Lead Designer - Marketing & Communications

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer - Marketing & Communications

Company: Montage Health

Location: Monterey, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: December 10, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of high-impact visual assets for marketing and communications initiatives, driving brand consistency and alignment with organizational objectives.

• Champion creative direction and brand management, ensuring all visual outputs reinforce a cohesive and compelling brand identity across diverse channels.

• Optimize creative production workflows and operational efficiency through the identification and implementation of innovative solutions.

• Foster robust cross-functional collaboration, serving as a strategic design partner to internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver impactful visual communications.

• Execute and potentially direct photography projects, ensuring creative assets meet brand guidelines and contribute to a unified visual narrative.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead Designer within a healthcare organization, indicating a strong emphasis on brand integrity, clear communication, and potentially sensitive subject matter. The operations aspect lies in managing the creative production pipeline, ensuring efficiency, and aligning creative output with broader marketing and communication strategies. The "Lead" title suggests significant autonomy and responsibility for guiding creative direction and process improvement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop visually compelling marketing and communication materials across digital (social media, email, web), print, and environmental graphics, adhering strictly to brand and style guidelines.

• Support and implement creative direction, ensuring consistent visual storytelling and brand representation in all design outputs.

• Assist in brand management initiatives, including contributing to or directing photography projects to align with brand aesthetics and messaging.

• Identify, recommend, and help implement solutions to enhance creative output quality and operational efficiency within the design production process.

• Effectively manage design production timelines and budgets, ensuring timely and cost-effective project execution through robust project management.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (marketing, communications, leadership) and external vendors to align creative output with strategic marketing and communication goals.

• Serve as a strategic design partner, contributing to the development of integrated creative assets and demonstrating adaptability to feedback and project requirements.

• Ensure all creative assets adhere to brand guidelines, reinforcing a cohesive visual identity and delivering products that demonstrate excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and process management. The emphasis on "supporting and implementing creative direction" and "assisting with brand management" suggests the role may operate within an established brand framework but has the opportunity to influence its visual execution. The responsibility for "identifying, recommending, and helping implement solutions to enhance creative output and operational efficiency" is a key operations-focused directive, requiring proactive problem-solving and process improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in graphic design is essential.

• At least 2 years of this experience must be in a leadership or senior design capacity, demonstrating the ability to guide creative efforts and mentor junior designers.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is non-negotiable for creating high-quality print and digital assets.

• Digital Design Proficiency: Strong knowledge of email design best practices, UX/UI principles, and responsive design is crucial for effective digital communications.

• Print Design Mastery: Demonstrated ability to create impactful print collateral, including brochures, flyers, and environmental graphics.

• Brand Management Acumen: Proven ability to understand and rigorously apply brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency and strengthen brand identity.

• Project Management Skills: Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with experience using project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) to manage multiple design projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visuals and effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Creative Direction Support: Ability to interpret and execute creative direction, contributing to visual storytelling and reinforcing brand narratives.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography Direction: Experience in planning, executing, or directing photography projects for marketing purposes.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Familiarity with DAM systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving creative assets efficiently.

• Creative Production Automation: Knowledge of or experience with tools that automate or streamline creative production workflows.

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Basic proficiency in motion graphics (e.g., After Effects) or video editing software can be beneficial for dynamic content creation.

• UX/UI Design Tools: Experience with prototyping tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for digital interface design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level designer with a strong technical foundation in design software and a strategic understanding of brand and communication. The "Lead" aspect is supported by the requirement for leadership experience and the expectation of managing projects and contributing to workflow improvements. The mention of UX/UI and responsive design points to a need for digital-first thinking.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects that highlight expertise in both print and digital design.

• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of brand guidelines and strategic communication objectives, illustrating how design solutions met specific marketing or organizational goals.

• Include examples of integrated campaigns where design elements were consistent across multiple channels (e.g., social media, email, print collateral).

• Showcase projects that involved collaboration with stakeholders or cross-functional teams, highlighting your role and contribution.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process from concept to final delivery, including how you gather requirements, conduct research, develop initial concepts, iterate based on feedback, and manage final production.

• Highlight instances where you identified and implemented improvements to design workflows or operational efficiency, detailing the problem, your proposed solution, and the resulting impact (e.g., reduced turnaround time, improved asset quality, cost savings).

• Demonstrate your approach to project management for design initiatives, including how you prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and communicate status updates to stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how you ensure brand consistency across all design outputs and how you would manage a photography project from brief to final asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, the portfolio isn't just about aesthetics; it's about demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and problem-solving. Candidates should prepare to articulate the "why" behind their design choices and showcase their ability to drive efficiency and impact through their work. The focus on process improvement and collaboration is key for a lead position.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated pay range is $42.51 to $56.86 per hour.

• This translates to an annual salary range of approximately $88,420.80 to $118,256.80, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

• This range is competitive for a Lead Designer position in the Monterey, CA area, considering the experience level and responsibilities outlined.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on the provided hourly rate and a standard 40-hour work week. Regional salary data for Lead Designer roles in California, particularly in the healthcare sector, often falls within or slightly above this range, reflecting the cost of living and specialized skill requirements.

