Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I

Company: State Employees Credit Union

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: March 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting State Employees Credit Union's brand integrity and advancing marketing department objectives through high-quality visual asset creation and brand standard maintenance across all channels.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing compelling creative content for diverse marketing campaigns, product promotions, and organizational initiatives, ensuring visual consistency and brand alignment.

• This position acts as a primary designer and secondary support for photography and video production, contributing to dynamic visual storytelling and Member engagement strategies.

• The role requires a strong understanding of graphic design principles, print production processes, and digital asset creation, with an emphasis on collaboration with the marketing team to achieve strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer I" and the experience level is entry-level, the responsibilities encompass a broad range including primary design, secondary photography/video support, print production management, and collaboration on campaign development. This suggests a role that offers significant learning opportunities and exposure to various facets of marketing creative production within a structured environment. The "Non-Exempt" status and hourly rate ($21.40 - $26.75) are typical for this level and industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality artwork and graphics for a wide array of marketing collateral, including advertisements, direct mail pieces, digital assets for email campaigns, websites, social media, and in-branch displays.

• Maintain and strictly uphold State Employees Credit Union's brand standards across all visual communications to ensure a consistent and recognizable brand identity.

• Collaborate closely with marketing team members on the conceptualization, development, and execution of creative strategies for marketing campaigns and promotional activities.

• Provide secondary support for photography and video production, assisting with planning, shooting, editing, and post-production to enhance visual storytelling across platforms.

• Capture staged and candid photography of staff, Members, and events to support marketing initiatives, internal communications, and community engagement efforts.

• Assist in the editing and production of short-form and long-form video content for various promotional and educational purposes, aligning with brand messaging.

• Coordinate with the Digital Content Specialist to ensure seamless integration, efficiency, and consistent visual storytelling across all digital and physical touchpoints.

• Prepare all creative assets for compliance review and secure necessary approvals before distribution or publication to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

• Support branch marketing efforts by creating digital content for in-branch televisions and dynamic displays to enhance Member experience and promote services.

• Manage print production schedules, timelines, and deliverables, overseeing the process from concept to final execution for accuracy and punctuality.

• Liaise with external vendors and partners to coordinate printing services, advertising placements, and other production needs, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

• Maintain organized creative files, templates, and comprehensive documentation of design processes and workflows for efficient asset management and knowledge transfer.

• Develop a thorough understanding of State ECU's products, services, and unique selling propositions to inform and enhance the effectiveness of marketing communications.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in design, photography, and video production, recommending relevant tools and techniques to enhance creative output and efficiency.

• Independently manage assignments, prioritize multiple tasks effectively, and take initiative to proactively support department and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core graphic design duties with added responsibilities in photography, videography, and print production management. This indicates a role that values versatility and a hands-on approach to content creation. The emphasis on compliance review and coordination with external vendors suggests a need for strong organizational and communication skills beyond pure design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: Progressively responsible experience in graphic design and marketing, with a focus on visual asset creation and brand management. Experience in financial services, healthcare, or other regulated industries is preferred but not strictly required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

• A strong and discerning eye for design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual storytelling.

• In-depth knowledge of print production processes, including file preparation, color correction, proofing, pre-press procedures, vendor coordination, and quality control.

• Proven hands-on experience managing print projects from initial concept through final delivery and distribution.

• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for internal communications and document preparation.

• Proficiency in photography, encompassing lighting techniques, composition, subject capture, and post-production editing.

• Working knowledge of video editing principles and motion graphics creation for promotional and educational content.

• Strong project management, organizational, time management, and prioritization skills to handle multiple deadlines effectively.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities for collaboration and stakeholder interaction.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Robust problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address creative and production challenges.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively and harmoniously across different departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and basic web development principles for digital asset integration.

• Experience in financial services, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a comprehensive technical toolkit (Adobe CC), a deep understanding of print production, and practical experience in photography and video. The inclusion of HTML/CSS as a "desired" skill suggests that the company is looking for a designer who can also contribute to digital content strategy beyond static graphics. The emphasis on project management and communication skills is critical for an entry-level role that requires significant cross-functional interaction and vendor management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, including digital and print collateral, campaign materials, and branding exercises.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in applying design principles, typography, and visual storytelling to achieve specific marketing objectives.

• Case studies or examples of projects that highlight your ability to manage print production processes from concept to completion, including file preparation and vendor coordination.

• Visual examples of photographic work and any video editing or motion graphics projects, showcasing technical skills and creative execution.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed project workflows, including timelines, revisions, and approvals, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.

• Documentation of your process for preparing creative assets for compliance review and securing necessary approvals.

• Evidence of collaboration with team members or stakeholders on creative concepts and campaign development.

