Jr. Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Jr. Graphic Designer

Company: Black Rock Coffee Bar

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Design

Date Posted: April 03, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute high-quality visual asset creation for diverse marketing channels, including digital, print, packaging, and in-store environments, ensuring adherence to established brand guidelines.

• Adapt and produce creative assets for campaigns, product launches, and ongoing brand initiatives under the direction of senior design and creative operations leadership.

• Prepare production-ready files for both print and digital distribution, maintaining accuracy, quality, and compliance with platform specifications.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, particularly Marketing, to ensure creative deliverables align with campaign objectives and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Jr. Graphic Designer" title, reporting structure to "Director of Creative Operations," and emphasis on executing established concepts and foundational skills indicate an entry-level role within a marketing or creative department. The focus on hybrid work and specific design tasks for a retail/food & beverage brand like Black Rock Coffee Bar suggests a need for practical, brand-aligned design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop visual assets for digital marketing campaigns, social media content, print collateral, packaging, and in-store signage.

• Adapt and reformat existing campaign creative elements into various sizes and formats suitable for advertisements, menus, web banners, and point-of-sale materials.

• Ensure all prepared files for print and digital distribution meet technical specifications, quality standards, and brand guidelines.

• Support the timely creation of on-brand creative assets for seasonal promotions, new product introductions, and overarching brand awareness campaigns.

• Maintain strict brand consistency across all design outputs, meticulously applying brand standards, color palettes, typography, and logo usage.

• Create digital advertising assets for platforms such as Google Ads, programmatic display networks, and various social media channels.

• Resize and optimize creative assets to meet the specific requirements and best practices of different digital placements and platforms.

• Partner with the Marketing teams to understand campaign objectives and ensure creative execution effectively supports these goals.

• Assist in the design, layout, and production of packaging, labels, and other branded merchandise, ensuring visual appeal and brand integrity.

• Apply brand standards to physical product designs and verify that designs translate effectively across different print mediums and materials.

• Utilize knowledge of color systems (Pantone, CMYK, RGB) to ensure accurate color reproduction in print and digital applications.

• Work closely with senior designers and other Creative team members to execute projects, incorporate feedback, and implement revisions efficiently.

• Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing fresh ideas to support overall creative direction and campaign strategies.

• Clearly communicate project status, timelines, and any potential roadblocks to internal stakeholders and team members.

• Manage assigned design tasks and deadlines effectively within a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

• Maintain organized digital asset management, including proper file structures, naming conventions, and version control for all creative deliverables.

• Adhere to established creative processes, project workflows, and internal approval procedures.

• Support additional production tasks and other design-related needs as requested by the Creative Operations team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of duties, particularly those involving adaptation of creative, file preparation for print/digital, and application of brand standards across various mediums (packaging, in-store, digital ads), highlights the hands-on, execution-focused nature of this junior role. The emphasis on "preparing production-ready files" and understanding color systems (Pantone, CMYK, RGB) points to a need for technical design proficiency beyond just conceptualization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, with a focus on marketing and brand execution, preferably within a corporate or agency setting. Internship experience in graphic design or a related creative field will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Strong foundational understanding of typography, layout principles, and color theory.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, primarily Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to design accuracy and production quality.

• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and project updates.

• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and with cross-functional departments.

• Adaptability and flexibility to shift priorities and project focus as business needs evolve.

• Proven ability to consistently apply and maintain brand guidelines across all creative deliverables.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with preparing files for packaging and label design.

• Basic understanding of digital advertising specifications and best practices for platforms like Google Ads and social media.

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro) is a plus.

• Knowledge of color systems including Pantone, CMYK, and RGB for accurate print and digital output.

• Experience working within a hybrid work model and utilizing collaboration tools effectively.

• Familiarity with project management or task tracking software (e.g., Asana, Trello).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, coupled with 0-2 years of specific design experience, clearly defines this as an entry-level position. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, attention to detail, and brand consistency are core technical and soft skills expected at this level. Preferred skills like packaging knowledge and digital ad specs indicate areas where a candidate can stand out.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on execution and brand application.

• Demonstrations of ability to create assets for various channels, including digital (social media posts, web banners), print (flyers, signage), and packaging concepts.

• Examples highlighting the application of established brand guidelines, demonstrating consistency in typography, color, and imagery.

• Projects that showcase file preparation for production, illustrating an understanding of print specifications or digital optimization.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for a Jr. role, a portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows.

• Examples should reflect a structured approach to design requests, incorporating feedback, and delivering final assets.

• Projects should reflect an organized approach to file management, showing clear versions and logical folder structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Jr. Graphic Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of design skills, technical proficiency, and understanding of brand application. The emphasis is on execution and adherence to standards rather than complex process design, which is more typical of senior operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000 annually.

