Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)

Location: White Plains, NY, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-03T21:09:24

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on bringing the VEG brand to life across diverse channels, requiring a strong understanding of visual brand systems and omni-channel marketing asset creation.

• The position involves a blend of graphic design and light motion graphics, necessitating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects for animating static assets and producing digital content.

• A key aspect is maintaining and evolving VEG's visual brand identity, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints from in-hospital environments to digital platforms and marketing campaigns.

• This role is ideal for a junior designer eager to expand their craft, contribute to broader creative initiatives, and gain experience in scalable brand operations and multimedia projects within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a role that bridges traditional graphic design with elements of marketing operations and digital content creation, particularly in managing and applying a brand system across multiple channels. The emphasis on "preparing production-ready files" and "scalable brand operations" indicates a need for process-oriented thinking beyond pure creative execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of omni-channel brand materials, including Out-of-Home (OOH) advertisements, in-hospital signage and collateral, print materials, social media graphics, digital advertisements, and broader campaign assets.

• Create and edit light motion graphics using Adobe After Effects, focusing on animating static assets, resizing and optimizing video content for various platforms, and producing engaging digital content for marketing and internal communications.

• Apply and evolve VEG’s established visual brand system, ensuring brand consistency across all applications while adapting it creatively for new formats, emerging channels, and specific campaign needs.

• Prepare production-ready files for both print and digital mediums, developing expertise in print prepress, color management, proofing, and digital file optimization for various output requirements.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal creative, marketing, and hospital teams to ensure design work aligns with strategic business goals, brand messaging, and enhances the overall customer experience for pet parents.

• Support scalable brand operations and multimedia initiatives by organizing and maintaining brand assets and templates, assisting with video shoots and social media edits, and actively contributing ideas during creative reviews to ensure cohesive and impactful brand expression across all platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for robust file management and understanding of production workflows, which are critical for marketing operations efficiency. The mention of "scalable brand operations" implies a requirement for designers who can think about process and repeatable solutions, not just one-off creative pieces.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Motion Graphics Basics: Foundational skills in Adobe After Effects for animation and video editing.

• Visual Design Fundamentals: Strong eye for layout, composition, color theory, and typography.

• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of print processes, including prepress, file setup, color management, and proofing procedures.

• Digital File Preparation: Familiarity with exporting and optimizing files for various digital channels (web, social media, email).

• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and maintain organized digital assets.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication for collaboration and feedback.

• Adaptability: Ability to work efficiently and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced creative setting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software beyond basic After Effects capabilities.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of brand guidelines development and application.

• Experience with environmental graphics or large-format printing.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Suite programs and print production knowledge is crucial for operations efficiency. The "0-2 years" experience level, combined with the need for strong fundamentals and adaptability, suggests a candidate who is eager to learn and can be trained on VEG's specific operational workflows and brand standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 diverse design projects that demonstrate proficiency across various mediums (print, digital, social, OOH, in-hospital).

• Include at least one project that highlights the application and evolution of a visual brand system or style guide.

• Feature examples of file preparation for production, indicating an understanding of print specifications or digital optimization.

Process Documentation:

• For select projects, briefly describe the design process, including initial concept development, iterations, client feedback integration, and final file preparation.

• Highlight any instances where process efficiency was a consideration (e.g., creating templates, streamlining asset production).

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design supports broader marketing operations and brand consistency goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For junior roles, the portfolio is less about complex operational systems and more about demonstrating foundational design process, attention to detail in file preparation, and the ability to follow brand guidelines, which are precursors to effective marketing operations execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Health, dental, and vision insurance benefits that begin on day one of employment.

• Mental Health Support: Access to free therapy or counseling services.

• Family Support:

  • Paid parental leave: Up to 10 weeks at 100% of regular salary.
  • Inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families.

• Work-Life Balance: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation and sick days.

• Employee Referral Program: Generous program to reward employees for referring successful candidates.

• Technology: Company-provided laptop and a monthly reimbursement for cell phone expenses.

• Perks: Casual office attire, ability to bring pets to work, company swag, stocked fridge with food, and free lunches twice a week.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, likely 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement at the White Plains, NY headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of a bonus, unlimited PTO, and comprehensive family support benefits are significant attractors for candidates seeking a balance between career growth and personal well-being, which can contribute to long-term retention in operations-adjacent roles. The salary range is competitive for a Junior Graphic Designer in the White Plains, NY area, considering market rates for roles requiring Adobe Suite proficiency and some level of marketing support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Veterinary Emergency Care Services. VEG is disrupting the traditional veterinary emergency landscape by providing 24/7/365 specialized care with a focus on an exceptional experience for both pets and their owners.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided text, VEG is a rapidly expanding national organization with multiple hospitals and a dedicated headquarters team, suggesting a medium to large-sized company.

