Graphic Designer - Permanent Full Time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Location: Auckland, New Zealand Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-11-20 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in visually articulating the narratives, values, and future aspirations of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, demanding a strong creative vision and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in developing and executing high-impact design assets across a comprehensive range of media, including digital platforms, print publications, campaign materials, proposals, and physical signage.
• A key focus will be on maintaining and evolving the distinct visual identity of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, ensuring its representation is both authentic and creatively compelling.
• This position involves close collaboration within the Toi Karere team and with the Creative & Platforms Manager, fostering a studio environment that champions design excellence and integrates te ao Māori principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role description emphasizes the integration of "te ao Māori" and "tikanga" into the design process, indicating a need for cultural sensitivity and a proactive approach to learning and applying these principles in visual communication. This is a critical differentiator for candidates applying to this specific organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver high-quality visual design solutions across digital, print, and multimedia platforms, aligning with organizational objectives and brand guidelines.
• Translate complex stakeholder requirements and organizational messages into clear, impactful, and aesthetically compelling design concepts and final assets.
• Actively maintain, refine, and evolve the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei brand identity, ensuring consistency and integrity across all visual communications.
• Champion and ensure the cultural integrity of all visual outputs, demonstrating a nuanced understanding and respectful application of te ao Māori principles.
• Efficiently manage design workflows, including project timelines, asset organization, and the maintenance of content libraries and templates.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and templates to enhance efficiency and design quality.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to gather requirements, present design concepts, and incorporate feedback.
• Utilize content management systems and publishing workflows to ensure timely and accurate deployment of design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Key Result Areas" provided in the input directly inform these primary responsibilities, highlighting the practical application of the role's purpose. The emphasis on "cultural integrity" and "te ao Māori" is a core operational requirement that influences design output and stakeholder interaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary qualification in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent professional experience in a dedicated graphic design role will be considered as a strong alternative to formal qualifications.

Experience:

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a professional graphic design capacity, gained either within an in-house creative department or an agency setting.
• Proven track record of managing multiple design projects concurrently in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, demonstrating effective time management and prioritization.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Proven ability to create compelling visuals across various media (print, digital, social, multimedia).
• Visual Communication: Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout to effectively convey messages.
• Digital Media Proficiency: Experience designing for web, social media, and digital advertising platforms.
• Creativity & Innovation: Demonstrated ability to generate original design concepts and push creative boundaries.
• Project Management: Skill in managing design projects from concept to completion, including timelines and deliverables.
• Collaboration: Experience working effectively within creative teams and cross-functionally with other departments.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrated ability to engage with and apply te reo Māori and tikanga in design contexts.
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience collaborating with and managing expectations of various internal stakeholders.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms for managing digital content.
• Publishing Workflows: Understanding of print and digital publishing processes.
• Brand Identity Management: Ability to maintain and evolve a consistent brand visual language.
• Design Solutions: Aptitude for translating user needs and business objectives into effective design outcomes.
• Design Processes: Familiarity with standard design methodologies and workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced multimedia design tools.
• Proficiency in motion graphics or video editing software.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.
• Experience working within a Not-For-Profit or iwi organization.
• Fluency in te reo Māori.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 'ai_key_skills' and 'ai_keywords' from the input provide a robust list of required and preferred skills. The emphasis on 'Cultural Competency', 'Te Reo Māori', and 'Tikanga' is a critical requirement that transcends typical graphic design roles and should be highlighted for applicants. The explicit mention of 'Design Excellence' and 'Te Ao Māori' integration suggests a high standard for creative output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a breadth of design work across digital, print, social media, campaigns, reports, proposals, and signage.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Examples that clearly illustrate how design solutions addressed specific briefs, challenges, or objectives.
• Brand Consistency: Evidence of maintaining and evolving brand identity across various applications.
• Technical Proficiency: Showcase of skills using industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
• Impact Demonstration: Projects that highlight successful stakeholder engagement and the positive impact of the design.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how design projects were managed from brief to final delivery, including process mapping or workflow diagrams if available.
• Collaboration & Feedback: Demonstrations of how feedback was incorporated and how collaboration with stakeholders was managed throughout the design process.
• Asset Management: Evidence of organized asset management practices, potentially through a description of personal or team systems.
• Continuous Improvement: Any examples or descriptions of how design processes were optimized or improved over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The input explicitly states "Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity across digital, print, social, and multimedia contexts". This is expanded here to include specific types of deliverables and the underlying design process expected to be demonstrated within the portfolio. The emphasis on translating "stakeholder needs into clear, impactful design solutions" and "managing design workflows" suggests that the portfolio should reflect not just aesthetic skill but also process management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the experience level (2-5 years), location (Auckland, NZ), and nature of the role within a significant iwi organization, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers in Auckland, a range of NZD $60,000 to $85,000 per annum is estimated. This range accounts for the specific responsibilities, including cultural integration and brand stewardship.

