JanSport & Eastpak: Graphic Designer (JanSport & Eastpak Americas)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (JanSport & Eastpak Americas)

Company: VF Corporation

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 13, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the Americas Commercial Team, focusing on designing and executing creative marketing deliverables for the JanSport, Eastpak, and Kipling brands across digital and traditional channels.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating strategic direction into high-quality visual assets that align with established seasonal design languages and brand identities.

• Key responsibilities include managing multiple design projects simultaneously, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery of assets that meet brand standards.

• The position requires proficiency in industry-standard design software and a strong understanding of digital marketing best practices, including email, digital advertising, and social media content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in a creative function, its impact on marketing execution, campaign delivery, and brand consistency places it within the broader scope of operations, specifically supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) and Marketing Operations. The emphasis on project management, process adherence (briefs, timelines), and system utilization (Shopify, CMS) are core operational competencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and deploy a variety of creative deliverables for JanSport, Eastpak, and Kipling Americas, including digital ads, social media graphics, email campaigns, and website content.

• Collaborate closely with the Associate Creative Director and larger Creative team to interpret strategic briefs and translate them into compelling visual designs that maintain brand integrity and seasonal aesthetic.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring all assets are delivered on time and to specification, while coordinating with Brand, Wholesale Marketing, and Ecommerce teams.

• Execute integrated marketing projects and campaigns across various digital platforms, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

• Perform image retouching and manipulation as required to prepare creative assets for final deployment.

• Directly implement and manage digital assets within the Shopify e-commerce platform.

• Maintain high standards of quality and creativity across all design outputs, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

• Track and manage assigned projects within the company's Content Management System (CMS) to ensure efficient workflow and asset organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational project management. The expectation to "execute digital assets directly in the Shopify platform" and "manage and track assigned projects in our CMS" indicates a need for process-oriented thinking and system proficiency beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design is preferred, but practical business experience and professional achievements in lieu of a specific degree will be considered.

Experience: 2 to 3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong portfolio showcasing breadth across brand identity, digital marketing, video, and social media.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in composition and layout design for various marketing materials.

• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

• Capacity to articulate and provide a clear rationale for design decisions based on creative briefs and strategic objectives.

• Advanced proficiency in design software, specifically Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work effectively based on deadlines and project efficiencies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics, animation, and video editing software.

• Familiarity with front-end web design principles and practices.

• Hands-on experience utilizing the Shopify e-commerce platform for content management and asset deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and Adobe Suite is standard for graphic design roles. The preference for Shopify experience and motion graphics/animation suggests a need for candidates who can contribute to dynamic digital campaigns and understand e-commerce platform execution, aligning with modern marketing operations needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating expertise in digital marketing assets (emails, social media, web banners), brand collateral, and campaign execution.

• Include case studies or project examples that highlight your process from brief to final deliverable, emphasizing problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating brand guidelines into creative assets that resonate with target audiences.

• Provide examples of work that required image retouching and manipulation for marketing purposes.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing multiple design projects, including how they prioritize tasks, manage feedback, and ensure deadlines are met.

• Be ready to explain how you approach interpreting creative briefs and ensuring your design output aligns with strategic goals and brand identity.

• Discuss experience with version control and asset organization, particularly within a team environment or using a CMS.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting marketing operations, a portfolio should not just showcase aesthetics but also process. Highlighting how designs were developed, managed, and delivered efficiently, with clear communication and adherence to briefs, is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $74,800 - $93,500 USD annually. This range is determined by market data and will be influenced by factors such as experience, skills, and location in compliance with all applicable laws.

Benefits:

• Medical Plan options providing comprehensive health coverage.

• Eligibility for an annual incentive plan, offering potential for bonus compensation based on company and individual performance.

• Potential for sales incentive or commission, depending on specific role contributions and company programs.

• Access to detailed benefit program information via www.MyVFbenefits.com, with comprehensive details provided during the hiring process.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, generally expected to be 40 hours per week, with the potential for overtime depending on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for a full-time role in the New Jersey area. The inclusion of incentive plans suggests that performance metrics and contribution to revenue-generating activities will be recognized, underscoring the operational impact of this creative role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: VF Corporation operates within the apparel and footwear industry, with a strong focus on lifestyle and outdoor brands like JanSport, Eastpak, and Kipling. This context means the company values creativity, self-expression, and product durability.

Company Size: VF Corporation is a large, publicly traded global company, indicating a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific brands and regions.

Founded: VF Corporation was founded in 1899, signifying a long history of brand building and market adaptation, which influences its culture towards resilience and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Americas Creative team, reporting to the Associate Creative Director.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Brand Marketing, Ecommerce, Wholesale Marketing, and Digital Marketing specialists within the JanSport, Eastpak, and Kipling Americas divisions.

Methodology:

• The creative process is driven by seasonal design languages and brand identity guidelines, requiring adherence to established frameworks while allowing for creative interpretation.

• Data-driven insights from marketing campaigns and ecommerce performance may inform design iterations and future creative strategies.

• Workflow management likely involves project briefs, feedback loops, and approval processes managed through a CMS.

Company Website: https://www.vfc.com/ (VF Corporation), https://www.jansport.com/, https://us.eastpak.com/, https://www.kipling-usa.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding VF Corporation's scale and brand portfolio is key. The role operates within a large corporate structure but focuses on specific brands, meaning the designer must balance brand-specific needs with corporate guidelines and operational efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an intermediate-level graphic design position, requiring a solid foundation in design principles and 2-3 years of practical experience. It serves as a key contributor within the creative operations function, executing defined strategies.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to an Associate Creative Director, indicating a clear management hierarchy and a path for mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by creating compelling visual assets that drive engagement, conversion, and brand perception across digital and traditional channels. High-quality visuals are crucial for successful GTM strategies and sales enablement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director roles within the Creative team.

