Graphic Designer - Independent Contractor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Independent Contractor
Company: The Shift Network
Location: San Francisco, California (Remote)
Job Type: Contractor
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: 2026-01-27
Experience Level: Experienced
Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for an established Independent Contractor graphic designer with expertise in matching client voice and branding.
• The position requires the development of visual identities and production of digital marketing assets for 1-2 courses weekly.
• Responsibilities include UX support for landing pages and general graphic design for corporate branded assets, aligning with The Shift Network's brand.
• The role demands intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with Adobe XD or Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "Independent Contractor" and the specific states (CA, CO, CT, NY, OR) indicate a focus on legal and tax compliance for contract work. The "Remote Solely" status, coupled with specific state requirements, suggests a preference for candidates who can operate seamlessly within these legal frameworks while working remotely. The "Department: Human Resources" listing in the raw data appears to be a misclassification by the ATS and is not relevant to the core function of a graphic designer.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop unique visual identities and branding elements for 1-2 courses per week, ensuring alignment with The Shift Network's established brand guidelines.
• Produce a high volume of digital marketing assets, including social media graphics, email banners, and promotional materials, tailored for specific course campaigns.
• Provide UX/UI support for various landing pages, contributing to a seamless user experience and optimizing conversion pathways for course enrollment.
• Generate general graphic design support for corporate branded assets, maintaining brand consistency across all internal and external communications.
• Collaborate directly with the internal marketing team, actively participating in meetings as agreed upon to ensure project alignment and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description implies a significant output requirement ("1-2 courses/week"), suggesting a need for efficient workflow management and strong production capabilities. The mention of "UX support" indicates that a foundational understanding of user experience principles is beneficial, even if not the primary focus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and mastery of design principles is expected.
Experience: Minimum 3 years of graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with prior experience in an in-house team or agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Intermediate to Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Proficient in modern design and prototyping tools such as Adobe XD and/or Figma.
• Proven experience in developing and adhering to brand style guidelines.
• Strong ability to produce high-quality, branded digital marketing assets.
• Excellent communication skills for direct collaboration with internal marketing teams.
• Demonstrated experience as an established Independent Contractor.

Preferred Skills:

• Intermediate UX/UI experience.
• Experience in visual ID development and digital marketing asset production within the wellness, personal development, or similar industries.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for candidates to be "established Independent Contractors" and located in specific states (CA, CO, CT, NY, OR) is a critical qualification. This suggests the company is looking for individuals who are already set up to operate as freelancers and can legally contract within these jurisdictions. The "Experienced" minimum experience level aligns with the 3+ years requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong command of graphic design principles and visual communication.
• Case studies showcasing successful visual ID development and digital marketing asset production for past clients.
• Examples of work that clearly adhere to and effectively utilize brand style guidelines.
• Visualizations of UX/UI support for landing pages, highlighting user flow improvements or design rationale.
• Demonstrations of general corporate branded asset creation, emphasizing consistency and brand alignment.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of efficient workflow management for producing marketing assets on a weekly basis.
• Examples of how design processes are documented and communicated to marketing teams.
• Clear articulation of how design decisions are made, particularly in relation to UX/UI support and landing page optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio link, coupled with the nature of the work (visual ID development, digital marketing assets), makes a strong portfolio essential. The focus should be on demonstrating practical application of design skills, adherence to branding, and efficiency in production, particularly for contract roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35 - $40 per hour, dependent upon qualifications.

Benefits: As an Independent Contractor, benefits are typically not provided by the hiring company. Compensation is hourly, and contractors are responsible for their own benefits, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid time off.

Working Hours: Approximately 65 hours per month, with the contract expected to last for an initial 3-month period, with potential for extension.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job explicitly states "Independent Contractor," which means standard employee benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off) are not included. The compensation is hourly, and the candidate is responsible for all their own business expenses and benefits. The estimated monthly hours (65) suggest a part-time engagement, translating to roughly 16 hours per week on average.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Shift Network operates within the Personal Development, Wellness, and Online Education sectors, serving a global network focused on personal growth and empowerment.
Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the company's reach ("more than 2.5 million people") suggests a significant operational scale, likely with a dedicated marketing and content production team.
Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's established presence and large user base indicate a mature organization with a clear mission.

Team Structure:

• The graphic designer will likely work closely with The Shift Network's internal marketing team, reporting to a marketing manager or lead.
• Collaboration will involve direct communication with marketing specialists responsible for course launches and digital campaigns.
• The role is designed for an external contractor, implying a need for clear project briefs and efficient communication to maintain alignment without direct day-to-day supervision.

Methodology:

• Branding & Visual Identity: Emphasis on maintaining and extending a clear, consistent brand voice and visual identity across all course materials and marketing efforts.
• Digital Marketing Asset Production: Focus on creating high-impact visual assets optimized for various digital channels to drive engagement and conversions.
• User Experience: Consideration for how design elements contribute to an intuitive and positive user experience on landing pages and other digital touchpoints.

Company Website: https://theshiftnetwork.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "wisdom keepers and visionaries" and empowering individuals suggests a culture that values growth, learning, and positive impact. This translates into a need for design that is inspiring, clear, and professional, reflecting the quality of the educational content offered.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an experienced-level independent contractor role, focusing on specialized design execution rather than strategic operations management. It offers an opportunity to contribute to a large, established organization within the personal development space.
Reporting Structure: The contractor will report to a designated contact within The Shift Network's marketing department, likely a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead.
Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by creating compelling visuals that attract and engage potential students, thereby contributing to course enrollment and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanded Project Scope: Potential for an extended contract with increasing responsibilities or involvement in more complex design projects as trust and performance are established.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with a unique niche in the online education and personal development market, which can be valuable for future contract opportunities.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Contributing to high-profile courses and programs can significantly enhance the contractor's professional portfolio with recognizable work.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, traditional career progression within The Shift Network is unlikely. Growth is primarily defined by increased project scope, duration, and the development of the contractor's own portfolio and client base through this engagement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote contract position.
Office Location(s): Contract is open to Independent Contractors located in California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, or Oregon.

