Graphic Designer - Wisconsin Herd

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Milwaukee Bucks, LLC. / Wisconsin Herd
Location: Oshkosh, WI
Job Type: Full Time
Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design / Sports & Recreation
Date Posted: October 8, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a full-time Graphic Designer position within the Wisconsin Herd, a professional basketball team affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks.
• The primary focus is on developing and executing visual assets for digital and print media to support brand strategy and marketing initiatives.
• The Graphic Designer will work closely with the creative and marketing team, ensuring brand continuity across multiple entities including the Wisconsin Herd, Bucks Gaming, Fiserv Forum, and Deer District.
• This position offers a dynamic environment within the sports industry, requiring collaboration, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for the Wisconsin Herd, a G League affiliate, under the umbrella of the Milwaukee Bucks organization. The "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" focus is not directly applicable here, as this is a creative role. However, the principles of brand consistency and visual marketing directly support revenue-generating activities like ticket sales and corporate partnerships.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the creative/marketing team in designing a wide array of assets for both digital and print platforms, including digital campaigns, arena graphics, promotional materials, invitations, logos/lockups, postcards, brochures, flyers, signage, and advertisements.
• Develop original designs based on strategic direction and brand guidelines, as well as create supporting designs for existing creative concepts.
• Provide real-time graphic updates for social media and digital platforms during Wisconsin Herd home and away games, NBA G League drafts, and other designated events.
• Conceptualize, design, and lay out diverse materials for use in advertising, promotions, informational content, and brand image building.
• Contribute to building the Milwaukee Bucks brand and actively support ticket sales and corporate marketing efforts through compelling visual design.
• Maintain and manage logo and identity archives, ensuring compliance with NBA G League guidelines for logos, wordmarks, and team identity marks.
• Archive all team photos following each home game as assigned.
• Proactively participate in team brainstorming sessions, creative reviews, and share ideas collaboratively within the creative/marketing department and with other organizational departments.
• Perform photography at games and other non-game events, which is considered a plus.
• Undertake other assigned duties as required to support the marketing and creative objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role requiring versatility in design applications, from digital social media to large-format print collateral. The expectation for live graphic updates during games indicates a need for rapid design turnaround and a strong understanding of real-time marketing needs in a live event environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or Advertising.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of graphic design, website design, or advertising experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Lightroom.
• Demonstrated ability to create high-impact designs and graphics.
• Strong understanding of still photography and an eye for selecting images that enhance messaging.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading, and writing abilities.
• Highly organized, efficient, and capable of prioritizing multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Advanced layout and typography knowledge.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• Creative, resourceful, and adept at problem-solving.
• Ability to maintain a strong focus on branding, consistency, and quality under tight deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Sports experience and/or NBA knowledge.
• Experience with workflow platforms like Wrike.
• Experience with social media content editor software like Slate.
• Proficiency in AfterEffects or other motion graphics programs.
• Photography skills for events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and specific programs like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, along with a Bachelor's degree, sets a clear technical and educational baseline. The preferred skills, such as sports experience and familiarity with specific workflow/social media tools, indicate a desire for candidates who can integrate quickly into the sports marketing ecosystem and leverage efficient design management systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2 years of graphic design, website design, or advertising work.
• Demonstrations of high-impact designs and graphics across various mediums (digital and print).
• Examples of strong layout and typography skills, reflecting advanced knowledge.
• Visual evidence of maintaining brand consistency and integrity in design projects.
• If applicable, examples of work within the sports industry or for sports-related brands.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as formal documentation, candidates are expected to demonstrate their design process and workflow through their portfolio and during interviews. This includes showing conceptualization, design execution, and final output.
• The ability to work with existing brand guidelines and strategy is key, implying an understanding of adhering to established design processes.
• Experience with workflow platforms like Wrike (preferred) suggests an ability to manage projects and tasks efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the "portfolio" is the primary documentation of process and system proficiency. The expectation is that the candidate's work samples will speak to their ability to execute designs within established brand frameworks and manage projects effectively from concept to completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 - $41,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as mental health resources.
• 401K with company match.
• Pet Insurance.
• 12 weeks of paid time off for parents to welcome newborns, adopted and foster children.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Professional Development through the internal learning & development program - Antler Academy.
• Employee Resource Groups.
• Milwaukee Bucks and NBA League Discounts.
• Company Paid Parking.
• Phone Allowance.

Working Hours: Full-Time, with an expectation of 40 hours per week. This includes working assigned games, which will involve nights, weekends, and possibly holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary range of $40,000-$41,000 per year places this role at an entry-to-mid-level graphic design position within the sports industry. The benefits package is robust and comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, with notable additions like unlimited PTO and parental leave, which are increasingly attractive perks. The requirement to work game nights and weekends is typical for sports marketing roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment (Professional Basketball - NBA G League). The Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Herd operate within a highly competitive and fast-paced sports entertainment industry known for its demanding schedules and emphasis on fan engagement and brand experience. Company Size: Part of the Milwaukee Bucks organization, which is a significant entity in professional sports. The Wisconsin Herd itself is a team within this larger structure, implying a mid-to-large-sized company environment with specialized departments. Founded: The Milwaukee Bucks were founded in 1968. The Wisconsin Herd was established in 2015 as their G League affiliate. This history indicates a well-established organization with a strong legacy and evolving brand presence.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing and Digital for the Wisconsin Herd.
• The role is part of the creative/marketing department, which likely includes other marketing specialists, digital content creators, and potentially social media managers.
• Collaboration is expected with various organizational departments, including ticket sales, corporate marketing, and potentially game operations.

