Graphic Designer - Full Time (Day Shift)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Full Time (Day Shift) Company: Oaklawn Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-09-18T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute creative design concepts for a wide range of marketing and advertising materials, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.
• Manage the end-to-end design process for print and digital collateral, from initial concept through final production, adhering to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to support various campaigns, promotions, and on-property collateral needs, translating marketing objectives into compelling visual assets.
• Maintain and organize a comprehensive graphic library, ensuring efficient access to assets for multimedia and internal/external communications.
• Uphold exceptional customer service standards and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements within the scope of design and marketing activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a marketing function but has operational responsibilities related to the consistent execution and delivery of creative assets. The emphasis on "fast environment with limited corrections" and "coordination of creative design and production" highlights the operational efficiency expected from the designer.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design innovative advertising, promotional materials, direct mail pieces, and multimedia content for Oaklawn, aligning with marketing objectives.
• Produce final design products for marketing programs, ad campaigns, and on-property collateral, working efficiently within established brand guidelines and templates.
• Coordinate the design and production process for internal and external print projects, including advertisements, newsletters, menus, signage, and other collateral as required.
• Conduct thorough reviews of all designs to identify and correct any errors prior to printing and publishing, ensuring high-quality output.
• Maintain and update the company's graphic library, cataloging assets for multimedia use, in-house murals, signage, and promotional collateral.
• Actively promote and embody superior customer service standards in all interactions and design outputs, reflecting Oaklawn's commitment to guest and team member experience.
• Ensure all design and marketing materials comply with relevant regulatory standards and promptly report any potential compliance issues to management.
• Manage a varied workload and adapt to sometimes irregular schedules to meet project deadlines and evolving business needs.
• Execute any additional design or marketing-related tasks assigned by the VP of Marketing and Marketing Director, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of creative execution and project management within a marketing operations context. The expectation to manage multiple projects and deadlines points to a need for strong organizational and time-management skills, crucial for operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.
• A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design is preferred but not mandatory.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience is required, ideally gained at an Advertising Agency, Design Studio, or Branding Firm.
• Experience in creating graphics specifically for print production, direct mail campaigns, website advertisements, and social media posts/ads is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in graphic design principles and best practices, with a strong understanding of branding and marketing application.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, exhibiting excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all design outputs, from initial concept to final delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, facilitating effective communication and collaboration with marketing team members and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, including Word and PowerPoint, or equivalent presentation software like Keynote.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment and manage projects under pressure.
• Customer service orientation with the ability to understand and execute design requests effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of printing processes, including understanding specifications, paper types, color management, and finishing techniques.
• Experience with web design principles and execution.
• Skills in capturing and editing photography and video content.
• Familiarity with updating website content using a Content Management System (CMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an online portfolio is a critical component, serving as a practical demonstration of skills and experience. The preference for agency/studio experience suggests a need for individuals accustomed to client-driven projects and agency-level quality standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and an understanding of marketing objectives.
• Portfolio pieces should highlight experience with various media, including print collateral, digital ads, social media graphics, and potentially multimedia elements.
• Successful portfolio submissions will clearly articulate the design problem, the creative process, and the final solution, ideally with quantifiable results or impact where applicable.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail, explaining their design choices, tools used, and how the design contributed to the client's or company's goals.

Process Documentation:

• While formal "process documentation" isn't explicitly requested, the ability to articulate one's design process, including concept development, feedback incorporation, and production workflow, will be crucial.
• Candidates should be able to describe how they manage project timelines, collaborate with stakeholders for feedback, and ensure brand consistency across all deliverables.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the print production workflow, from file preparation to understanding printer specifications, is a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role with operational undertones, the portfolio acts as the primary "process and systems" evidence. It's about demonstrating a repeatable and effective design process rather than formal operational documentation. The emphasis on "fast environment with limited corrections" implies a need for a streamlined and efficient personal design workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in a regional market like Arkansas, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $45,000 and $65,000 annually. This estimate considers the required skills in Adobe Creative Suite, print production knowledge, and the specific demands of a marketing-focused role.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match, aiding in long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to support work-life balance.
• Employee Perks: Potential access to company amenities, discounts, or special event access, aligning with Oaklawn's "Employer of Choice" aspiration.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement, particularly in design software and marketing trends.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position with a standard day shift schedule. The role is described as requiring an "irregular work schedule" at times due to a "broad variety of tasks and deadlines," suggesting potential for occasional overtime or flexible scheduling to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Employer of Choice" statement suggests a commitment to a robust benefits package. The salary estimate is based on general US market data for this role and location, adjusted for the mid-level experience requirement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality / Entertainment (specifically, a casino and entertainment venue). This industry demands dynamic visual communication to attract and engage customers, requiring designers to be adaptable and creative. Company Size: Oaklawn is a significant employer in Arkansas, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with established departments and processes. This size implies opportunities for collaboration across various teams and potential for structured career development. Founded: Oaklawn has an "extraordinary legacy," indicating a long-standing presence and established reputation, likely fostering a culture that values tradition while embracing innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, working within a broader marketing department.
• Team members in marketing often collaborate closely with other departments such as operations, guest services, and event planning, requiring strong cross-functional communication skills.
• The team structure is expected to be collaborative, with designers contributing to a collective brand vision and supporting various marketing initiatives.