This range is based on the provided annual base salary of $40,000--$50,000. As a Jr. Graphic Designer in Phoenix, Arizona, this compensation aligns with entry-level creative roles in the region, considering the hybrid work arrangement and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan with company match for eligible team members

• Comprehensive Health insurance options (medical, vision, dental) for the employee and family

• Pet insurance and various Discount Programs

• Long-Term Disability, Life, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage options

• Paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support

• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

• Discount program on childcare, recreation, lifestyle brands, and more

• Complimentary drinks to keep you energized on the job

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the expectation of full-time commitment. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a blend of in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly stated in the job description. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a company that invests in its employees' well-being and professional growth, which is attractive for candidates seeking stability and comprehensive support. The mention of "free drinks" is a unique perk relevant to the company's industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Coffee Retail)

Black Rock Coffee Bar operates within the competitive coffee retail sector, known for its focus on customer experience, community engagement, and product quality. This industry context means the graphic designer will contribute to visuals that appeal to a broad consumer base, emphasizing approachability, energy, and brand personality.

Company Size: The provided information doesn't explicitly state the company size, but the existence of a dedicated "Director of Creative Operations" and multiple benefits categories suggests a medium to large organization with established HR and operational structures.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's emphasis on community, relationships, and growth implies a mature yet dynamic business model.

Team Structure:

• The Jr. Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Creative Operations, indicating a structured creative department.

• This role is part of the broader Creative Team, which likely includes senior designers, potentially copywriters, and other marketing support staff.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "excellence in everything we do," "respect for our customers and ourselves," and building "relationships built on trust and care." This suggests a culture that values quality, integrity, and strong interpersonal connections.

• A "continuous improvement mindset" is encouraged, implying a culture that is open to feedback, learning, and adaptation.

• The "Way We Live" philosophy highlights a strong set of values centered on community service, accountability, and personal growth.

Company Website: https://br.coffee

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Way We Live" philosophy is central to its culture, emphasizing respect, community, and personal growth. This is a key differentiator that candidates should understand and align with. The industry is food & beverage, which requires design to be appealing, energetic, and often localized.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level "Jr." position, designed for individuals at the beginning of their graphic design career. It focuses on executing established designs and learning foundational skills under mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The Jr. Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Creative Operations. This direct line of reporting to leadership within the creative function provides clear guidance and opportunities for learning from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role focused on process optimization, this design position significantly impacts the business by:

• Brand Perception: Ensuring all visual communications are on-brand and high-quality, directly influencing how customers perceive Black Rock Coffee Bar.

• Marketing Effectiveness: Creating compelling visuals that support marketing campaigns, product launches, and sales initiatives, driving customer engagement and conversion.

• Customer Experience: Contributing to the visual appeal of in-store materials, packaging, and digital platforms, which are integral parts of the customer journey.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to build a robust portfolio with diverse projects across print, digital, and packaging, enhancing technical design skills and creative execution.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from the Director of Creative Operations and senior designers, gaining insights into best practices, industry trends, and professional development.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Art Director role within Black Rock Coffee Bar or the broader creative industry, based on performance and continued skill development.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the fast-paced food and beverage industry, understanding how design supports business objectives in a retail environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Jr. Graphic Designer is typically through skill mastery and taking on more complex projects. The reporting structure to a Director of Creative Operations suggests a structured environment where professional development is valued, aligning with the company's stated commitment to growth and learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This means the role will involve a combination of working remotely and working from a physical office location in Phoenix, Arizona.

Office Location(s): Phoenix, Arizona. Specific office details beyond the city are not provided, but candidates should expect an office setting conducive to creative collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The role operates within an office and creative environment, emphasizing collaboration with Creative, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams.

• The workspace will be equipped for digital design work, including computers and access to necessary creative software.

• Opportunities for in-person interaction with team members will support design production, campaign execution, and idea sharing.

• Occasional travel may be required for brand initiatives, store openings, or content production, indicating a dynamic work setting.

Work Schedule: The standard expectation is a 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time salaried position. The hybrid nature allows for flexibility in managing work location, but project deadlines and collaborative needs will dictate specific in-office days and remote work patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key detail for work-life balance and collaboration. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of independent remote work and team-based in-office collaboration. The mention of potential travel indicates a role that is not entirely desk-bound.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess foundational design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with the company's brand aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring team (Director of Creative Operations, potentially other designers/marketing leads). This will involve discussing design choices, execution, and how projects met objectives.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical design exercise or challenge may be administered to evaluate design fundamentals, speed, and ability to work within brand constraints.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions to assess communication skills, collaboration style, adaptability, and alignment with Black Rock Coffee Bar's "Way We Live" values.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional leadership or team members to confirm fit and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this Jr. Graphic Designer role (digital, print, packaging execution).

• Highlight Brand Application: Emphasize projects where you successfully applied existing brand guidelines or developed cohesive visual systems.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly describe the brief, your approach, the tools used, challenges faced, and the outcome. Focus on execution and problem-solving.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples that demonstrate proficiency in typography, layout, color, and file preparation for print/digital.

• Be Prepared to Discuss Revisions: Anticipate questions about how you incorporate feedback and handle constructive criticism.

