Graphic Designer - Tourism & Resort Marketing
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer - Tourism & Resort Marketing Company: Wilderness Resort Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-30 Experience Level: Mid-Level (4-6 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- This role is pivotal in supporting integrated marketing campaigns across multiple resort properties, focusing on visual brand consistency and campaign execution.
- The Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and producing a wide array of marketing collateral for seasonal promotions, group sales initiatives, and special events, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and business objectives.
- A key aspect of this position involves proactive collaboration with internal sales teams and external advertising agencies to drive strategic marketing initiatives and maximize campaign impact.
- The role requires managing a diverse project load independently while also contributing to cross-departmental projects, emphasizing efficient workflow and high-quality output in a dynamic hospitality environment.
π Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities and focus on marketing collateral, campaign execution, and cross-functional collaboration place this role within a broader "Marketing & Design Operations" category, emphasizing the operational aspects of creative output. The explicit mention of "Tourism & Resort Marketing" further refines this category.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and execute creative concepts for seasonal promotions, group sales materials, and special events across both Wisconsin and Tennessee properties, ensuring on-brand messaging and visual appeal.
- Collaborate closely with advertising agencies to maintain creative consistency across all marketing materials and support integrated campaign development, proactively planning ahead of each season.
- Drive planning and strategy for marketing needs of Sales teams in WI and TN, encompassing print materials, media buy coordination, eblasts, social campaigns, and property-specific design support.
- Design and produce digital assets, including social media graphics, website visuals, and eblasts, ensuring alignment with seasonal themes and overall brand identity.
- Create and update print advertisements for various media channels, adhering to pre-press standards for flawless production.
- Coordinate and support in-house photoshoots, including managing props and shot lists to capture essential visual assets for marketing campaigns.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of brand books for Food & Beverage, Attractions, and Activities outlets, potentially including logo design for new initiatives.
- Monitor and maintain physical marketing materials (e.g., rack slots) at the TN property, ensuring they are current, visually appealing, and well-stocked.
- Prepare and distribute internal company newsletters via eblast on a monthly basis, fostering internal communication and engagement.
- Provide on-demand graphic design support to internal departments for operational and marketing materials, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness.
- Review and update existing print and digital assets to ensure consistent brand application and relevance.
- Stay abreast of current design trends and best practices specifically within the hospitality and tourism sectors to inform creative strategies.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and strategic marketing support, indicating a need for a designer who can operate both tactically and strategically within a multi-property environment. The emphasis on "driving planning and strategy" for sales teams suggests a proactive, results-oriented approach beyond standard design tasks.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelorβs degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a closely related creative field.
- Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree for exceptionally qualified candidates.
Experience:
- Minimum of 4-6 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on marketing, branding, and multi-platform campaign execution.
- Proven track record of working effectively across both print and digital design formats within a fast-paced, multi-property or multi-brand environment.
Required Skills:
- Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
- Digital Design: Strong skills in creating engaging digital assets for social media, web, and eblasts, with an understanding of platform-specific best practices.
- Print Design & Production: Solid understanding of print design principles, typography, layout, and pre-press preparation for various media.
- Brand Management: Ability to consistently apply and maintain brand guidelines across diverse marketing materials, ensuring visual integrity.
- Project Management: Demonstrated capability to manage multiple independent projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a demanding environment.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams, sales departments, and external agencies.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot creative challenges, interpret feedback, and develop innovative design solutions.
Preferred Skills:
- Motion Graphics/Video: Working knowledge of Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro for animated graphics or video content creation.
- Photography: Experience with photo editing (Adobe Lightroom) and practical knowledge of photography principles; direct experience coordinating photoshoots is a significant plus.
- Hospitality/Tourism Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with marketing strategies and design considerations specific to resorts, hotels, or the tourism sector.
- Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for cross-functional collaboration and presentation support.
- Logo Design: Experience in creating or updating logos for specific outlets or new initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 4-6 years positions this role as mid-level, expecting a solid foundation in design principles and practical application in a marketing context. The preference for motion graphics and hospitality knowledge indicates areas where candidates can differentiate themselves.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing strong visual design skills, campaign development examples, and demonstrated brand consistency across a diverse range of print and digital materials.
- Include case studies or examples that highlight your process in developing marketing collateral from concept to final execution, detailing problem-solving and strategic considerations.
- Demonstrate experience in managing multiple projects concurrently, illustrating your ability to organize and deliver high-quality work under pressure.
- Showcase examples of digital asset creation (social media graphics, web banners, eblasts) and print collateral (brochures, advertisements, flyers).
- Provide evidence of your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud software through the quality and complexity of the designs presented.
Process Documentation:
- Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they interpret briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, iterate based on feedback, and prepare final files for production.