• Examples of how you have adapted designs for different channels (print, digital, social media) while maintaining brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic talent but also the practical skills mentioned in the requirements, such as print production management and an understanding of brand consistency. Providing examples of process documentation will help demonstrate organizational capabilities and a systematic approach to design challenges, which is valuable for a role supporting a regulated industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The targeted hourly rate for this position is between $21.40 and $26.75 per hour.

Benefits:

• State Employees Credit Union offers a highly competitive benefits package. (Specific details not provided in the original listing, but typical benefits for full-time employees in this sector include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (e.g., 401k with company match), life insurance, and potential for employee assistance programs.)

• Opportunities for professional development and training in design, photography, and video production tools and techniques.

• Access to a collaborative work environment with opportunities to contribute to impactful marketing campaigns.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for an entry-level Graphic Designer role in Santa Fe, NM. The mention of a "highly competitive benefits package" is standard, but candidates should inquire about the specifics during the interview process. The 40-hour work week is typical for full-time employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Credit Union)

Company Size: The exact size is not specified, but State Employees Credit Union (SECU) of New Mexico is a significant regional institution, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals. This size implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and a dedicated marketing department.

Founded: State Employees Credit Union of New Mexico was founded in 1951. This long history suggests a stable organization with deep roots in the community and a commitment to its Members.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Marketing Manager, indicating a clear line of reporting within the Marketing Department.

• The department likely includes specialists in areas such as digital content, marketing strategy, and communications, fostering a collaborative environment for creative output.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a commitment to "proactive, result-driven" employees who achieve "highest standards of excellence" and "consistently exceed expectations."

• The marketing department's methodology likely involves data-driven insights, campaign planning, and a focus on Member experience and community presence.

• Design processes will need to adhere to brand guidelines, compliance requirements, and cross-functional approval workflows.

Company Website: https://secunm.isolvedhire.com (Note: This is the hiring platform URL, the actual company website is likely secumd.org)

📝 Enhancement Note: As a credit union, State Employees Credit Union likely operates with a mission-driven approach focused on Member service and community well-being, which can influence the tone and style of marketing materials. The long history suggests stability and a strong organizational culture. The "Non-Exempt" status for this role implies hourly pay and potential for overtime, common in many corporate environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Graphic Designer I) position, focusing on foundational design skills and execution under guidance. It's the first step in a potential career path within marketing creative services.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Marketing Manager, providing a clear reporting line and opportunities for mentorship and direct feedback on performance and development.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the visual representation of State ECU's brand, impacting Member perception, campaign effectiveness, and overall brand coherence. High-quality visuals are essential for effective marketing communication in the financial services sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, motion graphics, photography, or video editing based on project needs and personal development goals.

• Advanced Design Roles: Progression to Graphic Designer II or Senior Graphic Designer roles, with increased responsibility for complex projects, campaign strategy input, and potentially leading smaller design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to move into broader marketing roles or contribute to creative strategy development as experience and understanding of the financial services industry grow.

• Leadership Potential: With significant growth and demonstrated success, opportunities may arise for team lead or supervisory roles within the creative services function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This entry-level role is designed to build core competencies. Growth will likely depend on the candidate's ability to quickly absorb new skills, demonstrate reliability, and contribute creatively within established brand and compliance frameworks. The "I" designation strongly suggests a structured path for advancement within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position based at the Santa Fe, New Mexico office. The environment is likely a professional corporate office setting within a credit union branch or administrative building.

Office Location(s): 813 St Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505. This location provides access to the Santa Fe metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a standard office desk setup, equipped with necessary computer hardware and software for graphic design tasks.

• There will be opportunities for collaboration with marketing team members and potentially other departments, suggesting a mix of independent work and team interaction.

• Access to photography and video equipment may be available for secondary support duties.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will likely be standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday), with potential flexibility depending on project deadlines and departmental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is a key characteristic, emphasizing in-person collaboration and access to company resources. The Santa Fe location might appeal to candidates who prefer a specific type of professional environment and lifestyle.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, design aesthetic, and relevant experience.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design challenge relevant to marketing collateral or brand application.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Interviews with the Marketing Manager and potentially other team members to evaluate communication skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit with State ECU's mission and values.

• Final Interview: May involve discussion with higher-level management to confirm fit and readiness for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase breadth of skills (digital, print, photography, video concepts).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Brand Application: Demonstrate your understanding of brand guidelines and how you applied them consistently.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Include examples that highlight your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design task for a credit union marketing campaign or promotional material.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with Credit Union Marketing: Research common marketing themes, target audiences, and compliance considerations for financial institutions.

• Understand Brand Guidelines: If possible, review State ECU's existing branding to understand their visual language.