Methodology:

• Design work is expected to be data-informed, responding to marketing campaign performance and guest engagement metrics where applicable.
• Workflow planning and optimization will be key, given the fast-paced environment and need for efficient delivery of multiple projects.
• Emphasis will be placed on maintaining brand consistency and quality across all visual communications.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The industry context is crucial; a casino environment requires vibrant, engaging, and often sophisticated design to appeal to a broad demographic. The "Employer of Choice" aspiration suggests a company culture that values its employees and invests in their growth and well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and creative execution, with the expectation of independent project management and contribution to broader marketing strategies. The role is not entry-level but also does not typically involve team leadership or strategic oversight beyond design execution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Marketing Manager and/or Marketing Director. This structure places the role within a functional marketing team, with direct guidance on creative briefs and project priorities. Collaboration with other departments is common but typically managed through the marketing department's project intake process.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, on-brand visuals are critical for driving traffic, promoting events, and enhancing the overall guest experience at Oaklawn, thereby contributing to revenue generation. Efficient design processes ensure timely delivery of marketing materials, enabling other operational functions to execute their plans effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, digital advertising, or print production management.
• Advanced Design Roles: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Lead Designer roles, potentially managing more complex projects or overseeing junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Potential to move into broader marketing roles, event coordination, or digital content creation roles within the company, leveraging design skills in different capacities.
• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications in Adobe software or specialized design fields to enhance professional credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests a move towards greater creative responsibility and potentially some project management or team coordination within the marketing department, rather than a traditional "operations" management track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying a dedicated workspace within Oaklawn's facilities. This could be a corporate office setting or a space integrated within the marketing department's hub. Office Location(s): Hot Springs, Arkansas. The specific office location within Hot Springs would be Oaklawn's primary operational site.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely equipped with standard office technology and the necessary software and hardware for graphic design (e.g., powerful workstations, Adobe Creative Suite licenses).
• Collaboration is expected to be frequent, with opportunities to interact with marketing colleagues and potentially other departments for project briefing and feedback.
• The environment will likely be dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the entertainment and hospitality industry, with a focus on creating engaging visual experiences for guests.

