Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: BerlinRosen

Location: New York, N.Y.

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Consulting / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on providing graphic design support for political campaigns, requiring a strong understanding of visual communication within the Democratic political consulting landscape.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating campaign messaging into compelling visual assets for a variety of mediums, including direct mail and digital advertising.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven agency environment during a critical election cycle.

• Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, strong time management, and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving project requirements and client feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specified as temporary, running from May 15, 2026, to October 23, 2026, which is a critical period for political campaign material development. The hybrid work model requires 3 days in the New York office, emphasizing the need for strong in-person collaboration and project management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors and account team members to conceptualize, design, and execute high-impact direct mail pieces, canvassing literature, and digital/social media advertisements for political campaigns.

• Proactively manage design projects from initial brief through to final production, ensuring all creative assets align with campaign strategies and branding guidelines.

• Efficiently incorporate feedback from Art Directors and campaign stakeholders, maintaining strong layouts, consistent branding, and clear design hierarchy across all deliverables.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions to develop innovative visual concepts that resonate with target audiences and effectively communicate campaign messages.

• Maintain meticulous organization of project files, assets, and design archives, adhering to established agency workflows and best practices for efficient retrieval and version control.

• Regularly meet stringent deadlines for a diverse range of candidates and campaigns, demonstrating a high level of productivity and adaptability in a fast-paced political environment.

• Adapt design solutions under pressure, quickly pivoting priorities to meet last-minute campaign needs and evolving project scopes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities emphasize a direct contribution to campaign success through visual design, requiring not just creative execution but also strategic understanding of political messaging and audience engagement. The need to "organize and maintain project files" points to a requirement for robust file management and workflow adherence, critical in agency settings managing multiple concurrent projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring 2+ years of agency experience. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in print design and art direction, preferably within an agency setting or a comparable fast-paced creative environment. Experience with political campaign design is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, for design and production.

• Proven experience in print design, including understanding of typography, color theory, layout principles, and pre-press requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to translate abstract messages and campaign strategies into compelling visual concepts.

• Exceptional organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail, crucial for managing multiple projects and deadlines.

• Strong time management capabilities, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.

• Collaborative mindset and proven ability to work effectively both independently and as a key member of a design and campaign team.

• Flexibility and willingness to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, during peak campaign periods.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience in editorial design, demonstrating an ability to structure and present information clearly and engagingly.

• Specific experience designing for political campaigns, including an understanding of campaign messaging, target audiences, and the unique demands of political advertising.

• Familiarity with digital design principles for social media ads and online campaign materials.

• Basic understanding of direct mail production processes and specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 2+ years of experience in print design and art direction within an agency setting, coupled with specific software proficiencies, indicates a need for candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision on core design tasks. The "preferred skills" highlight a strong advantage for candidates with prior political campaign experience, suggesting a quick learning curve for understanding the nuances of this specific industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse design projects that demonstrate proficiency in print design, direct mail, and digital advertising.

• Include examples of successful collaboration with Art Directors or account teams, highlighting your role in the creative development process.

• Present projects that clearly illustrate your ability to translate complex messages into clear, impactful visual communication.

• Demonstrate strong layout, branding, and design hierarchy skills through well-executed examples.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final production and revisions.

• Highlight your approach to managing feedback and iterating on designs while maintaining project integrity and deadlines.

• Demonstrate your system for organizing project files and assets, ensuring clarity and efficiency for team collaboration.

• Be ready to articulate how you manage tight deadlines and shifting priorities in a campaign environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating capability. The emphasis on print design, direct mail, and digital ads, along with the ability to integrate feedback and manage project files, indicates that the hiring team will assess practical execution, workflow adherence, and collaborative potential. Clear case studies showing problem-solution within design projects will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The stated salary is $67,500 annually. As this is a temporary, full-time position, this figure would be prorated for the duration of the contract (May 15, 2026 - October 23, 2026).

Benefits: While specific benefits for temporary roles can vary, typically they may include:

• Access to company-provided design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for professional development and networking within the political communications field.

• Potential for exposure to high-profile political campaigns and strategies.

• Collaborative work environment with experienced creative professionals.