Benefits:

• As a full-time employee of Montage Health, you will likely be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. While specific details are not provided, typical benefits for such roles in the healthcare industry often include:
  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan, potentially with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
  • Life Insurance: Employer-provided life and disability insurance.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and continuing education to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.
  • Wellness Programs: Access to employee wellness initiatives and resources.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, exempt position.

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While exempt, flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines and organizational needs, common in creative leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly pay range is specific and forms the basis of the salary estimate. The benefits are inferred based on industry standards for full-time roles in healthcare organizations. The "exempt" status implies the role is not eligible for overtime pay but may come with more flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare. Montage Health is a prominent healthcare system dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the Monterey Peninsula. This industry context implies a culture that values patient care, community service, ethical practices, and a commitment to quality and innovation.

Company Size: As a health system, Montage Health is likely a large organization, employing a significant number of individuals across various facilities and departments. This suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for career progression within a large entity.

Founded: Montage Health has a history rooted in serving the local community, with a focus on accessible and comprehensive healthcare services. Understanding this history can provide insight into the organization's core values and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing and Communications department.

• This department may include specialists in content creation, digital marketing, public relations, and internal communications.

• The Lead Designer will report to a Director or VP of Marketing & Communications, providing creative leadership and strategic guidance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: Expect a blend of creative execution guided by brand standards and data-informed insights from marketing campaigns and patient engagement metrics.

• Process Optimization: A focus on refining creative production workflows to ensure efficiency, timely delivery, and high-quality output, especially critical in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

• Collaborative Development: Emphasis on cross-functional teamwork, requiring strong communication and partnership to align creative efforts with diverse departmental needs and organizational goals.

Company Website: https://www.montagehealth.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The healthcare industry context is crucial. It implies a need for sensitivity, accuracy, and a patient-centric approach in all communications. The "Lead" title within a large organization suggests a role with significant impact and visibility, requiring strong stakeholder management skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior/lead level within the creative and marketing operations function. It requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to manage projects, influence creative direction, and contribute to operational efficiency. It bridges hands-on design work with strategic oversight of creative production.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer typically reports to a Director or Vice President of Marketing and Communications. This positioning places the role within the strategic leadership of the department, allowing for direct input into marketing and communication strategies from a visual perspective.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is significant. By ensuring high-quality, on-brand visual communications, they directly influence brand perception, patient engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Optimizing creative production workflows can lead to cost savings, faster time-to-market for campaigns, and improved team productivity. Their work is critical in conveying the organization's mission, values, and services to its target audiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Creative Director role, managing a larger team and taking on more strategic responsibility for the entire creative output of the organization.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like healthcare branding, digital experience design (UX/UI), or content strategy.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead cross-departmental creative initiatives or contribute to broader organizational process improvement projects.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in healthcare marketing and communications, becoming a subject matter expert within the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Lead Designer in a large organization like Montage Health is typically towards broader creative leadership or more specialized strategic roles. The emphasis on operational efficiency suggests opportunities to influence how creative work is managed and executed across the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and access to on-site resources are paramount. The office is located in Monterey, CA.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Ryan Ranch, Monterey, CA. This suggests a professional office park setting, likely with dedicated spaces for creative teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Expect a workspace designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and potentially shared creative studios.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), hardware, and potentially specialized creative tools will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Close proximity to marketing and communications colleagues will facilitate seamless project communication, feedback loops, and idea sharing. Opportunities to interact with other departments for project-specific needs will also be common.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week) and exempt. While a standard schedule is expected, the nature of creative leadership often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or oversee urgent creative needs. This flexibility is a common characteristic of senior creative roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. It emphasizes the value Montage Health places on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct access to resources for its creative team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Director/VP of Marketing & Communications) focusing on your design philosophy, leadership style, experience with brand management, and understanding of healthcare communications.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: This is a critical stage. You will be asked to present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you've driven efficiency or achieved objectives. Be prepared to articulate your role and impact.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be given a design challenge or case study related to a typical marketing or communication need for Montage Health. This assesses your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach creative briefs under time constraints.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: You might meet with other members of the marketing team, potential collaborators from other departments, or senior leaders to assess your fit within the broader organization and your ability to collaborate effectively.

• Final Decision: Based on all assessments.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating leadership, brand consistency, successful communication outcomes, and process improvements.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief/problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions (especially as a lead), the tools used, the challenges overcome, and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize any instances where you improved workflows, managed projects efficiently, collaborated with diverse teams, or contributed to operational excellence in the creative process. Use quantifiable data where possible.

• Brand Alignment: Showcase your ability to understand and adhere to brand guidelines, particularly for a healthcare organization.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually polished, well-organized, and easy to follow. Use clear headings, concise explanations, and high-quality visuals.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, your leadership style, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of the healthcare industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Montage Health: Understand their mission, values, target audiences, current campaigns, and brand aesthetic.

• Anticipate Briefs: Design challenges often involve creating assets for a specific campaign, event, or communication need relevant to healthcare.

• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate that your design solutions are rooted in strategic objectives, not just aesthetics.

• Time Management: Practice working within time limits. Prioritize key elements and be prepared to present a well-reasoned, albeit potentially incomplete, solution.