- Be prepared to discuss your workflow for managing project timelines, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring brand consistency across different platforms and properties.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to adapt designs for specific marketing objectives, such as driving bookings, promoting events, or enhancing group sales efforts.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong visual design skills, campaign development, and brand consistency" in the original listing translates to specific portfolio requirements. The expectation is to see not just aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking applied to marketing goals.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 4-6 years of experience in the Wisconsin Dells, WI area, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region, the specific demands of the hospitality and tourism sector, and the required skill set.
Benefits:
- Access to resort amenities and attractions, providing unique perks for employees.
- Employee discounts on resort services, F&B, and retail.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and training within a large resort environment.
- Potential for travel between WI and TN properties, offering varied work experiences.
- "We Are Family" culture with a focus on employee well-being and team integration.
Working Hours:
- This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.
- While standard business hours are expected, flexibility may be needed to meet project deadlines, especially during peak seasons or for event support.
π Enhancement Note: Given the location (Wisconsin Dells, WI) and the mid-level experience requirement, a salary range has been estimated based on typical market rates for similar roles in that region. The benefits highlight unique perks associated with the hospitality industry and the specific resort.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Hospitality & Tourism (Waterpark Resort) Company Size: Large (Likely 1000+ employees, given it's "America's Largest Waterpark Resort") Founded: Wilderness Resort is a long-standing, family-owned business, implying a culture that balances established traditions with a forward-looking approach to guest and employee experience.
Team Structure:
- The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Communications department.
- This department collaborates closely with Sales, Food & Beverage, Attractions, Activities, and other operational units.
- The role involves working with both internal teams and external advertising agencies, requiring strong stakeholder management skills.
- Reporting structure is likely to a Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing.
Methodology:
- Emphasis on creating visually compelling materials that drive guest engagement and sales.
- Data-driven decision-making may be applied to assess the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, influencing future design strategies.
- A focus on maintaining creative consistency across multiple brands and properties under the Wilderness Resort umbrella.
- Proactive planning and execution are key, especially given the seasonal nature of the tourism industry.
Company Website: https://www.wildernessresort.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company's description as "America's Largest Waterpark Resort" and its "family-owned" nature suggest a culture that values growth, guest satisfaction, and a strong sense of community among employees. The operations of such a large resort require robust marketing and design support.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is beyond an entry-level position, requiring independent project management, strategic input, and significant experience in design execution and marketing support.
Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing. This provides exposure to marketing strategy and campaign oversight.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts revenue by creating compelling marketing materials that attract guests, drive bookings for accommodations and attractions, and support group sales efforts. High-quality design enhances brand perception and customer engagement, crucial for a large resort's success.
Growth Opportunities:
- Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in hospitality marketing design, motion graphics, or brand development.
- Leadership: Potentially advance to a Senior Graphic Designer role, Art Director, or Marketing Manager position within the organization.
- Skill Expansion: Gain experience in broader marketing operations, campaign management, and cross-functional project leadership.
- Industry Exposure: Contribute to marketing for both Wisconsin and Tennessee properties, broadening experience across different market dynamics within the tourism sector.
π Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a large resort, suggesting potential for internal mobility and specialization rather than solely external job seeking. The impact on revenue is a key motivator for operations-minded candidates.
π Work Environment
Office Type: On-site/In-office position, requiring the employee to work from the resort's designated office location.
Office Location(s): Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The role also requires occasional travel between properties in Wisconsin and Tennessee.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is expected to be within a professional office environment at the resort, likely part of the marketing department.
- Access to necessary design software and hardware is assumed.
- Opportunities for collaboration with various internal departments (Sales, F&B, Attractions) and external agencies.
- The environment is described as fast-paced, characteristic of a large resort, especially during peak seasons.
Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for occasional overtime or adjusted hours to meet critical deadlines, particularly during promotional periods or for special events.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is clearly stated. The "occasional travel" between WI and TN properties is a unique aspect of the work environment that could be appealing for candidates seeking variety.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.
- Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, design choices, and how their work aligns with marketing objectives. A practical design exercise related to resort marketing could also be part of this stage.
- Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the hiring manager, marketing team members, and potentially representatives from sales or other departments to evaluate collaboration skills, cultural fit, and understanding of business needs.
- Final Interview: Discussion of role expectations, career growth, and final decision.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Tailor to Hospitality: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to the hospitality, tourism, or entertainment industries if possible. If not, highlight transferable skills in campaign development and brand consistency.
- Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the results achieved (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recognition).
- Highlight Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to design for both print and digital mediums, showcasing a range of collateral types.
- Brand Consistency is Key: Emphasize how you maintained or developed brand integrity in your work, especially in multi-property or multi-brand scenarios.
- Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you stay updated on trends, and how you handle constructive criticism.
