Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer Company: Associa Location: Richardson, Texas, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations & Creative Services Date Posted: 2025-08-14T00:00:00 Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a diverse range of graphic, print, web, and digital media collateral for Associa's TownSq platform and internal marketing initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and Marketing Team to ensure brand consistency across all creative outputs and marketing channels.
• Develop creative concepts and execute designs for various marketing materials, including ads, brochures, signage, social media graphics, and email campaigns.
• Assist in the design of collateral and articles for Associa's in-house lifestyle magazine, demonstrating an understanding of publishing design standards.
• Apply and maintain a strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory, to produce high-quality, on-brand visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Junior Graphic Designer within Associa's TownSq marketing department, indicating a need for foundational design skills with opportunities for growth under the guidance of a Creative Director. The focus on brand consistency and a diverse range of media suggests a need for adaptability and a broad understanding of design applications in a corporate marketing context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative designs for digital marketing campaigns, including social media graphics, email templates, website banners, and digital advertisements.
• Design print collateral such as brochures, flyers, postcards, signage, and event materials, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and project specifications.
• Contribute to the visual content creation for Associa's lifestyle magazine, including page layout, article design, and image selection.
• Translate creative briefs and business objectives into compelling visual concepts and final designs with minimal oversight.
• Maintain brand consistency across all design projects by adhering to brand guidelines, style guides, and established design systems.
• Create and adapt graphics for various digital platforms, understanding the technical requirements and best practices for each channel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather design requirements, provide updates, and incorporate feedback to ensure project success.
• Stay current with emerging design trends, technologies, and industry best practices to inform creative output and bring fresh ideas to the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on execution across multiple channels. The mention of "delivering creative work and ensuring brand consistency" points to a need for meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of brand stewardship. The expectation to "think creatively to produce new ideas" suggests that while foundational skills are key, innovative thinking is also valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

Experience: 1-3+ years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a marketing department, agency, or a role involving similar creative output.

Required Skills:

• Mastery demonstration of the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for professional design and production.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design elements and final deliverables.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, essential for working effectively with the Creative Director, Marketing Team, and internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to be self-motivated and manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory, applied effectively in visual communication.
• Ability to interpret creative briefs, understand design strategy, and translate goals into impactful visual solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly for document creation and presentation.
• Knowledge of content creation for social media platforms, including understanding platform-specific design best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Good time management and organizational skills, with the ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Experience working closely with an internal marketing team, understanding collaborative workflows and feedback processes.
• Prior agency experience, providing exposure to diverse clients and project types.
• Interest in video editing or podcast production, indicating a willingness to expand creative skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "mastery demonstration of Adobe Suite" is a critical technical skill. The blend of "self-motivated," "manage many projects," and "meet tight deadlines" emphasizes the need for strong project management and organizational capabilities, common in fast-paced marketing operations environments. "Great taste, instincts, and knowledge of emerging design trends" suggests a need for creative flair and market awareness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, digital media, and print collateral.
• Evidence of ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas for marketing campaigns, social media, and branding initiatives.
• Examples of work that highlight an understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory, applied effectively.
• Projects that illustrate strong attention to detail, brand consistency, and the ability to deliver high-quality, on-brand designs.
• Case studies or project descriptions that explain the design process, challenges faced, and the rationale behind creative decisions, ideally with measurable outcomes or impact.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for this junior role, candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of design workflows and project management processes (e.g., brief interpretation, concept development, revision cycles, final delivery) will be highly regarded.
• Familiarity with version control or file management best practices for design assets is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary indicator of practical skills and creative potential. The emphasis should be on showcasing a breadth of work that aligns with the responsibilities listed, particularly in digital and print design for marketing purposes. Demonstrating the ability to follow a design brief and maintain brand consistency will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Junior Graphic Designer with 1-3 years of experience in the Richardson, Texas area, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $45,000 and $60,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, the depth of their portfolio, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), with potential company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education in design software and trends.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Potential for participation in company-wide events and team-building activities.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time, on-site position are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, during standard business hours. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical compensation for junior-level creative roles in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, considering the experience level and typical benefits offered by companies of Associa's size and industry. Local cost of living and market demand for design talent were factored into the estimation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Associa operates within the Community Management industry, providing technology and professional services to homeowners' associations (HOAs) and property management companies. TownSq is their API platform designed to streamline operations and communications within this sector. Company Size: Associa is a large organization with over 11,000 team members and more than 225 branch offices across North America, serving nearly five million residents. This indicates a stable, established company with significant reach and resources. Founded: Associa has been in operation for over 43 years, suggesting a long-standing presence and deep experience in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the TownSq Marketing Department.
• This department is led by a Creative Director, to whom the Junior Graphic Designer will report.
• The role involves close collaboration with the Marketing Team and other internal stakeholders across the organization.

Methodology:

• The marketing team likely employs a data-driven approach to campaign development and performance analysis to ensure marketing efforts align with business objectives.
• Design workflows are expected to be structured, involving creative briefs, concept development, feedback loops, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• The company emphasizes technological solutions and innovation to transform community management, suggesting an environment that embraces modern tools and processes.