Founded: 2014. VEG has experienced significant growth since its inception, indicating a dynamic and evolving organizational structure with a focus on innovation and scaling operations.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the VEG Headquarters (VQ) team, specifically within the creative and marketing function.

• This team supports the operational and strategic needs of VEG's nationwide network of veterinary emergency hospitals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: VEG emphasizes "saying YES" and challenging norms, suggesting an agile and innovative approach to problem-solving, likely supported by data and operational insights.

• Customer-Centricity: The company's mission revolves around helping pets and their owners, indicating a strong focus on customer experience in all aspects of their operations, including brand representation.

• People-First Approach: VEG is recognized as a Great Place to Work®, highlighting a commitment to employee well-being, growth, and a positive work environment, which is crucial for retaining talent in operational support roles.

Company Website: veterinaryemergencygroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: VEG's focus on innovation and challenging norms in the veterinary ER space suggests a culture that values proactive problem-solving and creative thinking. For a design role supporting operations, this means contributing to brand consistency and operational efficiency through clear visual communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Junior Graphic Designer," indicating an entry-level to early-career position (0-2 years of experience). It's a foundational role within the creative and marketing operations function.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Senior Graphic Designer, or Marketing Manager within the VEG Headquarters (VQ) team. This structure provides mentorship and guidance for skill development.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing operational processes, the designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer experience, and internal communications. High-quality, consistent design assets are crucial for efficient marketing campaigns, clear hospital signage, and reinforcing VEG's brand identity, all of which indirectly support operational effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to build a strong portfolio across various design disciplines (print, digital, OOH, motion graphics) and gain expertise in After Effects and print production.

• Brand System Mastery: Deepen understanding of brand application and evolution, contributing to the strategic use of VEG's visual identity.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Collaborate with different departments, gaining insights into broader marketing strategies, operational needs, and how design supports business objectives.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced creative professionals who can provide guidance, feedback, and career development advice.

• Advancement: Potential to grow into Senior Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, or specialized roles within the creative team as experience and skills develop.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "saying YES" culture, combined with the explicit mention of mentorship and growth opportunities, suggests that VEG is invested in developing junior talent. For operations-minded candidates, this indicates a pathway to understanding how design contributes to broader business objectives and operational efficiency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description explicitly mentions "BETTER TOGETHER: WHY IN-PERSON MATTERS AT VEG HQ," indicating a strong preference for an on-site work environment at their headquarters in White Plains, NY. This suggests a collaborative office setting designed to foster connections and teamwork.

Office Location(s): VEG Headquarters, White Plains, NY. The company highlights easy access with free parking and a shuttle service from the White Plains Metro-North station, making commuting more convenient for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Time in the office is prioritized for fostering stronger connections, meaningful conversations, and better results. This implies an open and interactive workspace designed for teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Employees receive a company laptop, and access to the full Adobe Creative Suite is a requirement, suggesting a well-equipped digital workspace.

• Team Interaction: The emphasis on in-person collaboration means ample opportunities for direct interaction with creative and marketing colleagues, fostering knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, likely 40 hours per week. The on-site requirement means adherence to typical office working hours, though the unlimited PTO policy offers flexibility in managing personal time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on an on-site work environment is a key differentiator. For operations roles, this often translates to more effective communication, immediate problem-solving, and a stronger sense of team cohesion, which can boost operational efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with VEG's brand and needs.

• Creative Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and how their work aligns with VEG's mission and brand. This may involve a specific design challenge or case study presentation.

• Behavioral Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with VEG's core values (empathetic, humble, ownership, curious).

• Final Round: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership to discuss the role's impact and long-term fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Brand Thinking: Highlight projects where you've applied or evolved a brand system. Explain your rationale behind design decisions to maintain consistency and impact.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, articulate your design process: research, ideation, execution, feedback incorporation, and final file preparation. Emphasize how you tackled challenges.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design project had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement on social media, improved clarity of in-hospital information), present those metrics.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects, and your understanding of print production.

• Tailor to VEG: Research VEG's brand, mission, and values. Explain how your design philosophy and work align with their people-centric, empathetic approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a design task that might involve creating assets for a specific campaign, adapting existing materials, or solving a visual communication problem related to veterinary emergency care. Focus on speed, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• After Effects Task: If motion graphics are a key part of the role, a small task animating a logo or simple graphic might be included.

