Graphic Designer + Social Media Coordinator

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer + Social Media Coordinator Company: Touchstone Climbing Location: Berkeley, California Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried Category: Marketing / Creative Operations Date Posted: December 03, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives visual communication strategy and execution for a multi-location climbing gym organization, focusing on brand consistency and creative storytelling.
• Manages and enhances social media presence across key platforms (Instagram, YouTube), translating brand messaging into engaging digital content.
• Develops a wide array of marketing collateral, from digital assets and promotional materials to merchandise concepts and internal communications, demonstrating strong project management and creative ownership.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with departments like Marketing, HR, DEI, and Gym Management to support culture-forward campaigns and community initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is creative design and social media, the role's involvement in internal communications, template development, and cross-departmental collaboration indicates a need for operational efficiency and process-oriented thinking, characteristic of Marketing Operations roles. The emphasis on managing assets (photography, digital files) and supporting various internal and external creative needs suggests a foundational understanding of marketing operations workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a comprehensive range of marketing and promotional assets, including but not limited to posters, flyers, banners, email graphics, and digital advertisements, ensuring brand consistency across all materials.
• Conceptualize and create designs for retail merchandise, such as apparel, stickers, signage, and packaging, aligning with brand identity and market trends.
• Develop and manage visual assets for the Touchstone Brewing brand, including beer labels, taproom signage, and merchandise, ensuring cohesive branding.
• Create internal-facing design assets for Human Resources, staff training, internal communications, and standardized templates to streamline operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with community outreach and partnerships teams to develop external-facing assets that support brand initiatives and member engagement.
• Design compelling internal and external presentations (decks) for leadership, partnerships, community programs, and marketing campaigns, translating complex information into clear visual narratives.
• Develop and execute social media content strategies for Touchstone's primary Instagram and individual gym accounts, including posts, campaigns, and brand storytelling, while also managing social advertising efforts.
• Monitor social media channels for engagement, messages, and tags, fostering community interaction and responding to inquiries.
• Assist in the organization and management of YouTube content and Linktree profiles to enhance digital presence.
• Maintain and evolve the brand's visual identity across all departments and gym locations, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand experience.
• Support DEI, culture, and community-focused marketing efforts by designing inclusive and representative creative assets, accessible gym signage, and visuals that highlight partnerships and initiatives.
• Organize and manage photography assets in platforms like Flickr and shared Google Drives, ensuring efficient access and retrieval for marketing use.
• Assist with various marketing operations tasks, including asset requests, mailings, and supporting merchandise, retail, and event creative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a structured approach to asset management and workflow coordination, which are core to marketing operations. The mention of "maintaining brand consistency" and "evolving visual identity" points to strategic operations management of brand assets. Supporting "internal communications" and "HR/training" assets indicates a role in internal operational efficiency through design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for roles with this experience level and responsibility scope. Experience: 2-5+ years of demonstrated experience in graphic design, communication design, or visual storytelling, with a proven track record of managing brand identity and creating marketing collateral.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Strong command of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is essential for creating high-quality visual assets.
• Visual Storytelling & Information Design: Ability to translate complex ideas, data, and programs into clear, compelling visual narratives and infographics.
• Branding & Identity Management: Experience in developing and maintaining brand consistency across diverse marketing materials and platforms is critical.
• Marketing Asset Creation: Proven ability to design a wide range of marketing collateral, including print, digital ads, social media graphics, and promotional materials.
• Presentation Design: Expertise in creating impactful decks for various audiences, from leadership to community programs.
• Social Media Content Creation: Experience designing graphics and content specifically for platforms like Instagram and YouTube, with an understanding of engagement strategies.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative spirit and comfort working via Slack and in person.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics (e.g., After Effects)
• Data Visualization expertise
• UI/UX principles understanding
• Experience in defining or evolving a brand identity
• Familiarity with photography asset management (e.g., Flickr, Google Drive)
• Experience with social media advertising management