• Opportunities to specialize in specific areas like digital design, motion graphics, or brand identity development.

• Potential to move into related operational roles within marketing, such as Digital Marketing Specialist or E-commerce Content Manager, by leveraging system and platform experience.

• Development of skills in project management and cross-functional team leadership within the operations framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a graphic designer in a corporate setting often involves increasing strategic input and project ownership. For this role, growing into a Senior Designer or moving into a more operationally focused marketing role leveraging their platform experience (Shopify, CMS) are likely progression paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Jersey City, NJ, implying a professional office environment within a corporate setting, likely designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Office Location(s): Jersey City, New Jersey - described as "KIP" which may refer to a specific building or campus location within Jersey City.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring interaction with other designers, marketers, and brand managers.

• Access to standard office technology and creative software suites will be provided.

• The environment encourages an exchange of ideas and feedback to ensure creative excellence and brand consistency.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and campaign launch dates, typical in marketing operations environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Jersey City suggests a need for candidates comfortable with a traditional office setting and in-person collaboration, which is common for many operational and creative teams ensuring streamlined communication and project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• Creative Assessment/Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study relevant to the JanSport or Eastpak brands, assessing your design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to creative briefs.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager (Associate Creative Director) and potentially other team members to evaluate skill fit, cultural alignment, and collaborative capabilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss broader strategic alignment and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to digital marketing, brand identity, and campaign execution for lifestyle brands.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome or impact of your work. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Figma, Adobe Suite, layout design, and image retouching. If you have Shopify or motion graphics experience, include relevant examples.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your thought process – mood boards, sketches, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback. This is crucial for understanding your operational approach to design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the current JanSport and Eastpak brand aesthetics, target audiences, and recent marketing campaigns.

• Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and how your solutions align with brand strategy and business objectives.

• Practice presenting your work concisely and effectively, focusing on the impact and results of your design efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role within operations support, interviewers will look for not just creative talent, but also process adherence, communication clarity, and the ability to work within established brand frameworks and project timelines.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and creating digital assets.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and intricate design elements.
  • InDesign: For layout and potentially print collateral design.

• Shopify: Preferred for direct execution and management of digital assets on e-commerce platforms.

• Content Management System (CMS): For project tracking and asset management, specific CMS not identified but assumed for workflow.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how marketing automation platforms and CRM systems are used to deliver campaigns could be advantageous, though not a primary requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of Shopify indicates a need for designers comfortable with direct platform implementation, a key operational aspect in e-commerce marketing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Self-Expression: Encouraged to bring unique ideas and personal style to design work, aligning with brand ethos.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve common goals and ensure cohesive brand messaging.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Commitment to meeting deadlines and managing projects effectively to support marketing campaign schedules and operational workflows.

• Quality & Brand Integrity: Maintaining high standards in all design outputs to uphold and enhance brand identity across all consumer touchpoints.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and feedback loops are encouraged within the creative team and with cross-functional partners.

• The team works collaboratively on seasonal campaigns, requiring shared understanding of objectives and consistent visual execution.

• Knowledge sharing and constructive critique are valued to foster continuous improvement in design and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a balance between creative freedom and operational discipline, requiring designers to be both innovative and process-oriented.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetics: Effectively translating the distinct brand identities of JanSport and Eastpak (and potentially Kipling) while maintaining a cohesive Americas marketing strategy.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling various creative requests and deadlines from different departments in a fast-paced environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with digital marketing best practices, platform updates, and emerging design trends to keep assets fresh and effective.

• Translating Strategy into Visuals: Ensuring design work directly supports marketing objectives and contributes to measurable business outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience with e-commerce platform integration (Shopify) and CMS workflows.

• Develop expertise in digital marketing design best practices across various channels.

• Potential for training in motion graphics, animation, or advanced digital design techniques.

• Opportunities to contribute to larger brand campaigns and gain exposure to strategic marketing planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer supporting multiple brands and digital marketing efforts, requiring strong organizational and adaptive skills, which are core to operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple creative projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses project management and prioritization skills.)

• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with a brand's established identity and strategic objectives, especially when working with different brands like JanSport and Eastpak?" (Evaluates understanding of brand stewardship and strategic design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about the JanSport and Eastpak brands, and how do you see your design skills contributing to their success in the Americas market?" (Gauges brand interest and cultural fit.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers (e.g., marketers, product teams) to ensure clear communication and successful project outcomes?" (Assesses cross-functional collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant project that showcases your core skills and understanding of lifestyle brands.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, mention any metrics or results associated with your designs (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates).

• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your design choices and your workflow. This demonstrates your operational thinking.

• Be Concise: Present each project efficiently, focusing on key takeaways and your role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only a talented designer but also a reliable, process-driven team member who can contribute effectively to the operational execution of marketing initiatives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and easily accessible.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to digital marketing, lifestyle brands, and any experience with e-commerce platforms or social media campaigns.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 2-3 years of experience, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, and any project management or cross-functional collaboration achievements using operations-relevant keywords.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and how you manage multiple projects. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your skills and fit with the VF Corporation culture.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VF Corporation's brands, particularly JanSport and Eastpak, understanding their market position, target audience, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and strategic thinking.

⚠️ 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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