Company Website: https://www.associaonline.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Associa's established history and large footprint suggest a structured corporate environment with defined processes. The focus on technology via the TownSq platform implies a blend of traditional business operations with a forward-looking approach to digital solutions. The marketing team likely operates with a degree of formality, requiring professional communication and adherence to established brand standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior-level position, typically the entry point for aspiring graphic designers within a corporate marketing or operations setting. It focuses on execution and skill development under direct supervision.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director within the Marketing Department. This provides a clear line of mentorship and guidance for skill development and project oversight.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in core revenue operations or sales operations, the graphic designer's work directly supports marketing efforts. High-quality visual assets are crucial for lead generation, customer engagement, brand perception, and sales enablement, indirectly contributing to revenue growth and operational efficiency by enhancing marketing campaign effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, explore new design software, and gain experience in specialized design areas (e.g., motion graphics, UI/UX design, video editing).
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Art Director role within Associa's marketing or creative departments.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Chance to collaborate with various departments, gaining insight into different aspects of the business and how marketing operations supports them.
• Industry Knowledge: Development of specialized knowledge in community management marketing and digital platform design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The junior level implies a strong learning trajectory. Growth will likely involve mastering core design skills, understanding business objectives, and becoming more self-sufficient in project execution. The reporting structure to a Creative Director provides an excellent foundation for mentorship in both creative and professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, suggesting a traditional office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are prioritized. Office Location(s): The role is based in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, known for its corporate presence and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be within a professional office setting, equipped with standard office amenities and technology.
• Opportunities for collaboration with the Marketing Team and Creative Director will be readily available in person.
• Access to necessary design hardware and software will be provided to facilitate creative work.
• The environment is expected to be professional and focused, supporting the creation of high-quality marketing materials.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, totaling 40 hours per week. While project deadlines may occasionally require extra effort, the core schedule is expected to be within typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in Richardson, TX, suggests a typical corporate office setting. Collaboration will be a key aspect, with direct access to the Creative Director and marketing team for guidance and feedback, which is beneficial for a junior role focused on skill development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by HR or the hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative output.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative decisions, and how their work aligns with the company's needs. This may include a technical test or a design challenge.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Creative Director and potentially other marketing team members to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration skills, and understanding of design strategy.
• Final Interview: Possibly with a higher-level manager or department head to confirm suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills (digital, print, branding, social media).
• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the client's objective, your role, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples that specifically show how you adhered to brand guidelines or created cohesive visual systems.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your work demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Keep it Professional: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. A PDF format or a professional online portfolio link is ideal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a flyer, or a banner based on a provided brief.
• Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely. Explain why you made certain decisions regarding color, typography, and layout.
• Understand Associa's brand and the TownSq platform to tailor your challenge submission effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role will heavily emphasize the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to discuss their creative process, problem-solving skills, and how they translate creative briefs into tangible design solutions. Understanding the company's mission and brand is crucial for tailoring responses and design challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks. Proficiency in:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print collateral, magazines, brochures, flyers, and postcards.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, illustrations, and creating scalable assets for web and print.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, digital illustration, and creating web graphics.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for general business communication, document creation, and presentation preparation.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement rates, email click-through rates) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the core design responsibilities, but familiarity with how marketing collateral is deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) is critical. Candidates must demonstrate strong practical skills in these programs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is also a standard requirement for corporate roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on maintaining a unified and recognizable brand identity across all communications and marketing materials.
• Creativity & Innovation: Valuing fresh ideas and creative approaches to visual storytelling and problem-solving.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together to achieve shared goals.
• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Meeting deadlines and managing workload effectively in a dynamic marketing environment.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, encouraging open communication and feedback between designers, marketers, and stakeholders.
• Working closely with the Creative Director means a structured feedback loop for project development and refinement.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected to support various marketing campaigns and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "empower HOAs and management teams" and "simplify community living" suggests a customer-centric approach. The marketing team likely mirrors this by striving for clear, effective, and visually appealing communication that supports these goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Guidelines: Effectively producing innovative designs while strictly adhering to Associa's established brand identity and style guides.
• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Juggling various design requests from different stakeholders with competing priorities and tight turnaround times.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design trends and technologies while ensuring designs remain relevant and on-brand for the community management industry.
• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Effectively incorporating constructive criticism from the Creative Director and other stakeholders into design revisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to explore and develop specialized design skills, such as motion graphics, UI/UX design, or advanced digital illustration techniques.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the unique marketing challenges and opportunities within the HOA and community management sector.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance and learning from an experienced Creative Director, providing valuable insights into design strategy and career development.
• Professional Development: Potential for training on new software, design techniques, or attending industry-related workshops and conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for junior design roles, emphasizing the need for strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning and feedback. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for professional development within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 of your most impactful projects, detailing the problem, your process, your solution, and the outcome. Focus on how your design solved a business need.
• Design Philosophy: Discuss your approach to design, what inspires you, and how you stay updated on design trends. Explain your understanding of design principles (layout, typography, color).
• Brand Understanding: How do you ensure brand consistency in your work? How would you approach designing for a brand like Associa or TownSq, given their mission?
• Problem-Solving: Describe a time you faced a design challenge or received difficult feedback. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
• Collaboration: How do you collaborate with team members and stakeholders? Describe your ideal working relationship with a Creative Director.

Company & Culture Questions:

• What do you know about Associa and the TownSq platform?
• What interests you about working in the community management industry?
• How do you see yourself contributing to the marketing team's goals?
• What are your career aspirations as a graphic designer?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: Stick to the time allocated for your presentation. Practice your delivery to ensure it's efficient and impactful.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually clean and easy to follow. Use clear headings and minimal text on slides, letting your work speak for itself.
• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that are most similar to the responsibilities outlined in the job description (e.g., social media graphics, email design, print collateral).
• Showcase Adobe Suite Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques within Adobe Creative Suite you used for each project.
• Engage and Ask Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also an understanding of marketing objectives, brand stewardship, and collaborative work habits. Being able to articulate the "why" behind design choices is as important as the visual output itself.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio or a PDF version of your portfolio through the Associa careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and experience with digital/print marketing collateral relevant to the job description.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 1-3+ years of experience, relevant education, and key skills, using keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Suite," "brand consistency," and "marketing collateral."
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your understanding of design principles, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to present your portfolio and answer questions about your creative approach.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Associa, its mission, and the TownSq platform to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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