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bonus Points" section directly translates to preferred skills. The requirement for a strong portfolio implies a need for candidates who can articulate their design process and the impact of their work, a skill highly valued in operations roles that often involve presenting data and project outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust design portfolio demonstrating expertise in branding, visual storytelling, and marketing asset creation across various mediums (print, digital, social).
• Case studies or examples showcasing the ability to translate complex information into clear visual narratives or infographics.
• Examples of social media content design and campaign execution.
• Demonstrations of maintaining brand consistency while adapting visuals for different departments or initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for documentation, the role's responsibilities imply the need for an organized approach to file management, asset organization (e.g., in Flickr, Google Drives), and potentially a system for managing design requests and approvals.
• The expectation to "maintain brand consistency" suggests adherence to established brand guidelines and potentially contributing to their refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role with operational components like asset management and cross-departmental support, a portfolio is crucial. It serves as a tangible representation of process execution, design quality, and the ability to deliver on project requirements efficiently. The emphasis on "seeing your work through from concept to execution" highlights the importance of a candidate's workflow and project management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $71,000 – $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive Kaiser Permanente plans, with 90% employer-paid coverage for employees and 70% for dependents on a top-tier plan, or 100% employer-paid for employees on a higher-deductible plan.
• Dental Insurance: 80% employer-paid coverage for employees and 65% for dependents.
• Vision Plan: 100% employer-paid coverage for employees and 70% for dependents.
• Medical FSA: Pre-tax contributions for medical expenses.
• Mental Health Services: Access to Modern Health and Calm.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With employer match available.
• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation and sick leave.
• Free Gym Membership: Access to all Touchstone facilities for the employee and a +1.
• Guest Passes: Unlimited guest passes for non-members.
• Pro Deals & Staff Discounts: Discounts on gear and industry pro deals.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Supporting work-life balance.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on a flexible schedule to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $71,000–$90,000 for a mid-level Graphic Designer + Social Media Coordinator in Berkeley, CA, aligns with industry standards for the San Francisco Bay Area. This range reflects the combined responsibilities of design execution, social media management, and operational support within a growing organization. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the generous health insurance contributions and fitness-related perks, is a significant draw for employees in the wellness and recreation industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, specifically indoor climbing and fitness facilities. Touchstone Climbing is a significant player in this market, operating multiple gyms. Company Size: The provided data doesn't specify exact employee count but lists "Touchstone Climbing" as the organization. Given it operates over 17 gyms across California, it's a mid-to-large sized company within its niche. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company has a well-established presence in the climbing community.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Marketing Team, which likely comprises various specialists.
• This position requires significant cross-functional collaboration with departments such as Community, DEI, HR, Partnerships, and individual Gym Managers.
• Reporting structure is not detailed but likely falls under a Marketing Manager or Director.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative, the role involves supporting marketing strategies and campaigns, suggesting an approach that balances creative output with performance insights (e.g., social media engagement, campaign effectiveness).
• Process Optimization: The need to develop templates, manage assets, and support various departments implies a focus on efficient workflows and repeatable processes.
• Community Focus: A strong emphasis on community, DEI, and inclusive marketing indicates a company culture that values connection, diversity, and accessibility.

Company Website: touchstoneclimbing.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "mission-driven climbing" and its emphasis on community, DEI, and accessibility suggest a culture that values purpose alongside business objectives. For operations professionals, this means an environment where initiatives are often tied to broader company values, requiring clear communication and alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Designer and Social Media Coordinator. It offers substantial creative ownership and responsibility across multiple facets of marketing and internal communications, bridging creative execution with operational support. Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Marketing Team, likely under a Marketing Manager or Director. Collaboration extends across numerous departments, providing exposure to various operational functions. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer + Social Media Coordinator directly impacts brand perception, member engagement, and internal operational efficiency through high-quality visual communication and effective social media strategies. Their work supports revenue-generating activities (promotions, merchandise) and contributes to a positive internal and external brand experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, advanced social media strategy, or brand development.
• Leadership: Advancement into roles with greater strategic oversight of marketing design or social media management.
• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunity to learn about other marketing functions and operational areas through extensive collaboration.
• Brand Evolution: Contribute to shaping the visual direction and brand voice of a growing organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of creative and operational tasks provides a unique growth path. Candidates can develop strong project management and stakeholder communication skills alongside their design and social media expertise, preparing them for roles that require both creative vision and operational execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is explicitly stated as "In-Office" and "highly collaborative." This suggests a dynamic, team-oriented physical workspace. Office Location(s): Berkeley, California. This implies working within the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, offering access to a creative and professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on collaboration suggests an open-plan office or shared workspaces designed to foster interaction and idea exchange.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, communication platforms (Slack), and design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected. The role also involves using asset management tools like Flickr and Google Drives.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the marketing team and other departments is a key aspect of the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with a flexible schedule noted, indicating a balance between structured work hours and personal flexibility, common in modern creative and marketing roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "in-office" requirement, combined with "high autonomy with high responsibility," suggests a work environment where individuals are trusted to manage their tasks effectively within a collaborative setting. For operations professionals, this environment often fosters efficiency through direct communication and shared problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and a mandatory portfolio. Applications without a portfolio will be rejected.
• Portfolio Review: A critical step where candidates showcase their design skills, branding experience, and visual storytelling capabilities. Expect to discuss specific projects, your role, and the outcomes.
• Skills Assessment: May include technical tests related to Adobe Creative Suite or a design challenge to assess problem-solving and creative execution under time constraints.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess communication style, collaboration skills, adaptability, and alignment with Touchstone's community-focused and DEI values. Expect questions about managing shifting priorities and cross-team workflows.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent the required skills: branding, marketing assets, social media graphics, presentation design, and visual storytelling.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your process, the challenges, your solutions, and the results or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Highlight Operations Alignment: If possible, showcase projects where you managed multiple assets, adhered to brand guidelines, or contributed to workflow efficiency.
• Showcase Social Media Work: Include examples of social media graphics and explain the strategy behind them.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, managing your time effectively, and delivering a clear, well-reasoned solution that aligns with the brand.
• Operations Scenario: Be prepared for questions that might test your ability to organize creative assets, manage competing design requests, or contribute to process improvements within the marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the rejection of applications without one underscores its importance. For operations-minded candidates, framing portfolio pieces not just as creative output but as solutions to specific marketing or communication challenges, demonstrating efficiency and impact, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics.
• Adobe InDesign: For page layout, print collateral, and presentation design.

