and potentially mentoring junior staff. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report within the Global Communications team, likely to a Director or Senior Vice President overseeing Creative and Media Services. This role will interface with various internal partners, including senior leadership. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly supports Citi's brand reputation, internal engagement, and external communications strategy. High-quality visual assets are critical for conveying complex financial information clearly and engagingly, impacting stakeholder perception and internal alignment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, presentation design, or digital campaign visuals.
• Leadership Development: Potential to lead design projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the strategic direction of creative services within Global Communications.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various business units and communication functions across the enterprise, broadening understanding of financial services operations.
• Industry Recognition: Contribute to high-profile corporate communications that could garner industry recognition for creative excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Vice President" title suggests a significant career step, offering opportunities for increased responsibility, strategic input, and leadership within the operations of the communications department. The growth path likely involves managing larger initiatives and potentially leading teams or specialized functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (3 days/week in office) Office Location(s): New York, NY; Jacksonville, FL. These locations offer major operational hubs for Citi, providing access to extensive resources and a large professional network.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among team members and with cross-functional partners, facilitating idea exchange and project synergy.
• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and technology within the Adobe Creative Suite is expected, supporting high-quality output.
• Opportunities for interaction with senior leaders and diverse teams will provide valuable insight into corporate communications and financial services operations.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the fast-paced nature of corporate communications and global financial services may require flexibility. Operations professionals should be prepared for potential demands outside of core hours to meet critical deadlines or support time-sensitive events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-management and remote collaboration skills, crucial for modern operations roles. The emphasis on collaboration within the office environment suggests a culture that values in-person brainstorming and feedback sessions for creative and strategic initiatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and portfolio against core requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, creative approach, and alignment with team culture. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving.
• Design Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio, evaluating their creative process, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet specific business objectives under time constraints.
• Cross-Functional/Senior Leader Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders to assess collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Final Round: May involve a presentation of portfolio work and discussion of how their skills align with Citi's strategic communication goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (digital, motion, print if applicable) and demonstrate impact.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved. Quantify impact whenever possible.
• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed project timelines, collaborated with stakeholders, incorporated feedback, and ensured brand consistency.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant design software.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Understand your work deeply and be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices and process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Citi's brand guidelines and recent corporate communications.
• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making rationale clearly and concisely.
• Prepare to discuss how you handle constructive criticism and revisions.
• Anticipate questions about managing competing priorities and working under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, with a strong emphasis on evaluating both creative talent and operational capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that highlights project management and collaboration skills, in addition to design execution, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects is required for creating a wide array of digital assets, including static graphics, motion graphics, and layout design.
• Presentation Software: Expertise in tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing high-quality executive presentations and pitch decks.
• Video Editing Software (Optional but beneficial): Familiarity with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for supporting video production workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a designer, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, view-through rates for video) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or internal reporting dashboards can provide context for design effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by graphic designers, but awareness of how creative assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM systems can be advantageous for understanding campaign integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with presentation software is also crucial given the role's support for executive communications. While direct use of analytics or CRM tools isn't specified, understanding their output can inform design decisions for greater impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Service: A strong commitment to serving internal clients (business units, leadership) with professionalism and responsiveness.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, impactful creative work that upholds the Citi brand.
• Collaboration: A value placed on teamwork, cross-functional partnership, and open communication to achieve shared goals.
• Proactivity & Initiative: Expectation that team members will anticipate needs, take ownership, and drive tasks forward independently.
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, respond to changing priorities, and learn new skills.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates in a "nimble" and "hardworking" manner, suggesting a collaborative and results-oriented approach.
• Expect a culture that values constructive feedback, open dialogue, and mutual support among team members and with stakeholders.
• The emphasis on working with senior leadership and diverse internal partners indicates a need for strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a blend of high performance, client focus, and collaborative spirit. Operations professionals should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work, particularly in how they manage relationships and deliver results within a team context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing creative vision with the varied requirements and feedback from multiple internal clients and senior executives.
• Brand Consistency Across Global Platforms: Ensuring a unified brand message and visual identity across a vast array of internal and external communications for a global financial institution.
• Pace and Volume of Work: Handling a high volume of diverse creative requests in a fast-paced corporate environment, requiring efficient workflow management and prioritization.
• Adapting to Evolving Communication Trends: Staying current with design trends, digital technologies, and communication best practices to ensure Citi's visual messaging remains impactful and relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses to enhance skills in areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or advanced digital illustration.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant design or communications industry conferences to gain insights and network.
• Cross-Departmental Projects: Exposure to projects that involve other areas of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs, broadening understanding of corporate strategy and operations.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals within the Global Communications team and potentially mentor junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in corporate creative functions and highlight the need for strong operational skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial for developing a career in corporate communications or design leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and process for incorporating feedback.)
• "How do you ensure a consistent brand identity across various digital platforms and campaigns for a large global organization?" (Highlight understanding of brand governance, asset management, and collaborative processes.)
• "Walk us through your process for developing a visual concept for a major corporate announcement or campaign." (Detail your approach from brief to execution, including research, ideation, iteration, and final delivery.)
• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Explain your project management methodology and prioritization framework.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Citi's brand and its current communication efforts?" (Research Citi's recent news, campaigns, and public statements.)
• "How do you align your creative work with broader business objectives and the company's reputation?" (Connect your design philosophy to strategic business goals and risk management.)
• "Describe your experience working in a matrixed organization. How do you navigate complex reporting structures and build relationships?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design process), and the outcome/impact.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, positive feedback).
• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what." Explain your thought process, tool usage, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Tailor to Citi: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills and approach align with Citi's specific needs in corporate communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational skills in project management, stakeholder communication, and strategic thinking. Being able to articulate your process and the impact of your work is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned graphic design position:

• Submit your resume and portfolio through the Citi careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases projects that demonstrate your ability to manage design projects, collaborate effectively, and deliver high-quality, brand-aligned creative assets. Highlight any experience with corporate communications or financial services.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, project management skills, and experience in a corporate or large-scale environment. Use keywords like "digital design," "motion graphics," "brand management," "stakeholder communication," and "project coordination."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, project management approach, and how you handle feedback and collaboration. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your problem-solving skills and impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Citi's brand, recent communications, and its position in the financial services industry. Understand the team's role within the broader Enterprise Services and Public Affairs structure.

⚠️ 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.