Challenge Preparation:
- Familiarize yourself with Wilderness Resort's current marketing materials, website, and social media presence.
- Anticipate potential design challenges related to promoting seasonal events, waterpark attractions, or group sales packages.
- Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design solutions support business objectives.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges suggests that practical creative demonstration is highly valued for this role. Candidates should be prepared to "sell" their creative strategy and execution.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Software:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential).
- Adobe Lightroom: Preferred for photo editing.
- Adobe After Effects / Premiere Pro: A plus for motion graphics and video editing.
Productivity & Collaboration Tools:
- Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (for cross-functional collaboration, presentations, and basic data handling).
- Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with or ability to learn DAM systems is beneficial for organizing large libraries of creative assets.
- Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com could be advantageous for managing multiple projects.
Other Potential Tools:
- Eblast Platforms: Experience with tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact for creating and sending newsletters.
- Social Media Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms for scheduling and creating social media content.
π Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Experience with motion graphics and photo editing tools will significantly enhance a candidate's profile.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Guest Satisfaction: A primary focus, driving the need for high-quality, engaging marketing materials that enhance the guest experience.
- Family Culture: The company emphasizes treating employees "like family," suggesting a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Excellence: Striving for excellence in all aspects of the resort, including marketing and design output.
- Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity across all properties and communications.
- Efficiency & Dependability: As highlighted in the initial description, the resort seeks hardworking, dependable individuals who can contribute to a fast-paced operational environment.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional: Expect frequent interaction and collaboration with various departments, including Sales, F&B, Attractions, and Guest Services.
- Agency Partnerships: Working closely with external advertising agencies, requiring clear communication and ability to integrate external creative direction.
- Proactive Support: The role involves proactively supporting sales teams, indicating a collaborative approach focused on achieving shared goals.
- Feedback Integration: Ability to receive and implement feedback from multiple stakeholders effectively.
π Enhancement Note: The "We Are Family" slogan and emphasis on employee treatment suggest a culture that values teamwork, mutual respect, and a positive atmosphere, which is important for operational roles requiring close collaboration.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Managing Multiple Brands/Properties: Balancing distinct marketing needs and brand guidelines for different resort outlets and two distinct property locations (WI and TN).
- Seasonal Demands: Adapting design output and workflows to meet the fluctuating demands of the tourism and resort industry throughout the year, especially during peak seasons.
- Balancing Creative and Operational Needs: Ensuring design work not only looks good but also effectively serves specific marketing objectives and operational constraints.
- Staying Current: Keeping up with rapidly evolving design trends, digital marketing best practices, and the competitive landscape of the tourism industry.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in areas like motion graphics, advanced digital design, or photography.
- Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of resort and tourism marketing strategies through hands-on experience.
- Cross-Departmental Projects: Learning about other operational areas of a large resort, enhancing overall business acumen.
- Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced marketing professionals within the organization.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight areas where a candidate can demonstrate problem-solving skills and adaptability, which are crucial for operations roles. Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and broadening business understanding.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe your process for developing a seasonal campaign from concept to final asset delivery. How would you ensure it resonates with a resort audience?" (Focus on workflow, research, and audience targeting.)
- "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across multiple properties and various marketing channels (print, digital, social)?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and asset management.)
- "Walk us through a project where you had to balance creative vision with specific marketing objectives or client feedback. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and stakeholder management.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about working for Wilderness Resort, specifically within the tourism and hospitality industry?" (Show genuine interest in the company and sector.)
- "How do you align with our 'We Are Family' culture and your approach to collaborating with diverse internal teams?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)
- "How do you measure the success of your design work in a marketing context?" (Connect design output to business impact, e.g., engagement, leads, bookings.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Narrative is Key: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your solution, your process, and the results.
- Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase skills directly applicable to resort marketing (campaigns, promotions, digital assets).
- Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
- Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and specific design techniques used.
- Showcase Brand Understanding: Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt your style to fit Wilderness Resort's brand.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, understanding of the hospitality context, and the ability to articulate design's role in business success, aligning with operational expectations.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided Dayforce link.
- Portfolio Submission: Ensure your resume and portfolio are submitted together. Your portfolio should be easily accessible (e.g., via a link to your website or a well-organized PDF) and showcase your most relevant work.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in marketing collateral creation, multi-platform campaigns, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud. Use keywords from the job description.
- Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your design process, your experience with brand consistency, and your ability to collaborate effectively with sales and marketing teams, both in your cover letter (if applicable) and during interviews.
- Research the Resort: Familiarize yourself with Wilderness Resort's current marketing, branding, and offerings across both Wisconsin and Tennessee properties to demonstrate your understanding of their business.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a Bachelorβs degree in graphic design or a related field and 4-6 years of professional experience in graphic design with a focus on marketing. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and experience in both print and digital formats are essential.