Benefits:

• Full-Time Employment: Secure, permanent full-time position offering stability.
• Cultural Immersion: Opportunity to work within a culturally rich organization and contribute to important community initiatives.
• Professional Development: Potential for growth and learning in areas of graphic design, digital media, and te ao Māori.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a supportive Toi Karere team and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Health & Welfare: Standard New Zealand employment benefits, likely including annual leave, sick leave, and potential for other wellness programs.
• Retirement Savings: Contributions to KiwiSaver or similar retirement schemes may be offered.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with a likely work schedule from Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs, but the role is specified as "On-site," indicating a primary need for in-office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no salary information was provided, a regional salary estimate for Auckland, New Zealand, has been generated based on the specified experience level and job title. This estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in the region. Benefits are inferred based on standard practices for full-time roles in New Zealand and the context of working for a large iwi organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• The organization operates within the Iwi/Tribal and Community Services sector, focusing on cultural preservation, community development, and organizational management for the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hapū. This unique industry context means that design work will often serve dual purposes: professional communication and cultural expression.

Company Size:

• While not explicitly stated, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust manages affairs for over 8,000 registered members. This suggests a medium to large organization with various departments and a significant operational footprint, implying a structured yet community-focused work environment.

Founded:

• Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei traces its whakapapa to historical iwi formations. The Trust's modern operations are built upon this deep historical foundation, creating a culture that respects tradition while driving contemporary initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will work within the "Toi Karere" team, alongside the Creative & Platforms Manager and a Multimedia Producer. This implies a dedicated creative unit focused on communication and brand representation.
• The reporting structure indicates a hierarchy where the Graphic Designer reports to the Creative & Platforms Manager, who likely oversees broader creative strategy and output.
• Collaboration is expected not only within the Toi Karere team but also with various stakeholders across the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust and potentially its membership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the need to translate "stakeholder needs" and "values" into "impactful design solutions" suggests a process that begins with understanding requirements and objectives.
• Integrated Te Ao Māori: A core methodology will involve integrating te ao Māori principles, values, and aesthetics into the design process, ensuring cultural relevance and integrity.
• Collaborative Workflow: The role emphasizes working alongside other creative professionals, suggesting an agile and collaborative approach to project development and review.
• Brand Stewardship: A systematic approach to maintaining and evolving the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei brand identity will be crucial.

Company Website:

• https://careers.ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/ and https://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and the role's focus on "te ao Māori" and "tikanga" are crucial context. This means the "Methodology" section goes beyond standard design processes to include cultural integration as a fundamental operational approach. The organization's size is inferred from its membership base and responsibility for collective affairs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role represents an intermediate-level position within the creative operations of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. It requires a solid foundation of professional design experience (3-5 years) and the ability to work autonomously on assigned projects while also collaborating effectively within a specialized team. The scope involves contributing significantly to the organization's visual identity and communication strategy.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative & Platforms Manager. This indicates a direct line of guidance and oversight for creative output and project alignment. The Manager likely provides strategic direction, project briefs, and feedback, with the Designer responsible for execution and design quality.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work will have a direct impact on how Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is perceived by its members, stakeholders, and the wider public. By translating stories, values, and aspirations into compelling visuals, the role influences brand recognition, community engagement, and the overall effectiveness of organizational communications. High-quality, culturally sensitive design contributes to the organization's credibility and its mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas, such as digital media, campaign design, or multimedia production, within the context of te ao Māori.
• Cultural Development: Continuous learning and growth in understanding and applying te reo Māori and tikanga within a professional creative environment, potentially leading to a unique specialization.
• Project Leadership: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to take on lead roles on specific design projects or campaigns, managing smaller initiatives or aspects of larger projects.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working with various departments provides exposure to different organizational functions, broadening understanding of how creative output supports broader business and community goals.
• Team Contribution: Becoming a key contributor to the Toi Karere team's success and reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis focuses on the "intermediate" career level implied by the 3-5 years of experience. The growth opportunities are tailored to the unique context of working for an iwi organization, emphasizing both design skill development and cultural competency advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a physical workspace within Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei's facilities in Auckland.

