Graphic Designer - Must Provide Portfolio

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Portfolio Required Company: Police & Fire Federal Credit Union (PFFCU) Location: Philadelphia, PA, US Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-21T13:22:00 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing and executing visual marketing collateral across various traditional and digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and supporting strategic marketing and sales initiatives.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating marketing objectives into compelling visual designs, focusing on effectiveness and brand adherence.
• A strong emphasis will be placed on project ownership from conception to completion, requiring robust project management and organizational skills.
• The position requires deep technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and an understanding of print and digital production methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement positions it within an "Operations" context by framing the role's impact on marketing execution, brand management, and process adherence, which are core to GTM and Marketing Operations functions. The use of terms like "visual marketing collateral," "brand consistency," and "strategic marketing and sales initiatives" aligns with operational objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce effective layouts for traditional marketing channels, including direct mail, brochures, flyers, and signage, ensuring alignment with PFFCU's brand identity.
• Create visually engaging digital assets, such as emails and web content, leveraging knowledge of HTML/CSS and WordPress to support online marketing efforts.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Product Advertising Manager to develop internal and external marketing materials that effectively support project strategy and goals.
• Take ownership of design projects from initiation to completion, tracking progress, identifying milestones, and reporting on deliverables to management.
• Translate product and service features, benefits, and competitive advantages into compelling visual designs that highlight key selling points and drive calls to action.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry and competitor trends to inform design strategies and ensure PFFCU remains competitive.
• Ensure all digital files are archived electronically, adhering to strict naming conventions, processes, and procedures for efficient file storage and retrieval.
• Perform related tasks and other duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support broader team objectives.
• Be prepared to work outside standard business hours, including rotating on-call periods, to meet project deadlines and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to emphasize the operational execution aspects of graphic design, such as "ensuring alignment with PFFCU's brand identity," "supporting online marketing efforts," "tracking progress, identifying milestones, and reporting on deliverables," and "meeting project deadlines and operational needs." This reframes the role as a critical operational component of the marketing team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, preferably within an advertising agency or an in-house corporate marketing department.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat (with demonstrated ability in creating interactive forms).
• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reporting and collaboration.
• Web Technologies: Knowledgeable in HTML/CSS and WordPress for digital design and content deployment.
• Email Marketing Platforms: Ability to design and deploy emails effectively within a specified email platform.
• Production Knowledge: Understanding of production methods for both print materials and signage.
• Project Management: Excellent project management skills with a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all design outputs.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work constructively within a team and collaborate effectively with other departments, aligning with PFFCU's values.
• Adaptability & Learning: Eagerness to learn about PFFCU's products, services, and competitive advantages to effectively communicate them through design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, HubSpot).
• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems for file archiving and retrieval.
• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for web and email design optimization.
• Experience in the financial services industry, understanding compliance and regulatory considerations in marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been structured to highlight technical proficiencies and operational competencies crucial for GTM roles. Specific software and technical knowledge are emphasized, along with soft skills directly impacting operational efficiency like "Project Management," "Attention to Detail," and "Teamwork & Collaboration."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects across print and digital media (e.g., direct mail, brochures, flyers, signage, emails, web graphics).
• Brand Consistency Examples: Specific examples showcasing the ability to maintain and apply a consistent brand identity across diverse marketing materials.
• Production Workflow Documentation: Include case studies or examples that illustrate understanding of print production processes and digital deployment workflows.
• Project Management Evidence: Portfolio pieces that highlight projects managed from concept to completion, demonstrating ownership and successful delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you approach the design process from brief to final asset, including wireframing, concept development, and revision cycles.
• System Integration: Showcase ability to design for specific platforms (e.g., email platforms, WordPress), demonstrating an understanding of their technical constraints and capabilities.
• Performance Analysis: If possible, include examples where design choices were informed by performance data or led to measurable improvements (e.g., higher engagement rates for emails).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to emphasize the "operations" aspect of a creative role. It focuses on the demonstrable process by which the candidate achieves results, including workflow efficiency, system compatibility, and data-informed design, which are critical for operations professionals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the experience level (2-5 years) and location (Philadelphia, PA), a competitive base salary is offered. Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers in this region with this experience, the estimated range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate reflects the stated requirement for experience and the competitive nature of the market for skilled designers.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits, with PFFCU covering 75% to 90% of premiums.
• Retirement Savings: 401K plan with a significant automatic company contribution of 6% of salary, regardless of employee contribution, after one year of service.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Additional Perks: Other benefits and perks available to PFFCU employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time business hours, likely totaling 40 hours per week.
• Note: The job description explicitly states the requirement to work outside standard business hours and in addition to standard weekly hours, including rotating on-call periods. This implies a need for flexibility and commitment to project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical market rates for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Philadelphia, PA. The benefits have been detailed to highlight their value to potential candidates. The working hours section includes a critical note about the expectation of overtime and on-call duties, which is a key operational consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Credit Union) Company Size: Police & Fire Federal Credit Union is a mid-sized financial institution, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals. This size often means a balance between established processes and a close-knit community feel, offering opportunities for cross-functional interaction. Founded: Founded in 1935, PFFCU has a long-standing history, suggesting stability, established traditions, and a deep understanding of its member base and the financial industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to the Senior Product Advertising Manager, indicating a hierarchical structure within the marketing department.
• Collaboration is expected with other departments, suggesting a matrixed or project-based approach to work, typical in organizations aiming for strong member service.
• The team culture emphasizes PFFCU's core values: member service, teamwork, commitment, and performance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Marketing: While not explicitly stated for design, the role supports marketing and sales strategies, implying that design decisions should be informed by data and aimed at achieving specific business outcomes.
• Process Adherence: A strong emphasis on archiving files correctly and following established procedures highlights the importance of systematic operations.
• Brand Management: Maintaining the PFFCU brand is a core function, requiring a disciplined approach to visual consistency.