Work Schedule: Full-time during day shifts. While a standard schedule is provided, the mention of "irregular work schedule" and "broad variety of tasks and deadlines" indicates a need for flexibility and willingness to work occasional extended hours or adapt schedules to meet critical project timelines common in marketing and event-driven industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is a key differentiator, fostering direct team collaboration and immersion in the company's operational environment. This is typical for creative roles supporting physical venues or customer-facing operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and creative aptitude.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session where candidates present their online portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This assesses technical skills, creative thinking, and communication abilities.
• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be given a design challenge or asked to complete a practical exercise to evaluate their design skills, speed, and ability to follow a brief under timed conditions.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess interpersonal skills, collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with Oaklawn's company culture and values.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior marketing leadership to confirm fit and discuss the role's strategic contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work that aligns with Oaklawn's brand and the job requirements. Aim for quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Use concise, impactful descriptions.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work that highlights your ability to design for different media (print, digital, social) and styles.
• Highlight Brand Understanding: If possible, include speculative work or discuss how you would approach designing for Oaklawn's brand.
• Ensure Accessibility: Make sure your online portfolio is easily navigable and loads quickly on various devices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design brief provided for a challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Focus on Requirements: Ensure your design meets all specified requirements (e.g., dimensions, color palettes, messaging).
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concepting, designing, and refining.
• Presentation: Be prepared to briefly explain your design choices and rationale, even if submitting static files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes the portfolio as a primary assessment tool. Candidates should view the portfolio not just as a collection of work, but as a narrative of their design capabilities and problem-solving approach within a professional context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and editing graphics for print and digital applications.
• Design Software: Familiarity with other relevant design and layout software may be beneficial.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in Word and PowerPoint are necessary for documentation, presentations, and internal communications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the designer role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website ad performance, social media click-through rates) is beneficial. The marketing team will likely use analytics tools, and the designer may be asked to create assets optimized for these platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a graphic designer, but understanding how marketing collateral integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite highlights the core technical requirements. Any experience with CMS platforms or digital asset management (DAM) systems would be a valuable addition to a candidate's skillset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging visual content that captures attention and communicates effectively.
• Brand Consistency: A commitment to upholding and reinforcing Oaklawn's brand identity across all touchpoints.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work promptly in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration: A willingness to work effectively with the marketing team and other departments, incorporating feedback and contributing to shared goals.
• Customer Focus: Understanding that design serves a purpose in attracting and delighting guests, reflecting a strong service-oriented mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires a collaborative approach, working closely with marketing managers and specialists to translate campaign objectives into visual assets.
• Open communication and a willingness to incorporate feedback are essential for iterating on designs and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Designers are expected to be proactive in seeking clarity on briefs and providing design solutions that meet strategic needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a balance between creative output and operational efficiency, which is common in marketing roles that support broader business objectives. The ability to collaborate effectively is paramount, as design is rarely an isolated function.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas within the established brand guidelines and marketing objectives.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Juggling numerous design projects with competing deadlines and varying levels of urgency.
• Adapting to a Dynamic Environment: Staying current with design trends and marketing needs in the fast-paced entertainment and hospitality industry.
• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Incorporating constructive criticism from stakeholders to refine designs, maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design software and tools.
• Industry Trend Workshops: Learning about emerging design trends, digital marketing strategies, and effective visual communication techniques.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Continuous work on diverse projects provides ongoing opportunities to build a strong, varied professional portfolio.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining insights into other marketing functions or operational areas of Oaklawn can broaden understanding and career potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong project management and adaptability, skills that are transferable to many operational roles. The growth opportunities focus on enhancing creative and technical skills within the design domain and potentially expanding into related marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a creative concept from a marketing brief." (Focus on your ideation, research, and initial sketching/wireframing steps. Use an example from your portfolio.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design projects and platforms?" (Discuss your use of style guides, templates, and your attention to detail.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to work under a tight deadline. How did you manage your time and deliver the project successfully?" (Highlight your organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to work efficiently.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback, collaborative approach, and ability to iterate.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Oaklawn, specifically in the entertainment/hospitality industry?" (Research Oaklawn's history, values, and recent marketing campaigns. Connect your passion for design to their business.)
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to Oaklawn's goal of being Arkansas' Employer of Choice?" (Focus on creating positive visual experiences for both guests and team members.)
• "Describe a time you collaborated with a team to achieve a project goal. What was your role?" (Provide an example demonstrating teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with your most impactful and relevant projects.
• Context is Key: For each piece, explain the why behind your design decisions – the problem you solved, the target audience, and the intended message.
• Showcase Process: Briefly touch upon your workflow, tools used, and any challenges overcome.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, clicks), mention it.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse presenting your portfolio to ensure a smooth, concise, and engaging delivery. Be prepared for questions about any piece.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also the operational skills of project management, time management, and effective communication, which are critical for success in this role and within Oaklawn's "Employer of Choice" culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://oaklawn.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Oaklawn/job/AR-Hot-Springs/Graphic-Designer---Full-Time--Day-Shift-_R2949
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to the job description, particularly your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, print production, and digital asset creation. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X marketing collateral pieces per month").
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best and most relevant work, and clearly articulates your design process and outcomes. Be ready to discuss specific projects during the interview.
• Research Oaklawn: Familiarize yourself with Oaklawn's brand, mission, and recent marketing initiatives. Understand their position as "Arkansas' Employer of Choice" and how design contributes to this.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: If a design challenge is part of the interview process, practice creating effective designs under timed conditions and be ready to explain your rationale.

⚠️ 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.