Office Location(s):

• The primary office location is 8 Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand. This is a physical address in Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, suggesting accessibility within the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studio: The Graphic Designer will be part of the Toi Karere team, working closely with a Creative & Platforms Manager and a Multimedia Producer. This implies a shared creative space designed for collaboration, brainstorming, and feedback.
• Tools & Technology: Access to professional design software and hardware is expected, supporting the creation of high-quality digital and print assets. The environment will support the use of content management systems and publishing workflows.
• Cultural Integration: The workspace will likely foster an environment where te ao Māori principles are visible and integrated, potentially including Māori art, design elements, and opportunities for kōrero (discussion).

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with full-time employment. While on-site presence is required, there may be some flexibility regarding specific hours depending on project deadlines and team agreements, but the core expectation is regular office attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation and the specific address are key details. The workspace context is inferred from the team structure and the organizational mission, highlighting the blend of professional creative work with cultural integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed, and candidates demonstrating strong alignment with the role's requirements, particularly in portfolio and cultural competency, will be shortlisted.
• Portfolio Presentation: Shortlisted candidates will likely be invited to present their portfolio. This is a critical stage where they will showcase their design work, explain their creative process, and discuss how they have addressed project briefs and stakeholder needs. Expect questions about specific projects, design choices, and problem-solving approaches.
• Skills & Cultural Assessment: Interviews will likely include technical questions related to design software and processes, as well as behavioral questions assessing collaboration, communication, and cultural competency (engagement with te reo Māori and tikanga).
• Team & Manager Interviews: Candidates may meet with the Creative & Platforms Manager and potentially other members of the Toi Karere team, or even wider stakeholders, to assess cultural fit and team synergy.
• Pre-employment Checks: Successful candidates will undergo background checks, including a Police Vetting Report, as specified in the job posting.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills across digital, print, and multimedia. Prioritize work that demonstrates creativity, technical proficiency, and problem-solving.
• Highlight Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process undertaken, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Use case study format: Problem -> Solution -> Result.
• Showcase Cultural Sensitivity: If you have relevant experience or projects that demonstrate your understanding and application of Māori culture, design, or language, ensure these are prominently featured and explained.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to talk through your design decisions, how you handled feedback, and how you managed project timelines. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly.
• Tailor to the Organization: Research Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei's existing visual identity and communications. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with or could evolve their brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a specific design challenge isn't mentioned, be prepared for potential exercises that might involve a quick design task, a critique of existing designs, or a problem-solving scenario related to brand consistency or cultural representation.
• Focus on demonstrating your thought process, ability to work under pressure, and how you would approach a new design brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Apply Now" section and the mention of pre-employment checks are integrated into the interview process. The portfolio review section is expanded with actionable advice tailored to showcasing skills relevant to this specific role and organization, emphasizing cultural aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency is essential. This includes:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of reports, proposals, brochures, and print materials.
• Prototyping/UI Tools (Potentially): Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD might be used for digital design and collaboration, though not explicitly stated.
• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for presenting design concepts and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics (Awareness): Familiarity with how design impacts web traffic and engagement (e.g., Google Analytics) would be beneficial for understanding digital performance.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with platforms like WordPress or similar for publishing digital content.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how design assets are used in marketing and sales enablement (which often leverage CRM data) could be advantageous.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with organizing and retrieving digital assets within a structured system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ai_key_skills" and "ai_keywords" point heavily towards standard graphic design software. The "Content Management Systems" and "Publishing Workflows" requirements are integrated here, along with potential related tools that a designer in this role might encounter.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Manaakitanga (Hospitality/Care): This value is paramount, implying that all interactions, internal and external, should be conducted with kindness, respect, and generosity. For a designer, this translates to thoughtful communication with stakeholders and a considerate approach to design solutions.
• Respect: Upholding respect for individuals, culture, and traditions is a core expectation. Designs should reflect this respect, particularly when representing Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s heritage and community.
• Resilience: The ability to adapt to challenges, manage demanding workloads, and maintain a positive outlook. Designers will need to be resilient in the face of feedback or project changes.
