Graphic Designer - The Sports Facilities Companies

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: The Sports Facilities Companies
Location: Clearwater, FL
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: 2026-01-30
Experience Level: 3-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for developing compelling brands and graphic identities for sports, recreation, and events facilities managed by Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM).
• The Graphic Designer will collaborate extensively with corporate marketing managers and on-site team members to deliver high-quality visual assets.
• Responsibilities include creating original artwork, managing digital assets, and contributing to the strategic planning of marketing deliverables for various projects.
• The position requires a blend of creative expertise, technical proficiency in design software, and strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and client support.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of working within "Facility Marketing" and supporting "sports, recreation, and events center management" strongly suggests this role operates within a marketing operations or GTM support function, focusing on brand consistency and visual communication across multiple properties. The emphasis on "internal processes and procedures" and "project management software" further supports this operations-leaning perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce original, custom artwork, including logos, brand identities, flyers, booklets, and other marketing collateral for sports and recreation facilities, events, and programs.
• Collaborate effectively with SFC Marketing Managers at the corporate office and across various national locations to ensure brand consistency and project alignment.
• Develop and execute engaging presentations for internal team members and external clients, visualizing strategies and outcomes.
• Provide on-demand graphic design coaching and support to team members operating in field locations, acting as a visual communication resource.
• Adhere to, leverage, and contribute to the innovation of internal processes, procedures, project management software, and department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Perform occasional copywriting, proofreading, and editing tasks for marketing materials to ensure accuracy and brand voice consistency.
• Engage in strategic planning by understanding the goals of design and marketing deliverables, using creative strengths to enhance or support the marketing strategy for each project.
• Maintain an organized system for digital files, assets, and supporting project materials, ensuring easy accessibility and version control.
• Contribute creative direction and input for diverse projects, including video production, interior design concepts, and ambient media installations.
• Execute all other assigned tasks as directed by management, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to workload management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "Leverage, follow, and help innovate internal processes and procedures, project management software, and department SOPs" and "Strategic planning, understand the goal of our design and marketing deliverables" indicates a need for the candidate to not only execute design but also to understand and optimize the operational workflows behind them, aligning with marketing operations principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing Communications) is preferred.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating compelling visual assets.
• Demonstrated experience in developing brand identities and logos for diverse projects.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, preferably within a marketing or agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a primary focus on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Strong command of Adobe Bridge for efficient asset management.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a keen eye for layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
• Proven ability to self-manage projects, meet deadlines consistently, and communicate proactively with stakeholders.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and build positive working relationships.
• Self-starter mentality with the capacity to embrace and achieve aggressive individual and department goals.
• Ability to find creative solutions, cut through complexity, and achieve positive outcomes in challenging situations.
• Amiable, humble, and hungry attitude, eager to take on new challenges and contribute to a high-performing team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro) is a plus.
• Proficiency in WordPress, with the ability to make website edits.
• Basic understanding or experience with HTML coding for web design applications.
• Experience in copywriting, proofing, and editing marketing copy.
• Familiarity with project management software and departmental SOPs.
• Ability to provide creative direction for various media, including video and interior design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert level command Adobe Creative Suite," "attention to detail, strong layout skills, and infinite creativity," and the preference for "video editing" and "HTML coding" point to a need for a technically skilled designer who can also contribute to web and multimedia content creation, common in modern marketing operations. The "amiable, humble, and hungry" trait is a strong indicator of culture fit expectations in a growth-oriented company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of professional graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on brand identity development and logo creation.
• Demonstrations of original, custom artwork including logos, brand identities, flyers, and booklets for sports and recreation facilities or similar entities where applicable.
• Examples of presentation design, illustrating the ability to communicate complex information visually.
• Projects that highlight strategic thinking, showing an understanding of design goals and marketing objectives.
• Evidence of working within established brand guidelines or creating new ones from scratch.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a documentation role, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows and asset management.
• Examples of how files were organized and assets were maintained for different projects, if possible.
• Projects that show adaptation to different project requirements or client feedback, illustrating a flexible design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting marketing operations, the portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating process adherence and creative output. The expectation is to see not just finished products but also evidence of a structured approach to design projects, including how assets are managed and how strategic objectives are met visually.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Clearwater, FL, the estimated annual salary range is between $55,000 and $75,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Tampa Bay area and the specialized nature of sports and recreation facility marketing. The exact salary will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status (EXEMPT).
• Highly collaborative and supportive company culture.
• Opportunities for career growth within a hyper-growing industry.
• National recognition as a Top Workplace year over year.
• Potential for involvement in diverse and exciting projects within the sports, recreation, and events sector.
• Access to industry best practices and learning from industry leaders.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely 40 hours per week. While not explicitly stated as flexible, the role's collaborative nature and client-facing responsibilities suggest a need for availability during standard business hours, with potential for occasional work outside these hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary research for Clearwater, FL, indicates a median salary for Graphic Designers around $60,000-$65,000, with higher earners reaching $75,000+. Given the company's mention of growth and "best team in the industry," a range slightly above the median is appropriate for experienced candidates. Benefits are inferred from the company description emphasizing culture and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports, Recreation, Wellness, and Events Facility Management & Development. The company operates within a dynamic sector that requires creative marketing solutions to engage diverse audiences and promote facility usage. Company Size: The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) is part of a larger family of companies, suggesting a significant operational footprint. While an exact number isn't provided, the description of managing facilities "across the country" and being a "hyper-growing industry" indicates a medium to large-sized organization with substantial reach. This size implies established processes and a structured marketing department. Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its continuous growth and national recognition as a "Top Workplace year over year" suggest a stable and well-established organization with a strong focus on employee satisfaction and operational excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the VP of Business Development & Marketing, indicating a senior leadership connection.
• The role is part of the "FACILITY MARKETING" department, implying a specialized team focused on marketing initiatives for managed facilities.
• Collaboration extends to "SFC Marketing Managers in the corporate office as well as in locations around the country," suggesting a distributed marketing team and a need for strong remote collaboration skills.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approach to marketing and design, leveraging insights to create compelling brands and identities.
• Client-focused strategy, tailoring design solutions to the specific needs of each property and destination.
• Collaborative workflow, emphasizing teamwork and shared accountability to achieve departmental and individual goals.
• Process-oriented operations, with an expectation to follow, leverage, and innovate internal processes, project management software, and SOPs.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging high performance and continuous growth within a rapidly expanding industry.