• Potential for future opportunities within the Orchestra network based on performance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected (40 hours per week), with a willingness to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, during peak campaign periods. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the New York, N.Y. office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary of $67,500 annually is prorated for the approximately 5.5-month duration of the contract. For New York City, this salary is competitive for a junior-level designer with 2+ years of experience, especially in a specialized field like political campaigns, though it may be on the lower end for a full-time permanent role. Benefits for temporary positions are often limited, so candidates should inquire directly about any available perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Orchestra operates within the strategic communications and marketing sector, with a significant focus on political consulting through its BerlinRosen Campaigns (BRC) team. This intersection of communications, marketing, and politics creates a dynamic and often high-stakes environment.

Company Size: Orchestra is a large entity, comprising over 700 people across multiple acquired firms. BerlinRosen, as one of its leading firms, likely maintains a substantial presence, offering the resources of a large organization while potentially retaining some of the agility of a specialized unit.

Founded: Orchestra was formed in 2022 through acquisitions. BerlinRosen was founded in 2005. This suggests a company with a strong foundation in established communications practices, now integrated into a larger, modern structure designed for today's media landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Campaigns team is described as a "leading Democratic political consulting and direct mail firm" with an "in-house creative studio." This indicates a specialized, integrated team structure where design is closely aligned with strategy and client management.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will report to Art Directors and collaborate with account team members, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the creative studio that fosters mentorship and guidance.

Methodology:

• Orchestra's methodology emphasizes decoding audiences, designing bold strategies, and integrating people, platforms, and stories to build influence. For the Campaigns team, this translates to data-informed design choices and messaging tailored to specific voter demographics.

• The creative studio functions as a partner to clients, moving from brainstorming and strategic counsel through to creative production and execution, highlighting a holistic approach to campaign development.

• Emphasis is placed on creating "eye-catching and exceptional" materials, suggesting a commitment to high-quality design that stands out in a crowded political landscape.

Company Website: https://www.orchestraco.com/ (General Orchestra), https://www.berlinrosen.com/ (BerlinRosen)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely fast-paced, politically charged, and results-oriented, typical of campaign work. Orchestra's formation through acquisitions suggests a culture that values agility, integration, and leveraging diverse expertise across its network of firms. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the company description is a positive indicator for potential candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Graphic Designer role, typically an entry-level to early-career position. It's designed for individuals with foundational design skills and a desire to develop expertise in a specialized area like political campaign communications. The role offers a pathway to becoming a more senior designer or Art Director within political consulting.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will report to Art Directors, who are likely more experienced designers responsible for guiding creative output and ensuring quality. Collaboration with account teams means interaction with project managers and client strategists.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role focused on revenue or sales ops, this design position has a direct impact on campaign success. Effective design can influence voter perception, turnout, and ultimately, election outcomes. The designer's work is critical to the client's "influence" and "lasting impact" goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in political campaign design, direct mail, and digital advertising, becoming a go-to resource for these areas.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced Art Directors and senior members of the Campaigns team, gaining insights into design strategy and client management within the political arena.

• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with high-profile political campaign experience, which is highly valuable for future roles in politics, advocacy, or agency work.

• Potential for Full-Time Conversion: While temporary, exceptional performance could lead to opportunities for full-time positions within BerlinRosen or other Orchestra network agencies, depending on business needs and candidate fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of this role signifies a focus on immediate campaign needs. Growth potential is primarily tied to skill acquisition and portfolio building within this specialized niche. The opportunity to work on "tough races" and "Democratic political consulting" suggests that success here can open doors in the political communications industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in the BerlinRosen office located in New York, N.Y. This suggests a dynamic office environment that balances in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York, N.Y. This is a major hub for political consulting and communications, offering access to industry events and a vibrant professional network. Specific office address details would be provided upon inquiry or offer.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model facilitates collaborative work sessions in the office, crucial for brainstorming, design reviews, and team alignment on campaign visuals.

• Access to standard agency design tools and technology is expected, supporting efficient workflow and creative output.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with Art Directors and campaign strategists within the office environment will foster learning and professional development.

• The New York location places the designer within a nexus of political activity, potentially offering exposure to major campaign developments and industry trends.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard work hours (40 hours/week) expected. However, the nature of political campaigns necessitates a high degree of flexibility, including the willingness to work extended hours, nights, and weekends during peak periods to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid environment is typical for many agencies, balancing the need for face-to-face interaction for creative collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The New York City location is a significant advantage for networking and career development in the political and communications fields.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Typically involves a discussion about your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your design process, and how you approach challenges. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects.

• Skills Assessment: May include a design exercise or a discussion about your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and your approach to specific design challenges relevant to political campaigns.