Social Media & Digital Platforms:

• Instagram: Primary platform for visual content and community engagement.
• YouTube: For content organization and potential visual support.
• Linktree: For managing social media links.
• Social Media Advertising Management Tools (specifics not mentioned, but implied).

Asset Management & Collaboration:

• Flickr: For organizing and storing photography assets.
• Google Drives: For shared document and asset storage.
• Slack: Primary communication platform for team collaboration.

Preferred/Bonus Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics.
• Data Visualization Tools: For creating informative charts and graphs.
• UI/UX Design Tools: (e.g., Figma, Sketch) - for understanding user interface principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a strict requirement. Familiarity with digital asset management systems and collaborative communication tools is essential for day-to-day operations and cross-functional teamwork. The mention of Flickr and Google Drives points to a need for organized digital asset management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Design Excellence: A strong emphasis on producing high-quality, visually appealing, and effective design work.
• Community & Inclusivity: A deep commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and welcoming environment, reflected in all marketing and internal communications.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership: A culture that values teamwork, open communication, and working effectively across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Autonomy & Responsibility: Empowering individuals to take ownership of their projects and deliver results with a high degree of independence.
• Adaptability & Experimentation: A willingness to embrace change, experiment with new ideas, and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly Collaborative: The role is described as "highly collaborative," indicating a need for active participation in team discussions, brainstorming sessions, and cross-departmental projects.
• Communication-Centric: Reliance on tools like Slack and in-person interaction emphasizes clear, frequent, and open communication.
• Feedback Integration: Expectation to work with stakeholders from various departments, requiring the ability to receive, interpret, and integrate feedback into design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on DEI and community is a significant cultural driver. Operations professionals in this environment must be adept at translating these values into tangible marketing and internal communications, demonstrating cultural alignment and sensitivity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Maintaining a unique creative voice while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines across a large organization.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating effectively with numerous departments (HR, DEI, Partnerships, Gym Managers) who may have varying creative needs and priorities.
• Adapting to Shifting Priorities: Thriving in a fast-paced environment where project scopes or deadlines may change, requiring flexibility and efficient re-prioritization.
• Translating Complex Concepts Visually: Effectively communicating intricate programs, data, or community initiatives through design.
• Social Media Engagement Strategy: Developing and executing social media campaigns that genuinely resonate with a diverse climbing community and drive engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to gain experience in motion graphics, data visualization, UI/UX principles, and advanced social media advertising.
• Brand Strategy Involvement: Contribute to the evolution of Touchstone's visual identity and marketing strategies.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepen understanding of marketing operations, community engagement, and DEI initiatives through collaboration.
• Industry Engagement: Potential to engage with industry trends in climbing, fitness, and marketing, possibly through pro deals or event exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in dynamic marketing and creative roles. For operations-minded individuals, viewing these as opportunities to refine process management, stakeholder communication, and strategic planning skills will be beneficial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on process, stakeholder alignment, and outcome.)
• "How would you design a campaign to promote diversity and inclusion at our climbing gyms?" (Assess understanding of DEI principles and creative application.)
• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio that demonstrates your visual storytelling skills for a complex topic." (Prepare to articulate your process, rationale, and impact.)
• "How do you manage multiple design requests from different departments with competing deadlines?" (Highlight project management, prioritization, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Touchstone Climbing and the climbing community?" (Show genuine interest and research.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and representative of diverse communities?" (Connect to company values and DEI focus.)
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to it." (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that directly align with the job requirements (branding, social media, marketing assets, presentations).
• Narrative Structure: For each project, clearly present:
  • The Objective/Problem: What was the goal or challenge?
  • Your Role & Process: Your specific contributions and how you approached the design.
  • The Solution: The final creative output.
  • The Impact/Results: What was the outcome? (Metrics if available, or qualitative feedback.)
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite tools and any other relevant software.
• Brand Alignment: Explain how your work reflects or evolves a brand's identity.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; present clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: When preparing for this role, focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational thinking. Highlight how you manage projects, communicate with stakeholders, ensure brand consistency, and contribute to efficient workflows. Quantifying impact where possible (e.g., engagement rates on social media posts you designed) will be highly effective.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer + Social Media Coordinator position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your design portfolio through the provided application link on rippling.com. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to branding, marketing collateral, social media graphics, and presentation design. Tailor your case studies to highlight visual storytelling and problem-solving.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 2-5+ years of experience and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description, such as "visual storytelling," "brand consistency," "social media coordination," and "marketing assets."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining the impact of your work, and discussing how you manage projects and collaborate with teams. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Touchstone Climbing and its community-focused mission.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Touchstone Climbing's gyms, brand identity, and social media presence. Understand their commitment to DEI and community engagement to align your responses with their values.

⚠️ 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.