• Focus on Clarity and Brand Consistency: For any design challenge, prioritize clear messaging and strict adherence to brand standards.

• Be Ready to Justify Decisions: Articulate the rationale behind your design choices, linking them back to campaign objectives and brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize the candidate's portfolio. It's crucial for applicants to select projects that align with the responsibilities outlined, particularly those demonstrating print production knowledge and brand adherence. A design challenge is highly probable given the nature of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: For layout and design of print collateral, brochures, and documents.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and production.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics and visual effects.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and management, crucial for compliance reviews.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Outlook: For communication and scheduling.
  • Word: For document creation and text integration.
  • Excel: For data management and potential basic charting for presentations.
  • PowerPoint: For creating presentations and internal communications.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM systems (e.g., email templates, landing page graphics) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The inclusion of Premiere Pro and After Effects indicates a need for skills beyond static design. Familiarity with web development tools (HTML, CSS) is listed as desired, suggesting that the company is looking for a designer who can contribute to digital marketing efforts more holistically.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence and High Standards: A core value, as stated in the job description, emphasizing proactive, result-driven employees who consistently exceed expectations.

• Member Focus: As a credit union, the underlying value is serving its Members. This translates to creating marketing materials that are clear, trustworthy, and beneficial to the Member.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The role requires working closely with the marketing team and other departments, highlighting the importance of a collaborative spirit.

• Commitment and Mission Alignment: Employees are expected to be fully committed to the Credit Union's mission and vision, suggesting a culture that values dedication and purpose.

• Safety and Compliance: Adherence to safety practices, drug-free workplace policies, and company regulations is a general requirement for all employees.

Collaboration Style:

• The Graphic Designer will work collaboratively with the Marketing Manager and Digital Content Specialist, indicating a structured approach to creative development and execution.

• Cross-departmental collaboration will be necessary to understand the visual needs of various initiatives and ensure brand consistency across the organization.

• Communication is expected to be clear, professional, and proactive, especially when coordinating with external vendors and seeking compliance approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture seems to value professionalism, diligence, and a strong sense of purpose aligned with the credit union's mission. The emphasis on exceeding expectations suggests an environment that rewards high performance and initiative.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: In the financial services industry, marketing materials must adhere to strict regulations. The Graphic Designer will need to balance creative vision with compliance requirements, often involving multiple review cycles.

• Managing Multiple Priorities: The role involves producing assets for various campaigns, promotions, and initiatives simultaneously, requiring excellent time management and prioritization skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends, photography techniques, and video production technologies while maintaining brand consistency can be challenging.

• Secondary Support Role: Effectively performing secondary support for photography and video production, in addition to primary design duties, requires versatility and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly in areas like motion graphics, video editing, and advanced photo manipulation.

• Industry-Specific Design: Learning to create effective marketing collateral for the financial services sector, understanding its unique communication needs and regulatory landscape.

• Photography and Videography Skills: Developing practical skills in shooting and editing to support marketing content creation.

• Project Management Best Practices: Gaining experience in managing production timelines, vendor relationships, and cross-functional approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be navigating the regulated environment of financial services marketing while maintaining creative output. The growth opportunities are tied to developing a broad skillset within marketing creative production.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative design with strict brand guidelines or compliance requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and adherence.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a marketing brochure or digital ad campaign from concept to final delivery." (Highlight your workflow, tools, and decision-making.)

• "How do you prioritize multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate organizational and time management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a credit union like State ECU, specifically in the financial services industry?" (Research the credit union's mission, values, and community involvement.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Showcase professional development habits.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest skills first.

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain the brief, your thought process, the tools used, and the challenges overcome.

• Quantify Results (If Possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable marketing success (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates), present those metrics.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Ensure your portfolio showcases a range of skills, from print layout to digital graphics, and ideally, any photography or video work.

• Be Ready for a Design Challenge: Prepare to discuss your approach to a hypothetical design task relevant to credit union marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research State Employees Credit Union. Understanding the credit union model versus traditional banking will be beneficial. Be prepared to discuss how your design skills can support their specific mission and Member-focused approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on secunm.isolvedhire.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific skills and experiences that directly match the job description, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, print production management, and any photography/video experience. Use keywords from the job posting.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your best, most relevant design work. Ensure it showcases your ability to create compelling visuals for both print and digital media, and include examples that demonstrate your understanding of branding and production processes.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Anticipate a practical design exercise and be ready to discuss your creative process, problem-solving approach, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines under time constraints.

• Research State Employees Credit Union: Understand their mission, values, target audience, and recent marketing efforts to articulate your interest and how you can contribute to their goals.

⚠️ 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.