• Tailor to Black Rock: If possible, include a project that shows an understanding of the coffee or quick-service restaurant industry, or demonstrate how you would approach designing for a brand like Black Rock.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Brand Guidelines: If a design challenge is given, thoroughly review Black Rock Coffee Bar's existing branding (website, social media, menus) to understand their aesthetic, tone, and key visual elements.

• Focus on Execution: For a Jr. role, challenges often assess how well you can execute within given parameters rather than generating entirely new concepts.

• Time Management: Practice working efficiently under timed conditions, prioritizing key elements of the design task.

• Clear Communication: Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and process clearly and concisely, even if the output is not fully polished.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate their thought process and execution skills, especially in relation to brand consistency and meeting specific design briefs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is required. These are the core tools for creating and preparing virtually all design assets.

• Design Software: Candidates should be comfortable using these tools for tasks ranging from photo manipulation and vector illustration to page layout and print file preparation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Jr. Graphic Designer role, as these are typically managed by Sales or Revenue Operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required tools are standard for any graphic designer. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is critical, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency. While direct CRM/automation experience isn't needed, an awareness of how design impacts marketing performance is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality work in all aspects of design execution and file preparation.

• Respect: Demonstrating respect for customers, colleagues, and brand standards through thoughtful design and collaborative interaction.

• Community: Understanding how design can foster a sense of community and belonging, both internally and externally for the brand.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring accuracy and brand consistency.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn, adapt, and refine design skills and processes based on feedback and evolving trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Marketing teams to understand campaign goals and deliver supporting visual assets.

• Team-Oriented: Collaborating with senior designers and the Director of Creative Operations, embracing feedback, and contributing to a shared creative vision.

• Open Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, timelines, and any challenges encountered.

• Feedback-Driven: Actively seeking and constructively applying feedback to improve design outcomes and personal skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("The Way We Live") are central. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their work, particularly regarding excellence, respect, and community, which are directly applicable to a design role supporting a brand with a strong community focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Executing fresh, engaging designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and directives from senior leadership.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests from different departments with competing priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively receiving and implementing constructive criticism from multiple stakeholders, ensuring revisions meet expectations without compromising design integrity.

• Technical File Preparation: Ensuring accuracy in preparing files for diverse print and digital applications, which requires meticulous attention to detail and technical knowledge of color systems and formats.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of design applications (digital ads, social media, print collateral, packaging) to broaden the design skillset.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from experienced Creative Operations leadership and senior designers, gaining insights into professional practices, industry trends, and career development.

• Industry Exposure: Developing an understanding of design within the food and beverage/retail sector, learning how visuals drive consumer engagement and brand perception.

• Portfolio Building: The role provides ample opportunity to create impactful projects that will significantly enhance a professional design portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an entry-level creative role, emphasizing the need for strong execution, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. The growth opportunities are framed around skill development and portfolio enhancement, which are key objectives for individuals starting their careers in graphic design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects in your portfolio. For each, discuss the objective, your creative process, the tools you used, challenges you overcame, and the final outcome. Focus on how your design solved a problem or met a brief.

• Brand Application: How do you approach working within established brand guidelines? Can you provide an example of a time you had to strictly adhere to brand standards?

• Design for Different Channels: How would you approach designing a social media graphic versus a print flyer or a product label? What are the key considerations for each?

• Handling Feedback: Describe a time you received constructive criticism on a design. How did you process it, and what was the result?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Black Rock: What do you know about Black Rock Coffee Bar and its brand? What appeals to you about working for a company in the coffee retail industry?

• "The Way We Live": How do the company's values (excellence, respect, community, etc.) resonate with you, and how do you see yourself embodying them in a design role?

• Team Collaboration: How do you prefer to collaborate with marketing teams or other designers? What’s your approach to receiving direction?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Keep it Concise: Focus on your strongest, most relevant work. Aim for 3-5 projects that showcase diversity in application (digital, print, packaging) and strong execution.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" and the "how." What was the goal? What was your thought process? How did you execute it? What was the impact?

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your work demonstrates proficiency in typography, color, layout, and file preparation. If you have examples of print-ready files or optimized digital assets, mention them.

• Be Ready for Specifics: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, software used, and how you handled revisions.

• Enthusiasm for the Brand: Show genuine interest in Black Rock Coffee Bar and how your design skills can contribute to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a Jr. Graphic Designer should focus heavily on demonstrating practical design skills, understanding brand application, and showcasing an ability to learn and collaborate. The portfolio is the primary tool for this, so preparation should revolve around presenting it effectively and articulating the design process behind the work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Jr. Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ADP job portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 3-5 of your strongest design projects that align with the requirements for digital, print, and packaging design. Tailor your selection to showcase your ability to execute within brand guidelines and prepare files for production.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight relevant design skills, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), any internship experience, and soft skills such as attention to detail, collaboration, and time management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio projects, and demonstrating how you handle feedback. Prepare to discuss your understanding of brand consistency and your enthusiasm for Black Rock Coffee Bar.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Black Rock Coffee Bar's brand identity, values ("The Way We Live"), and current marketing efforts by reviewing their website, social media, and any available online content. Understand their aesthetic and target audience.

⚠️ 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.