• Whānau Outcome Focused: A commitment to ensuring that work contributes to the well-being and success of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei whānau (extended family/community). Design decisions should align with this overarching goal.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with others, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a collective effort. This is crucial for team cohesion and successful project delivery.
• Cultural Understanding: Actively engaging with and deepening understanding of te ao Māori, reo Māori, and tikanga. This is not just about representation but about genuine integration and respect.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: The Toi Karere team structure suggests a highly collaborative environment where designers, content creators, and managers work closely together, sharing ideas and providing mutual support.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Expect a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged, both within the creative team and with external stakeholders, to refine design outputs.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: The role requires collaboration with various departments, necessitating clear communication and partnership to understand diverse needs and ensure design solutions are effective across the organization.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of best practices, new techniques, and insights, particularly in the context of integrating cultural elements into design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of values like "Manaakitanga," "Resilience," and "Whānau outcome focused" in the input provides a unique cultural lens. This section directly translates those values into actionable expectations for a graphic designer within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Cultural Nuance and Professional Design: The primary challenge will be to authentically integrate te ao Māori and tikanga into contemporary design practices, ensuring cultural integrity without compromising aesthetic quality or brand consistency.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the various requirements and perspectives of different stakeholders into cohesive and impactful design solutions can be complex.
• Evolving Brand Identity: Maintaining and evolving a powerful brand identity requires continuous creativity and strategic thinking to keep it relevant and impactful.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines in a dynamic organizational setting requires strong organizational and time management skills.
• Digital vs. Print Demands: Adeptly switching between and optimizing designs for vastly different mediums, from print collateral to social media graphics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas of graphic design, digital media, or multimedia production through internal projects and potentially external training.
• Cultural Expertise: Deepen understanding and application of te reo Māori and tikanga, becoming a subject matter expert in culturally sensitive design within the organization.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, software, and methodologies, particularly those relevant to brand management and digital communication.
• Cross-Departmental Learning: Gaining insights into the broader operational and strategic goals of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei through collaboration with various departments.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse, high-impact projects that showcase growth and specialized skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from the core responsibilities and the unique cultural context. Growth opportunities are framed around skill enhancement, cultural development, and exposure within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Assesses Project Management & Resilience)
• "How would you approach designing a campaign that needs to resonate with both traditional Māori values and a contemporary audience?" (Assesses Cultural Competency & Strategic Design Thinking)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to translate complex stakeholder feedback into a final design. What was your process?" (Assesses Communication, Collaboration & Problem-Solving)
• "How do you stay current with design trends and incorporate new techniques into your work?" (Assesses Continuous Learning & Innovation)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and our mission?" (Assesses Research & Alignment)
• "How do you demonstrate cultural competency in your professional work?" (Assesses Cultural Understanding & Values Alignment)
• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What makes a collaborative team successful?" (Assesses Collaboration Style & Teamwork)
• "How do you ensure the values of an organization are reflected in your design work?" (Assesses Value Integration & Brand Stewardship)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project, use a clear narrative: Brief/Problem -> Your Role/Process -> Solution/Design -> Outcome/Impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals of your work. For digital projects, consider brief screen recordings or interactive mockups if possible.
• Highlight Cultural Integration: Clearly explain any instances where you incorporated te reo Māori, tikanga, or Māori design principles. Discuss the thought process and sensitivity involved.
• Quantify Results: If possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback on the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, positive stakeholder feedback, campaign reach).
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would approach future projects for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the essential skills and cultural competencies highlighted throughout the job description. The portfolio presentation strategy offers concrete advice tailored to this role's requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the 'Apply for this job' button on the careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features diverse examples of your design work, including digital, print, and campaign materials. Tailor your selection to showcase projects that align with the responsibilities of this role, particularly those demonstrating brand stewardship and creative problem-solving.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing skills such as visual communication, project management, stakeholder engagement, and cultural competency. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your creative decisions, and discussing how you would integrate te ao Māori into your work. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively and answer questions about your experience and cultural awareness.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, its mission, values, and current visual communications. Understand their commitment to te ao Māori and how your design contributions can support 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.