• Brand System Application: Practice applying a given brand guide to new assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio review will likely focus on foundational skills, problem-solving approach, and potential rather than extensive experience. Demonstrating an understanding of brand consistency and production readiness is key for this operations-adjacent design role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: For layout design of print collateral, brochures, in-hospital signage, and campaign materials.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • After Effects: For creating light motion graphics, animating static assets, and producing engaging digital content.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: (Likely used by the company, though not explicitly mentioned) - Essential for organizing, storing, and distributing brand assets efficiently across the organization.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing campaigns supported by design are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms could provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified Adobe Creative Suite programs is paramount. For an operations-focused enhancement, highlighting the importance of understanding how these tools integrate into broader marketing workflows, particularly concerning asset management and production readiness, is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Saying YES" Mentality: Embracing challenges and finding solutions, often through creative problem-solving and a willingness to go the extra mile.

• Empathy & People-Centricity: A fundamental value that guides interactions with colleagues, clients (pet parents), and patients. This translates to designing with understanding and consideration.

• Humility: Acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit, and fostering a supportive team environment where learning and growth are prioritized.

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for one's work, driving projects to completion, and being committed to achieving impactful, long-term results for VEG.

• Curiosity: A drive to ask insightful questions, continuously learn, and seek opportunities for skill development and knowledge expansion, essential for staying current in design and marketing trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with marketing partners, other creative team members, and potentially hospital staff to ensure design efforts are aligned with strategic goals and operational needs.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback in creative reviews and day-to-day interactions to refine designs and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design techniques, and insights to collectively elevate the team's capabilities and brand output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Saying YES," empathy, and ownership aligns well with operations roles that require proactive problem-solving and a commitment to delivering results. For a designer, this means understanding how their creative output contributes to the company's operational success and client satisfaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to VEG's established visual brand system and operational guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Projects in a Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling numerous design requests with varying deadlines and priorities, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with digital trends, social media platform changes, and new marketing campaign requirements, and quickly adapting design strategies accordingly.

• Translating Complex Information into Clear Visuals: Designing materials that effectively communicate important information to pet parents and internal teams, especially in a high-stress emergency context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Motion Graphics: Deepening expertise in After Effects and exploring other animation or video editing tools.

• Brand System Development: Gaining exposure to the strategy behind brand guidelines and potentially contributing to their evolution.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning about other areas of marketing operations, digital marketing, and veterinary care to better understand the context for design work.

• Industry Conferences/Webinars: Opportunities to attend design or marketing industry events to learn about new trends and tools.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior designers and marketing professionals within VEG.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in dynamic marketing and operations environments. VEG's culture of "Saying YES" suggests that these challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth and skill development, particularly in areas like process optimization for asset creation and brand management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Application: "Describe a time you had to adapt a brand's visual identity for a new medium or campaign. How did you ensure consistency while making it relevant?" (Preparation: Prepare a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates this skill, focusing on your thought process.)

• Process & Efficiency: "How do you approach preparing design files for production, whether for print or digital? What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and efficiency?" (Preparation: Detail your workflow for file preparation, mentioning specific checks for color, resolution, bleed, and digital optimization.)

• Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you collaborated with a non-design team member on a project. How did you manage communication and ensure the design met their needs?" (Preparation: Focus on active listening, clear communication, and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• VEG Mission: "What resonates with you about VEG's mission to help people and their pets, and how do you see design contributing to that mission?" (Preparation: Research VEG's values and mission statement. Connect your passion for design to their purpose.)

• Values Alignment: "How do you embody empathy, humility, ownership, or curiosity in your work?" (Preparation: Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate these qualities.)

• Fast-Paced Environment: "How do you manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced creative setting?" (Preparation: Highlight your organizational systems, prioritization techniques, and ability to adapt.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final output. Explain the problem, your solution, your process, and the outcome.

• Highlight VEG Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to work with brand systems, create assets for diverse channels, and understand production requirements.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss the software and techniques you used.

• Showcase After Effects Work: If you have motion graphics examples, be prepared to discuss your approach to animation and editing.

• Be Enthusiastic and Engaged: Show your passion for design and your eagerness to learn and contribute to the VEG team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, interviewers will be assessing not only technical skills but also your potential, attitude, and cultural fit. Demonstrating an understanding of brand operations and efficiency in file management will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a professional website or a well-organized PDF) and highlights projects relevant to omni-channel design, brand system application, and production-ready file preparation. Tailor your selection to showcase skills mentioned in the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects) and any experience with print production or digital asset management. Quantify achievements where possible, even for junior roles (e.g., "Designed 10+ social media assets per week").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing responses to behavioral questions based on VEG's core values (empathy, humility, ownership, curiosity).

• Company Research: Thoroughly review VEG's website, mission, values, and recent marketing campaigns to understand their brand voice and operational context. Be prepared to discuss why you are excited about VEG specifically.

⚠️ 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.