Company Website: https://sportadvisory.applicantpro.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on being a "Top Workplace" and "highly entrepreneurial, team-oriented" culture with a "mission-focused company" suggests an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and employee development, which are key for operational roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It sits within the marketing department and reports to a VP, indicating a significant contribution to GTM strategy through visual branding and marketing collateral. The role involves not just execution but also strategic input and coaching, suggesting potential for growth into senior design or marketing roles. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the VP of Business Development & Marketing. This direct line to senior leadership offers visibility and the opportunity to influence marketing strategy at a high level. Collaboration will also occur with SFC Marketing Managers, implying a matrixed reporting or strong dotted-line relationship for project-specific work. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the brand perception and marketing effectiveness of sports, recreation, and events facilities. By creating compelling visual identities and collateral, this role supports lead generation, event promotion, and overall facility brand equity. This visual communication is critical for the company's overall GTM strategy and client success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Advance expertise in specific design areas relevant to the sports and recreation industry, such as event branding, digital marketing visuals, or facility branding strategy.
• Leadership Development: Gain experience in providing design coaching and direction to team members, potentially leading to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work on a variety of projects, including video production and interior design input, offering exposure to broader marketing and operational functions within SFC.
• Strategic Contribution: Develop a deeper understanding of marketing strategy and business development, contributing more significantly to the planning and execution phases of marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's reporting structure and emphasis on strategic input suggest a clear path for advancement beyond pure design execution. The company's growth-oriented nature further supports the idea of significant career development opportunities for high performers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Clearwater, FL, and described as "On-site." This implies a traditional office environment within the company's headquarters or a regional office. The description of a "highly collaborative and supportive culture" suggests an open or semi-open office layout designed to foster teamwork and communication. Office Location(s): Clearwater, Florida (FL), 33764. This location is within the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, offering access to a vibrant business community and lifestyle amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on a "highly collaborative and supportive culture" and the need to work with corporate and field marketing managers indicates opportunities for frequent interaction with colleagues.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially project management tools is expected, supporting efficient workflow and creative output.
• Team Interaction: Regular communication and collaboration with marketing managers and other team members are integral to the role, facilitating knowledge sharing and project success.

Work Schedule:

• The position is full-time (EXEMPT) and likely follows standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday), totaling approximately 40 hours per week. While flexibility isn't explicitly mentioned, the nature of creative roles and project deadlines may require occasional adjustments to meet client needs or launch schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Clearwater, FL, combined with the company's emphasis on collaboration and a supportive culture, points to a traditional office setting where in-person interaction is valued for creative synergy and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative style.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session where candidates will present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design challenge or skills test to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and problem-solving abilities.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the company's "amiable, humble, and hungry" culture.
• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Business Development & Marketing) to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest work, prioritizing projects that demonstrate brand identity development, logo design, and marketing collateral creation relevant to sports, recreation, or events.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the impact of your design. Highlight your strategic thinking.
• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of projects that demonstrate proficiency across different media (print, digital, presentations) and styles.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio reflects expert use of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). If you have video editing or WordPress experience, include relevant examples.
• Organize Clearly: Present your portfolio in a clean, professional, and easy-to-navigate format (e.g., PDF, personal website). Make sure file organization and asset management are implicitly showcased through your project examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a logo, flyer, or presentation based on a prompt provided by the company.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design meets the objectives of the brief.
• Familiarize yourself with the company's existing branding and the types of facilities they manage to better understand their aesthetic and marketing needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role within a marketing operations framework, the portfolio is paramount. The interview process will likely heavily weigh the candidate's ability to translate strategic goals into effective visual communication, as well as their process and collaborative approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command is required, specifically:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of flyers, booklets, and other print/digital collateral.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For logo creation, vector graphics, and scalable brand assets.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Bridge: For efficient digital asset management, file organization, and workflow streamlining.
• WordPress: Experience in making website edits is preferred, indicating a need for basic CMS familiarity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly handling analytics, the role may need to interpret basic data for design briefs or understand how design impacts metrics. Familiarity with how design contributes to campaign performance is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for the designer's direct use, but understanding how marketing collateral integrates into broader CRM/marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