• Process Articulation: Be ready to explain your thought process and how you would approach the challenge if given more time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate process and impact. The inclusion of a potential design challenge highlights the need for practical application of skills and strategic thinking under pressure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, digital asset creation, and photo retouching.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: The primary tool for layout and design of print materials (brochures, flyers, reports) and digital publications.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for managing design production, tracking tasks, and collaborating with teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for communication and file sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (Familiarity): While not a primary design tool, understanding basic principles of web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) can inform digital design decisions related to user engagement and conversion.

• Email Marketing Platforms (Familiarity): Knowledge of platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Salesforce Marketing Cloud can be beneficial for understanding email design limitations and best practices.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Awareness): Familiarity with how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) might inform marketing campaigns and the types of assets needed for customer engagement.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with DAM solutions (e.g., Bynder, Canto) for organizing, storing, and distributing creative assets efficiently.

• Potential for Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of or experience with tools that can automate repetitive design tasks or streamline production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep expertise in Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is essential for operational efficiency. Knowledge of DAM systems and an understanding of marketing technology (CRM, email platforms) are advantageous for a lead role aiming to optimize creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free design work that consistently meets or exceeds brand standards and stakeholder expectations.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements in creative workflows, aiming to deliver more with less time and resources.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared goals.

• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a guardian of the Montage Health brand, ensuring all visual communications are cohesive, accurate, and aligned with the organization's mission and values.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to explore new design techniques, tools, and strategies to keep creative output fresh and effective, while remaining adaptable to changing project needs and feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing managers, content creators, PR specialists, and potentially clinical staff. Communication should be clear, concise, and focused on achieving shared objectives.

• Feedback and Iteration: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, with designers expected to listen, incorporate feedback thoughtfully, and present revised options effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where team members share best practices, insights, and learnings, particularly regarding design trends, tools, and operational efficiencies.

• Proactive Engagement: Encouraging team members to proactively identify opportunities for design to enhance communication or solve problems, rather than simply waiting for assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize quality, efficiency, and collaboration, which are hallmarks of strong operations-focused teams. The culture likely supports a blend of creative freedom and disciplined execution, critical for a healthcare organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Rigidity: Navigating the need for innovative design solutions while strictly adhering to established healthcare brand guidelines and regulatory considerations.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively managing feedback and priorities from diverse stakeholders across different departments, each with unique needs and perspectives.

• Optimizing Creative Workflow in a Large Organization: Identifying and implementing efficiencies within potentially complex organizational structures and established processes.

• Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Continuously updating design skills and knowledge to incorporate evolving digital platforms, user experience expectations, and emerging technologies.

• Translating Complex Healthcare Information: Visually communicating intricate medical information or health system services in a clear, accessible, and engaging manner for various audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software & Techniques: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics, or UX/UI design.

• Healthcare Marketing & Branding: Deepening expertise in the nuances of healthcare communications, patient engagement strategies, and branding within the medical sector.

• Project Management & Operations: Developing skills in project management methodologies, workflow optimization, and potentially learning about creative operations management.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead creative projects, and develop leadership capabilities within the marketing and communications department.

• Industry Conferences: Attending relevant design, marketing, or healthcare industry conferences to gain insights and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior creative role in a regulated industry, requiring strategic problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing both creative and operational leadership skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new visual campaign from initial brief to final asset delivery. How do you ensure brand consistency and stakeholder alignment throughout?" (Focus on your structured approach, collaboration points, and quality control measures.)

• "Can you provide an example of a time you identified an opportunity to improve a creative workflow or operational efficiency? What was the challenge, your solution, and the outcome?" (Highlight your proactive problem-solving and impact-driven approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Montage Health and our mission? How do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Research their mission, values, and recent activities. Connect your passion for design to their purpose.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style when working with marketing, communications, and other departments. How do you handle constructive criticism?" (Showcase your interpersonal skills, adaptability, and focus on team success.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically. For each project, cover: Problem/Brief, Your Strategy/Approach, Your Role/Execution, Challenges & Solutions, and Results/Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement rates, improved conversion, positive stakeholder feedback, time/cost savings from process improvements).

• Highlight Leadership & Operations: Explicitly point out instances where you led projects, mentored others, improved workflows, managed timelines, or collaborated effectively across teams.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your selected projects demonstrate your range across digital, print, and potentially other media, as well as your ability to adapt to different styles and objectives.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a lecture. Be enthusiastic, articulate, and prepared to answer questions thoughtfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and an understanding of operational efficiency within a creative context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit Application: Complete the online application through the provided Workday portal, ensuring all required fields are accurately filled.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most compelling design work, emphasizing projects that showcase leadership, brand stewardship, cross-functional collaboration, and process improvement. Prepare a digital version that is easily shareable and navigable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of design experience, specifically calling out your 2+ years in a leadership role. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "brand management," "project management," "workflow improvement," and "stakeholder collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and contributions to operational efficiency. Be ready to discuss specific portfolio pieces in detail, focusing on strategy and impact.

• Research Montage Health: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, services, and current marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and a strategic understanding of their needs.

⚠️ 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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