Company Website: https://www.pffcu.org/ (Inferred based on domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched with information typical for a credit union of PFFCU's age and size, providing insight into the operating environment. The "Methodology" section interprets the job description's cues into operational processes relevant to a marketing and design function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years Experience) This role represents a solid step for a designer looking to deepen their expertise in a corporate marketing environment. It offers hands-on experience with a wide range of marketing materials and the opportunity to contribute directly to campaign success.

Reporting Structure:

• The designer reports to the Senior Product Advertising Manager, providing direct guidance on priorities and project execution. This structure allows for clear direction and feedback.
• Collaboration with other departments indicates exposure to various business units and their operational needs, fostering broader business acumen.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, influencing member engagement, product adoption, and overall brand perception.
• By translating marketing strategies into visually appealing and informative collateral, the role plays a vital part in driving sales and supporting the credit union's growth objectives.
• Ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints reinforces PFFCU's professional image and builds member trust.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in specific design areas (e.g., direct mail campaigns, email marketing design) or gain deeper proficiency in financial marketing.
• Process Improvement: Contribute ideas for optimizing design workflows, file management, or production processes to increase efficiency.
• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and expanded responsibilities, potential for growth into a Senior Graphic Designer role or a specialized marketing position.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about other areas of the credit union's operations through inter-departmental collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the Graphic Designer role within an operational career path, highlighting its impact on business objectives and outlining potential growth trajectories that align with operations and marketing career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at a corporate office location. Office Location(s): 901 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. This is a central Philadelphia location, likely offering good accessibility via public transportation and proximity to business amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires working within a team and with other departments, suggesting an environment that values collaboration and open communication.
• Tools & Technology: Access to a PC platform with the full Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is standard. The workspace is likely equipped with the necessary hardware and software for design tasks.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Senior Product Advertising Manager and colleagues in marketing and other departments.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily standard business hours, but with an explicit requirement for flexibility to work outside these hours and participate in a rotating on-call schedule. This is a key operational characteristic of the role, demanding a high level of commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is focused on how it supports operational efficiency and collaboration for a design professional, emphasizing accessibility and the tools available for task completion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.
• Technical Assessment: Potential for a skills test or a deep dive into portfolio projects to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of design principles, and production knowledge.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will likely assess teamwork, problem-solving, ability to meet deadlines, and alignment with PFFCU's values (member service, teamwork, commitment, performance).
• Manager Interview: Discussion with the Senior Product Advertising Manager to gauge fit for the team and role responsibilities.
• Final Round: May involve meeting with other key stakeholders or department heads.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase a variety of projects that directly align with the responsibilities listed (direct mail, email, signage, brochures).
• Highlight Brand Application: Clearly demonstrate how you've applied brand guidelines and maintained consistency across different assets.
• Showcase Process: For at least one or two key projects, briefly explain your design process, from initial brief to final output, including any challenges overcome.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have examples where your design contributed to measurable results (e.g., improved campaign response rates), highlight this.
• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used in your projects.
• Tailor to PFFCU: If possible, include spec work or discuss how your skills would benefit PFFCU's specific marketing needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design challenges that test your ability to work under pressure, conceptualize quickly, and adhere to brand guidelines.
• Practice articulating your design choices and justifying them based on marketing objectives and target audience.
• Prepare to discuss how you manage feedback and revisions from stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their design work from an operational perspective – demonstrating process, impact, and alignment with business goals, which is crucial for operations-focused roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • InDesign: Essential for layout and print production (brochures, direct mail, signage).
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and interactive form design.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • Word: For document creation and text integration.
  • Excel: For data handling, reporting, and potentially tracking projects.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations and internal documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Email Platform Tools: Specific platform will vary, but proficiency in designing and deploying emails within these systems is required.
• Basic Analytics Interpretation: Ability to understand how design impacts engagement metrics for digital assets.