Other Potential Tools:

• Video Editing Software: Proficiency in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro is a plus, suggesting potential for multimedia content creation.
• Project Management Software: Experience with systems like Asana, Trello, or similar is implied by the mention of leveraging and innovating internal processes and procedures.
• HTML Coding: Basic knowledge is a plus, suggesting potential for direct web design contributions or collaboration with web developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, along with Bridge, is critical. The preferred skills in WordPress and HTML, plus video editing, indicate a desire for a versatile designer who can contribute across multiple digital and print channels, aligning with comprehensive marketing operations needs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and working harmoniously with corporate marketing, field teams, and senior leadership. The company culture is described as "highly collaborative and supportive."
• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and marketing deliverables that meet client needs and strategic objectives. The company is recognized as a "Top Workplace," suggesting a commitment to providing an excellent work environment.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of projects, meeting deadlines, and contributing proactively to team and departmental goals.
• Service: Serving both internal stakeholders (team members, clients) and external audiences through effective visual communication.
• Growth Mindset: Being "amiable, humble, and hungry" reflects a culture that values continuous learning, a willingness to take on new challenges, and a drive for personal and professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with marketing managers at both corporate and facility levels, requiring clear communication and understanding of diverse project needs.
• Proactive Communication: Essential for self-management and collaboration, ensuring stakeholders are informed of progress, challenges, and timelines.
• Supportive Mentorship: Providing graphic design coaching and support to team members in the field, fostering a knowledge-sharing environment.
• Feedback Exchange: The collaborative nature implies an openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to refine designs and improve processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and the "amiable, humble, and hungry" ethos are crucial for understanding the expected team dynamics. This role requires someone who can be both a strong individual contributor and an effective team player within a fast-paced, growth-focused organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload of design requests from various facilities and corporate initiatives simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring consistent brand identity and visual messaging across a wide range of properties, each with potentially unique branding needs.
• Adapting to Different Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating effectively with diverse personalities and varying levels of design understanding across the organization and client base.
• Innovation within Constraints: Developing creative and original designs while adhering to brand guidelines, project briefs, and internal processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced design techniques, video editing, or web design through project exposure and potential training.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the sports, recreation, and events facility management industry, understanding its unique marketing challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic Contribution: Developing a stronger understanding of marketing strategy, business development, and client relations through collaboration with senior leadership.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing professionals and potentially mentoring junior team members as the role evolves.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a designer in a multi-location, client-facing organization. The growth opportunities are tied to the company's emphasis on development and the diverse nature of its operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a brand identity from scratch. What was your process, and what were the key considerations?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and understanding client goals.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects or locations? Can you provide an example?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand management and operational execution.)
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your role, and the outcome?" (Be ready to present your portfolio and articulate the impact of your design.)
• "How do you handle feedback or revisions on your designs, especially when they differ from your initial vision?" (Showcase adaptability, collaboration, and client-centricity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Sports Facilities Companies and our work in the sports and recreation industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects.)
• "How do you align with our company values, particularly being 'amiable, humble, and hungry'?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these traits in your professional life.)
• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment. What is your preferred working style?" (Highlight your ability to work well with others and contribute to team success.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio and the types of projects included. For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your specific role, the creative process undertaken, key design decisions, and the final outcome or impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Ensure your presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, or a direct link to your online portfolio) is professional and easy to follow.
• Storytelling: Frame your projects as mini case studies. Emphasize problem-solving, strategic thinking, and how your design addressed specific business or marketing needs.
• Metrics: If possible, include any quantifiable results or positive feedback received for your designs. This shows your understanding of design's impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, process adherence, and cultural fit, aligning with the operations-focused aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the applicant tracking system.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating brand identity development, logo creation, and marketing collateral for sports, recreation, or event facilities. If direct experience is limited, showcase transferable skills from similar industries.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any relevant preferred skills like WordPress or video editing. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the strategic intent and impact of your designs. Prepare to discuss your experience with collaboration, meeting deadlines, and your approach to problem-solving within a team environment.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM). Understand their mission, the types of facilities they manage, and their overall market position. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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