Lead Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Marketing Designer
Company: Ridwell
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Contract
Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services
Date Posted: October 29, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity of Ridwell's brand across all external marketing channels, including digital and print collateral.
• Execute high-volume, visually compelling design assets for campaigns, ensuring alignment with marketing objectives and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with brand and content teams to translate marketing goals into impactful visual narratives.
• Utilize a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Contribute to Ridwell's mission of waste reduction through creative and effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Marketing Designer," the responsibilities and environment described (fast-paced, high-volume execution, collaboration with content and brand teams, and a focus on driving action through visuals) indicate a role that intersects heavily with Marketing Operations and GTM strategy execution. The emphasis on brand consistency and campaign asset creation positions this as a critical operational function within the marketing department.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop eye-catching and engaging visual assets for emails, paid advertisements, direct mail (print collateral), social media graphics, and other marketing materials.
• Uphold and evolve Ridwell's brand guidelines, ensuring visual consistency across all customer touchpoints and marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Content Manager, copywriters, and other marketing team members to align visual concepts with campaign goals, facilitating design reviews and incorporating feedback seamlessly.
• Occasionally capture original photographic or video content using an iPhone or other tools to support creative projects, adding an authentic visual layer to marketing initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality assets for print campaigns, meticulously ensuring all designs meet production specifications, bleed requirements, and project timelines for timely delivery.
• Proactively brainstorm and propose fresh design ideas, exploring new styles, layouts, and design trends that resonate with the Ridwell brand and target audience.
• Support the creation of web assets, including landing pages and website banners, to enhance user experience and campaign effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development of internal marketing materials and presentations, ensuring a consistent brand experience internally as well.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a role that is deeply embedded in the execution of marketing strategies. The need to produce a high volume of assets across diverse channels (email, print, digital ads) and the requirement to manage production specs for print indicate a strong operational component. This role is crucial for translating marketing strategies into tangible, visually appealing deliverables that drive customer engagement and support the company's mission.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is often preferred for roles with this level of responsibility and experience. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.
Experience: 5-6 years of professional experience in visual or graphic design, with a significant portion focused on marketing collateral and campaign execution, ideally within a B Corp, sustainability-focused, or agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Visual Design & Graphic Design: Proven ability to create compelling and effective visual assets for a variety of marketing channels.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Strong understanding and application of brand standards to ensure visual consistency across all touchpoints.
• Marketing Collateral Development: Expertise in designing for emails, digital ads, direct mail, social media, and other promotional materials.
• Proficiency in Design Software: Expert-level skills in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and Canva.
• Typography, Color Theory, & Layout: Deep understanding of fundamental design principles and their application in marketing contexts.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring polished and professional final outputs.
• Creative Thinking & Innovation: Ability to generate fresh ideas, explore new trends, and propose novel design solutions.
• Communication & Collaboration Skills: Excellent ability to articulate design concepts, provide constructive feedback, and work effectively within a cross-functional team.
• Startup Mindset: Self-motivation, adaptability, quick learning of new tools, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography & Videography: Basic to intermediate skills in capturing and editing photos (e.g., with an iPhone) and light video content to support marketing initiatives.
• Light Animation/Motion Graphics: Familiarity with creating simple animations or motion graphics for digital assets.
• Direct Mail/Print Production Knowledge: Experience preparing files for print, understanding specs, and working with printers.
• Web Design Fundamentals: Understanding of UI/UX principles for web assets like banners and landing pages.
• Interest in Sustainability: A genuine passion for environmental causes and Ridwell's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Self-driven startup mindset" requirement is crucial for operations roles. It implies an expectation for initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities without constant supervision – common traits in high-performing operations professionals. The preference for photography and video skills suggests a need for creative problem-solving and asset generation that goes beyond typical design software.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of marketing design projects, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling and campaign effectiveness.
• Demonstrations of how design solutions have directly supported marketing objectives, such as driving engagement, lead generation, or brand awareness.
• Examples of work created across various channels (digital, print, social) that highlight versatility and adaptability.
• Case studies or project descriptions that detail your design process, from concept to final execution, including problem-solving and iteration.
• Evidence of upholding and creatively applying brand guidelines across different project types.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly during interviews and portfolio reviews. This includes:
  • Workflow for concept development, ideation, and initial design drafts.
  • Methods for incorporating feedback and iterating on designs through design reviews.
  • Steps taken to prepare final assets for specific production requirements (e.g., print specs, digital platform optimizations).
  • Strategies for managing multiple projects and deadlines in a high-volume environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role within a marketing context, the portfolio is the primary "process and systems" demonstration. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic output but also the strategic thinking and operational execution behind it. The ability to articulate the "how" and "why" of design decisions, especially in relation to marketing goals, is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75 - $80 per hour.
This is a contract position, with the potential to transition to a permanent role.