Workspace Context:

• The contractor will operate independently, managing their own workspace and work schedule within the agreed-upon monthly hour limit.
• Access to necessary design software and tools will be the responsibility of the contractor.
• Communication with The Shift Network team will primarily occur via digital channels (email, video conferencing).

Work Schedule: The role requires approximately 65 hours per month, offering flexibility in how these hours are distributed, provided deadlines are met and meetings are attended as agreed. This allows for integration with other client work or personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" status implies that no office presence is required. The specific state requirements for contractors are critical for legal and tax compliance from the company's perspective.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of applications based on experience, required skills, and portfolio quality.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting relevant projects that demonstrate their ability to meet the scope of work.
• Skills Assessment: A practical design test or a discussion of design challenges may be part of the process to evaluate proficiency with tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Figma.
• Culture & Collaboration Fit: A discussion to assess communication style, ability to work as an independent contractor, and alignment with The Shift Network's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly showcase visual ID development, digital marketing asset production, and UX/UI support for landing pages.
• Highlight Brand Adherence: Clearly show examples where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Include examples that implicitly or explicitly show your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma/Adobe XD.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs improved engagement or conversions, include it.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear descriptions for each project explaining your role, the challenge, and the solution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for developing visual identities and digital marketing assets.
• Familiarize yourself with The Shift Network's current branding and website to understand their aesthetic and messaging.
• Anticipate questions about your experience as an independent contractor, including your approach to client communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio link and the nature of the work mean the portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should treat the portfolio review as a primary interview stage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for asset creation and visual identity development.
• Prototyping/Design Tools: Proficiency in Adobe XD and/or Figma is essential for UX/UI support and landing page design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts analytics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets, user engagement on landing pages) is beneficial.
• Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or similar tools may be advantageous for UX/UI discussions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets are deployed within marketing automation platforms or CRMs could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around industry-standard design software. Candidates must be well-versed in these tools to be considered.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empowerment & Growth: The Shift Network's mission is to empower individuals. This likely translates to a value of supporting growth and potential in its contractors.
• Professionalism & Reliability: As an independent contractor, demonstrating professionalism, meeting deadlines, and clear communication are paramount.
• Brand Consistency: Maintaining the integrity and visual identity of The Shift Network's brand is a key operational value for this role.
• Efficiency & Impact: Delivering high-quality design assets efficiently to support marketing campaigns and achieve business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct and clear communication with the internal marketing team.
• Proactive engagement to understand project requirements and provide design solutions.
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Independence in managing workload and delivering results as an external partner.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, understanding and aligning with the company's mission and values can enhance collaboration and project success. The emphasis on empowerment suggests a positive and supportive, albeit professional, working relationship.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume Production: Consistently producing quality assets for 1-2 courses per week requires strong time management and efficient workflows.
• Brand Alignment: Accurately capturing and extending The Shift Network's unique brand aesthetic across diverse course materials.
• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a remote team without direct in-person interaction.
• Contractual Limitations: Operating within the defined scope of hours and deliverables as an independent contractor.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Niche Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the rapidly growing online personal development and wellness education market.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Working with a recognized brand like The Shift Network can add significant value to a designer's portfolio.
• Client Management Skills: Further developing skills in managing client expectations, communication, and project delivery as an independent contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in enhancing the contractor's own business and professional portfolio, rather than internal career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing visual identities and marketing assets for new courses or programs." (Focus on workflow, ideation, and execution.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple digital marketing assets and platforms?" (Highlight experience with style guides and brand adherence.)
• "Can you walk us through a project where you provided UX/UI support for a landing page and what the outcome was?" (Emphasize problem-solving and user-centric design thinking.)
• "How do you manage your workload and prioritize tasks when working with multiple clients or projects simultaneously?" (Showcase time management and organizational skills relevant to contract work.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Shift Network and our mission?" (Research the company's offerings, values, and target audience.)
• "How do you approach collaborating with a remote marketing team?" (Discuss communication strategies and preferred feedback mechanisms.)
• "What is your experience working as an independent contractor, and what do you see as the key advantages and challenges?" (Demonstrate understanding of the contractual relationship.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 3-5 projects that best represent your skills in visual ID development, digital marketing asset creation, and UX/UI support.
• Narrative Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the client's objective, your design approach and rationale, the tools used, and the results achieved (if quantifiable).
• Brand Adherence Examples: Explicitly point out how your designs align with or extend the client's brand guidelines.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently within the allotted interview time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not only their design prowess but also their professionalism and ability to function effectively as a remote, independent contractor.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this independent contractor graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided BambooHR link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of visual ID development, digital marketing assets, and UX/UI support for landing pages, tailored to showcase your best work relevant to The Shift Network's industry.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 3+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma/XD, and clearly state your status as an "Established Independent Contractor."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines. Be ready to discuss your experience as a contractor.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review The Shift Network's website to understand their mission, target audience, and existing brand aesthetic, preparing to discuss how your design skills 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.