CRM & Automation:

• WordPress: For website content integration and potentially basic site updates.
• HTML/CSS: Foundational knowledge for web and email design to ensure proper rendering and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for a graphic designer but are framed within their operational use for marketing collateral creation and deployment, emphasizing their role in executing GTM strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member Service: A core value that translates to designing materials that are clear, informative, and helpful to PFFCU members.
• Teamwork: Expectation to collaborate effectively with the Senior Product Advertising Manager and other departments, contributing to a cohesive marketing effort.
• Commitment: Dedication to meeting project deadlines and requirements, including willingness to work extended hours or on-call when necessary.
• Performance: Focus on producing high-quality, effective designs that contribute to marketing campaign success and the credit union's overall goals.
• Efficiency: Adhering to file naming conventions and archiving procedures demonstrates a commitment to organized and efficient operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designed to work with various departments, requiring strong communication skills to understand diverse needs and translate them into visual solutions.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from management and stakeholders to refine designs.
• Process-Oriented: Emphasis on following established procedures for file management and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are interpreted through an operational lens, focusing on how these principles guide daily tasks, collaboration, and the execution of marketing responsibilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative and Operational Demands: Juggling creative ideation with strict brand guidelines, production requirements, and tight deadlines.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively prioritizing and executing numerous design projects simultaneously for different stakeholders.
• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with design trends and marketing channel evolution while serving traditional needs.
• Working Under Pressure: Meeting demanding timelines and potentially working outside standard hours, including on-call duties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and exploring new design tools or techniques.
• Marketing Strategy Integration: Gaining a better understanding of how design supports broader marketing and sales strategies within the financial services sector.
• Production Process Optimization: Learning more about print and digital production workflows to improve efficiency and output quality.
• Industry Trends: Keeping abreast of design and marketing trends specific to the financial industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to align with operational development, focusing on process improvement, efficiency, and strategic application of design skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Project Management: "Walk me through your process for designing a direct mail campaign, from receiving the brief to final delivery. How do you ensure brand consistency and meet deadlines?" (Focus on workflow, tools, and prioritization).
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: "Describe a time you had to deliver a design project under a very tight deadline or with conflicting feedback. How did you manage the situation and what was the outcome?" (Focus on resilience and operational execution).
• Brand Adherence: "How would you approach designing a new brochure for a PFFCU product, considering our existing brand guidelines and the need to highlight key benefits?" (Focus on understanding and applying brand strategy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Police & Fire Federal Credit Union and its mission?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with member service values).
• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design team members or departments?" (Assess teamwork and cross-functional operational capabilities).
• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate the key selling points of financial products like those offered by PFFCU?" (Connect design to business objectives).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to highlight projects relevant to PFFCU's needs (print, email, signage).
• Tell the Story: For each selected project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant technologies.
• Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Show an understanding of production methods, file management, and how your designs fit into broader marketing campaigns.
• Address PFFCU Values: Weave in how your work aligns with member service, teamwork, commitment, and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is geared towards showcasing operational competencies, emphasizing process, project management, and strategic alignment with business goals, rather than solely creative flair.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the ADP application portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of direct mail, brochures, signage, and email designs that showcase your ability to adhere to brand guidelines and execute marketing objectives.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2-5 years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other required technologies, project management skills, and any experience in the financial services industry. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Be ready to articulate your design process, explain your choices, and discuss how your work has contributed to marketing campaign success or operational efficiency.
• Research PFFCU: Familiarize yourself with PFFCU's mission, values, products, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

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