Methodology:

• Data-driven creative decisions are implied through the support of ticket sales and corporate marketing, suggesting a need for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective in achieving business objectives.
• Workflow efficiency is emphasized, with a preference for candidates familiar with project management tools and capable of meeting tight deadlines.
• Brand integrity and consistency are paramount, requiring adherence to established guidelines and strategic brand positioning.

Company Website: https://www.milwaukeebucks.com/ and https://wisconsinherd.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture within professional sports is typically high-energy, collaborative, and deadline-driven. The emphasis on supporting revenue-generating departments (ticket sales, corporate marketing) means that creative output is directly tied to business outcomes, requiring a strategic approach to design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to mid-level Graphic Designer role, focusing on execution and assisting a senior marketing director. It is not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of sales or revenue operations but is crucial for supporting the operational goals of ticket sales and marketing. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing and Digital for the Wisconsin Herd. This provides a clear reporting line and access to leadership for guidance and feedback. Operations Impact: While not directly managing sales processes or revenue systems, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perception and appeal of the team and its offerings. Effective visual marketing can drive fan engagement, boost ticket sales, attract corporate sponsorships, and enhance the overall brand value, indirectly contributing to revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in digital design, social media graphics, and potentially motion graphics (AfterEffects).
• Sports Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience within the professional sports and entertainment industry, building a network and understanding of sports marketing dynamics.
• Portfolio Development: Create a substantial portfolio of work for a high-profile sports brand, which can be leveraged for future career advancements in sports or broader creative fields.
• Potential for Advancement: Depending on performance and organizational needs, growth could lead to Senior Graphic Designer roles, Art Director positions, or transitions into broader marketing or brand management roles within the Milwaukee Bucks organization or elsewhere in the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in this environment is typically through honing creative skills, understanding sports marketing nuances, and demonstrating consistent impact. While not a traditional "operations" career ladder, success in this role can lead to significant opportunities within the sports and entertainment sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a standard office environment within the Wisconsin Herd's facilities or the Milwaukee Bucks' broader operational spaces. Office Location(s): Oshkosh, WI. This location is specific to the Wisconsin Herd's operations and home games. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is described as "fast-paced, hands-on."
• Collaboration is a key aspect, with expectations for team brainstorming and interaction with various departments.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, with a strong emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite.
• The environment is dynamic, requiring flexibility to handle diverse assignments under tight deadlines.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. However, this role requires flexibility to work assigned games, which will include nights, weekends, and potentially holidays. This is typical for event-driven industries like professional sports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the need to work game nights/weekends highlight the immersive nature of working in professional sports. Candidates should be prepared for non-traditional hours and a collaborative, energetic office setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.
• Creative Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge relevant to sports marketing or brand identity. This could involve designing a social media graphic, a promotional flyer, or a concept for a new campaign.
• Interviews: Likely include interviews with the Director of Marketing and Digital, and potentially other members of the marketing team. These interviews will assess creative vision, technical skills, understanding of brand strategy, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review: Expect to walk through your portfolio, discussing your design process, rationale behind your creative decisions, and the impact of your work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work (minimum 2 years of experience). Include a mix of digital and print designs.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Emphasize projects where you successfully adhered to or developed brand guidelines, especially for sports-related entities if possible.
• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to discuss your design thinking, from initial concept and research to execution and final delivery. Detail how you approach projects, manage feedback, and meet deadlines.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable success (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), be ready to share those insights.
• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly articulate your expertise with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.). Mention any experience with motion graphics or workflow tools.
• Tailor to Sports: If you have sports-related design experience, make sure it's prominently featured. If not, explain how your general design principles can be applied to the dynamic sports marketing environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with the Brands: Study the Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Herd, Bucks Gaming, Fiserv Forum, and Deer District branding. Understand their current visual identity, tone, and marketing efforts.
• Understand Sports Marketing: Research common design trends and effective visual strategies in professional sports marketing, particularly for G League or similar organizations.
• Practice Rapid Design: Be prepared to work quickly and efficiently, as game-day graphics often require fast turnaround.
• Focus on Brand Adherence: Ensure any challenge work strictly adheres to brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that practical creative skills and the ability to apply them within a brand context are paramount. Candidates should prepare to showcase their design process and ability to think strategically about visual communication for sports marketing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Extensive experience required, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Lightroom. Proficiency on a Mac platform is specified.
• Motion Graphics Software (Preferred): AfterEffects or similar programs are a plus, indicating a potential need for animated graphics or video elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a required tool for the designer, the role supports marketing and ticket sales. Understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media clicks, campaign performance) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Workflow Platforms (Preferred): Experience with platforms like Wrike is a plus, suggesting an interest in efficient project management and workflow automation within the creative process.