Benefits (for Contract Period):

• Access to Ridwell's mission-driven work environment and B Corp values.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful sustainability initiatives.
• Potential for a permanent position offers access to a full benefits package (details to be provided upon conversion).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.
• The role requires 2-3 in-office days per week in Georgetown, Seattle, indicating a hybrid work arrangement. Specific days may be flexible but will require coordination with the marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $75-$80 for a contract role with 5-6 years of experience in a major city like Seattle positions this at a competitive level for a contract designer. The estimated annual equivalent for a full-time contract role would be approximately $156,000 - $166,400, before considering conversion to full-time benefits. The hybrid requirement with specific office days is a key operational detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental Services / Sustainability / Logistics. Ridwell operates at the intersection of waste management, circular economy principles, and consumer convenience, making it a unique player focused on reducing landfill waste. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Ridwell is a growing B Corp that has expanded its services significantly, suggesting a mid-sized company that is past the early startup phase but still maintains a dynamic, growth-oriented culture. Founded: Ridwell was founded in 2018. This relatively recent founding means the company likely retains a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on rapid scaling and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Marketing Designer will report into the Marketing team, likely working closely with a Senior Content Manager or Marketing Director.
• Collaboration will be extensive with copywriters, brand managers, and potentially other creative professionals.
• As a B Corp, there's an inherent emphasis on mission alignment, sustainability, and community impact across all teams.
• The "startup mindset" expectation suggests a flat hierarchy where cross-functional collaboration is encouraged and individuals are empowered to take ownership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While a design role, the emphasis on "marketing goals" and "driving action" implies that design decisions will be informed by data and performance metrics.
• Iterative Design Process: The need for design reviews and feedback incorporation highlights an iterative approach to creative development, common in agile marketing environments.
• Mission-Centric Operations: All operational efforts, including marketing and design, are likely aligned with the overarching mission of waste reduction and sustainability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ridwell's identity as a B Corp is a significant cultural indicator. It implies a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. For a designer, this means the opportunity to create work that has a tangible positive impact, which can be a strong motivator. The company's focus on "wasting less" will likely permeate the design aesthetic and messaging.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Lead Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires not only strong individual contribution skills but also the ability to influence visual direction and collaborate effectively with broader marketing strategies. It's a step above a junior designer, with expectations of ownership and creative leadership within their domain. Reporting Structure: The Lead Marketing Designer will likely report to a Senior Content Manager or Marketing Director. They will be a key individual contributor within the marketing department, working in close partnership with content creators and strategy leads. Operations Impact: The visual output of this role directly impacts customer acquisition, engagement, and retention by shaping the brand's perception and communicating its value proposition. Effective design is critical for driving action, whether it's signing up for the service, understanding its benefits, or participating in recycling programs. This role is instrumental in translating marketing strategies into tangible, actionable brand experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Transition to Permanent Role: The contract has a clear potential to convert to a permanent position, offering stability and access to a full suite of employee benefits.
• Expanded Creative Leadership: Success in this role could lead to opportunities for greater creative influence, managing larger campaigns, or even developing into a design team lead as Ridwell grows.
• Skill Development: Exposure to a fast-paced B Corp environment offers opportunities to refine skills in various marketing channels, potentially learn new design tools or techniques, and gain experience in sustainability-focused branding.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with content, marketing, and potentially operations teams can broaden understanding of the business and open doors to other GTM-related roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title suggests potential for future leadership. For operations professionals, growth often involves expanding scope, managing processes, or leading teams. In this design context, it would translate to overseeing more complex projects, mentoring junior designers (if they exist), or taking on more strategic design input for the GTM function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires 2-3 in-office days per week in Georgetown, Seattle, indicating a hybrid work model. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and in-person brainstorming. Office Location(s): Georgetown, Seattle, WA. This industrial-chic neighborhood offers a unique creative hub and is accessible within the Seattle area. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration imply a workspace that encourages interaction, quick feedback loops, and team-based problem-solving.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Figma, Adobe Suite, Canva) will be provided or expected to be used. The environment likely supports creative workflows and efficient asset production.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing, content, and potentially other operational teams, fostering a holistic understanding of the business and its operational needs.

Work Schedule:

• A standard ~40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility managed around the 2-3 required in-office days. This allows for focused work on design projects and participation in team meetings or collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a critical operational consideration. It necessitates strong self-management for remote work days and effective communication to ensure seamless collaboration with in-office colleagues. The Georgetown location is a practical detail for local candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio. Be sure your portfolio highlights relevant marketing design experience and your best work.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your problem-solving process, creative approach, and ability to meet specific brief requirements. Focus on showing how your design solved a problem or achieved a goal.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion about your experience, design philosophy, collaboration style, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your approach to brand consistency, working in a fast-paced environment, and your passion for design and sustainability.
• Final Interview (Potentially): Depending on the structure, this might involve a broader team or leadership discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across different marketing channels and your ability to drive results.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and (most importantly) the impact or results achieved. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Process: Show mockups, sketches, or iterations to demonstrate your thinking and problem-solving. For Ridwell, emphasize any work related to mission-driven brands or sustainability if applicable.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used for each project.
• Tailor to Ridwell: If possible, include a speculative piece or a project that aligns with Ridwell's brand and mission to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand all requirements, constraints, and objectives.
• Time Management: Practice working within time limits, prioritizing tasks, and delivering a polished outcome.
• Articulate Your Strategy: Be prepared to explain your design choices, rationale, and how your solution aligns with the brief and potential business goals.
• Focus on Impact: Frame your solutions in terms of how they would benefit Ridwell's marketing efforts and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "startup mindset," "can-do attitude," and "getting scrappy" suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who are not only skilled but also adaptable, proactive, and willing to go the extra mile. Demonstrating this in your portfolio and interview responses will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, UI/UX prototyping, and creating scalable vector graphics. Expect to use Figma extensively for digital assets and potentially for collaborative design reviews.
• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and intricate illustrations.
  • InDesign: Crucial for print collateral, direct mail, brochures, and multi-page layouts.
• Canva: Likely used for quick social media graphics, internal materials, or by non-designers, but proficiency is required for consistency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with A/B testing concepts for visual elements would be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role, but an understanding of how marketing campaigns are deployed (e.g., email marketing platforms, ad platforms) and how design assets integrate into them is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable for a Lead Marketing Designer. The mention of Canva suggests a need to work within a broader ecosystem where simpler tools might also be in play, or where consistency across all platforms is paramount. Understanding how design assets fit into marketing automation workflows, even without direct involvement, is a valuable operations-oriented perspective.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Sustainability & Mission Alignment: A deep commitment to Ridwell's mission of reducing waste and creating a more sustainable future. This should be reflected in your design choices and enthusiasm.
• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, push creative boundaries, and bring fresh perspectives to marketing visuals.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with others, share ideas, and provide/receive constructive feedback to achieve collective goals.
• Detail-Oriented Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished designs that are error-free and meet all specifications.
• Adaptability & Resourcefulness: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, adapt to changing priorities, and find creative solutions to challenges ("get scrappy").

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with content creators, marketers, and potentially other departments to ensure a cohesive brand message.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that embraces constructive criticism and iterative design processes to refine creative outputs.
• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed about project progress, potential roadblocks, and design decisions.
• Shared Ownership: A sense of collective responsibility for the success of marketing campaigns and the overall brand presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "mission alignment," "creativity," and "adaptability" speaks directly to the operational culture of a mission-driven, growth-stage company. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Volume Output: Consistently producing a large volume of high-quality design assets under tight deadlines.
  • Mitigation: Strong project management, efficient workflows, prioritizing tasks, and leveraging design templates.
• Brand Evolution: Keeping the brand visuals fresh and engaging while maintaining strict brand consistency.
  • Preparation: Stay abreast of design trends and competitor analysis, while always grounding new ideas in brand strategy.
• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Delivering innovative designs within specific marketing objectives, technical limitations, and brand guidelines.
  • Strategy: Develop a strong understanding of marketing goals and technical requirements to inform creative solutions early on.
• Adapting to a Growing Company: Navigating the changes and evolving needs of a dynamic, scaling organization.
  • Learning: Embrace agility, be open to new processes, and proactively seek to understand business priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in core design tools and explore new software or techniques relevant to marketing design.
• Industry Exposure: Gain experience within the sustainability sector and learn about B Corp operations and marketing strategies.
• Creative Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with experienced marketing professionals.
• Potential for Permanent Role: A clear pathway to a full-time position with comprehensive benefits and long-term career growth within Ridwell.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational demands of a fast-paced marketing environment. Successfully navigating these requires strong organizational skills, efficient execution, and a proactive approach to problem-solving – all hallmarks of effective operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a marketing campaign visual from brief to final asset." (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and iteration.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse marketing channels and assets?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic approach.)
• "Imagine we need to design a direct mail piece for a new service launch. What are the key considerations and steps you would take?" (Demonstrate your print design process and strategic thinking.)
• "How do you balance creative innovation with practical constraints like budget, deadlines, and technical limitations?" (Showcase your problem-solving and adaptability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Ridwell's mission and our work in sustainability?" (Express genuine enthusiasm and connect it to your values.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with copywriters and marketing managers?" (Emphasize clear communication, feedback, and shared goals.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a rapidly changing project scope or deadline." (Illustrate your "startup mindset" and resilience.)
• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate for a brand like Ridwell?" (Showcase your strategic approach to creativity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear path: Problem -> Your Role -> Process/Solution -> Results/Impact.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, higher conversion rates) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: Include sketches, wireframes, or alternative concepts to illustrate your thinking and problem-solving journey.
• Tailor to Ridwell: Be prepared to discuss how your skills and portfolio pieces align with Ridwell's specific needs and mission.
• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your proficiency in Figma, Adobe Suite, and your understanding of print production or digital asset optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only your design skills but also your operational capabilities – your ability to manage projects, collaborate effectively, and deliver results in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Demonstrating a clear, repeatable process for your design work will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Lever application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio to prominently feature your strongest marketing design projects, emphasizing those that demonstrate impact, brand consistency, and versatility across digital and print mediums.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-6 years of experience, proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva, and any experience relevant to mission-driven companies or sustainability. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing case studies from your portfolio, and researching Ridwell's mission and current marketing efforts to demonstrate cultural fit and strategic thinking.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ridwell's services, B Corp status, and current marketing campaigns. Understand their brand voice and visual aesthetic to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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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