• Team Interview: Meeting with Art Directors and potentially other members of the Campaigns team to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the political landscape.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within BerlinRosen Campaigns to discuss role expectations and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in print design, direct mail, and digital ads, with a preference for political or advocacy-related work if available.

• Showcase Process: For each selected project, be prepared to discuss your role, the project's objectives, your design choices, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. Visuals showing initial concepts or iterations can be beneficial.

• Highlight Political Relevance: If you have campaign experience, emphasize how your designs supported specific campaign goals, targeted demographics, or contributed to persuasive messaging.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and revisions, showcasing your ability to adapt designs while maintaining creative integrity and meeting deadlines.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to speak confidently about your use of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design exercise is given, focus on interpreting the brief accurately, developing a strong concept quickly, and presenting a clean, organized design that addresses the requirements.

• Conceptual Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for a specific type of candidate or campaign issue. Think about target audiences, key messages, and visual tone.

• Time Management: Practice designing under timed conditions if possible to simulate the pace of campaign work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design exercise highlights the practical, execution-focused nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also articulate their thought process and ability to deliver under pressure, which are critical for campaign success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print production), Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and digital assets), and Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos).

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly mentioned, expect to use tools like Asana, Trello, or internal agency systems for task tracking, deadlines, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but familiarity with how campaign data might inform design choices (e.g., segmentation for direct mail) could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, for print and digital design. The agency context implies the use of project management tools, and understanding how design supports campaign metrics is a valuable, albeit secondary, skill.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Campaign Focus: A strong commitment to winning Democratic campaigns and advancing progressive causes is paramount.

• Collaboration: A culture that values teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among designers, writers, strategists, and account teams.

• Excellence & Impact: A drive to produce high-quality, effective creative work that makes a tangible impact on campaign outcomes.

• Agility & Resilience: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, adapting to changing priorities and delivering under tight deadlines.

• Diversity & Inclusion: A stated commitment to building a diverse staff and fostering an inclusive environment where all backgrounds are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with strategists, copywriters, and account managers to ensure creative solutions are aligned with campaign goals and messaging.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to refine designs and achieve optimal results.

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Tackling design challenges collectively, leveraging the diverse expertise of the team to find the best solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is likely driven by a passion for politics and a dedication to achieving client success. The emphasis on collaboration and delivering impactful results under pressure is key. Candidates who are politically engaged and enjoy working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment will likely thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The constant pressure of tight deadlines and the need to produce high-quality work for multiple campaigns simultaneously can be demanding.

• Political Sensitivity: Designing for political campaigns requires a nuanced understanding of messaging, audience, and potential controversies, demanding careful consideration of all visual elements.

• Feedback Management: Effectively incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, some of whom may have differing opinions, while maintaining design integrity.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Political campaigns are dynamic; design needs can shift rapidly, requiring quick adaptation and problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Deepen expertise in direct mail design, political branding, and digital campaign advertising through hands-on experience.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working on significant Democratic campaigns and understanding the strategic communications landscape.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced Art Directors and senior creative professionals within BerlinRosen Campaigns.

• Networking: Build professional connections within the political consulting and communications industry in New York City.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to campaign work and agency environments. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize in political design, offering practical experience that is highly sought after in this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a political campaign message and translating it into visual concepts for direct mail." (Focus on your conceptualization, research, and execution steps.)

• "How do you prioritize design tasks when working on multiple campaigns with competing deadlines?" (Highlight your time management, organizational, and prioritization strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on political campaigns, specifically for Democratic candidates?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the political landscape.)

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with last-minute requests?" (Emphasize your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 3-5 pieces that showcase your best work in direct mail, print, and digital ads, ideally with a political or advocacy angle.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the challenges, your design solutions, and the impact of your work.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your proficiency with InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and your workflow for print production.

• Showcase Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs to meet client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also an understanding of the political context, a strong work ethic, and the ability to collaborate effectively under pressure. The portfolio is central; candidates must be able to speak confidently and insightfully about their work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Greenhouse application portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest work in print design, direct mail, and digital ads. If you have political campaign design experience, highlight it clearly. Prepare to discuss 2-3 key projects in detail, focusing on your process and problem-solving.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant experience, such as agency work, print design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any political campaign involvement. Use keywords from the job description, such as "print design," "art direction," "Adobe InDesign," and "political campaign design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to handling feedback, and your ability to work under pressure. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team, the campaigns, and the company culture.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with BerlinRosen, Orchestra, and their work in political communications. Understand their client base and the types of campaigns they support to demonstrate your interest and alignment with their mission.

⚠️ 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.

---