• Social Media Content Editors (Preferred): Familiarity with tools like Slate is also a plus, indicating a need for efficient content creation and scheduling for digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. The preferred tools (AfterEffects, Wrike, Slate) suggest the organization values efficiency, modern digital content creation, and streamlined project management within its creative operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The company strives to be the "best sports and entertainment company in the world" and fosters a "culture of continuous improvement." This translates to an expectation that designers will seek creative advancements and refine their skills.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: The role requires proactive collaboration within the creative/marketing department and with other organizational departments. A "great teammate with excellent people skills and a strong customer service orientation" is explicitly sought.
• Brand Integrity & Consistency: Maintaining the "continuity and integrity of the Milwaukee Bucks brand" is a core objective, highlighting the value placed on consistent and high-quality visual representation.
• Efficiency & Deadline Management: The fast-paced environment and need to meet deadlines underscore the importance of efficiency, organization, and time management.
• Creativity & Resourcefulness: Being "creative, resourceful, and a problem solver" are key attributes desired in the candidate.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Graphic Designer is expected to collaborate with various departments, including ticket sales and corporate marketing, demonstrating an integrated approach to marketing efforts.
• Brainstorming & Idea Sharing: Proactive participation in team brainstorming sessions and reviews is encouraged, fostering a culture of shared creativity and problem-solving.
• Feedback Exchange: The nature of a creative role in a team environment implies a culture of constructive feedback and iterative design development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with typical high-performing sports organizations: a drive for excellence, strong teamwork, dedication to brand, and efficient execution. A candidate who embraces these values will likely integrate well into the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment & Tight Deadlines: The sports industry, especially during game days and event periods, demands rapid turnaround for design assets. This requires excellent time management and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Multiple Entities: Balancing the distinct visual identities of the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks Gaming, Fiserv Forum, and Deer District while ensuring overall brand cohesion presents a unique challenge.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: The need to stay current with digital design trends, particularly in social media, while adhering to established brand guidelines requires continuous creative learning.
• Balancing Creative Vision with Strategic Objectives: Ensuring designs are not only visually compelling but also effectively support business goals like ticket sales and sponsorship acquisition.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunity to hone skills in digital design, social media content creation, and potentially motion graphics through hands-on experience and internal programs.
• Industry Exposure: Gain deep insights into the operations of a professional sports organization and the intricacies of sports marketing.
• Professional Development Program: Access to "Antler Academy" offers structured learning and development opportunities to enhance professional skills.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing and creative professionals within the Milwaukee Bucks organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the sports marketing field and offer significant opportunities for professional growth. The company actively supports development through its internal programs, providing a solid foundation for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a social media graphic to promote a specific player's performance during a live game?" (Focus on speed, impact, brand adherence, and understanding of real-time marketing.)
• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Assess ability to work within constraints while being innovative.)
• "How do you stay updated on current graphic design trends, especially those relevant to sports and social media?" (Gauge proactivity and industry awareness.)
• "Walk us through your process for creating a promotional flyer for a ticket sales campaign." (Understand workflow, from concept to final output.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about the Milwaukee Bucks or Wisconsin Herd's current branding and visual identity?" (Shows research and genuine interest.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs, especially from non-designers?" (Assesses collaboration and receptiveness to feedback.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment for a creative role." (Helps gauge cultural fit with a collaborative, fast-paced setting.)
• "How do you see graphic design contributing to ticket sales and corporate partnerships for a sports team?" (Tests understanding of the role's business impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (digital, print, branding) or by showcasing your design process.
• Tell the Story Behind Each Project: For each piece, explain the brief, your strategic approach, the challenges you faced, your creative solutions, and the final outcome.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly articulate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant software.
• Emphasize Brand Adherence: Show examples where you successfully worked within or developed brand guidelines. If you have sports-related experience, make it shine.
• Be Ready for Live Design/Critique: While not explicitly stated, be prepared for potential on-the-spot design exercises or discussions about how you would approach hypothetical design problems.
• Showcase Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and a strategic understanding of how design supports marketing objectives within the unique context of professional sports. Portfolio presentation is key to communicating your process and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=035c77cb-5b5c-4e48-b858-605ab1663076&jobId=553348
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 2+ years of graphic design experience, specific Adobe Creative Suite proficiencies, and any experience with sports, digital campaigns, or print collateral. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online or PDF portfolio clearly showcases your best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate your skills in layout, typography, brand consistency, and both digital and print design. Include at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with the Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Herd branding. Be ready to discuss your design process and potentially tackle a design exercise during the interview process.
• Research the Company: Understand the Milwaukee Bucks' mission, values, and recent marketing efforts. Be ready to articulate why you are a good cultural fit and how your design skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.