Marketing Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Designer Company: Open Home Foundation Location: Remote (Portugal, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-27 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote (Europe-based candidates only)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual storytelling and brand consistency across all marketing channels for the Open Home Foundation, focusing on projects like Home Assistant and ESPHome.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling, and visually engaging assets for diverse audiences including users, contributors, and partners.
• Collaborate closely with a cross-functional creative team (designers, copywriters, web developers) to ensure cohesive brand representation and high-quality content delivery.
• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the foundation's visual identity, ensuring it aligns with core values of privacy, choice, and sustainability in smart homes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Marketing Designer," the responsibilities and context strongly suggest a role that bridges creative execution with broader marketing operations, focusing on the consistent application of brand identity across various digital and physical touchpoints. The emphasis on translating technical information and working within an open-source ecosystem positions this role within the specialized needs of tech-focused organizations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality visual assets for a wide spectrum of marketing content, including website graphics, blog post visuals, social media campaigns, newsletters, presentations, event materials, and merchandise.
• Conceptualize and execute compelling visuals that effectively communicate technical information, making intricate details accessible and engaging for target audiences.
• Collaborate with copywriters and web developers to ensure all creative outputs are cohesive, on-brand, and effectively support marketing objectives.
• Actively participate in creative reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with brand guidelines and project goals.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of design systems and brand guidelines, ensuring a consistent and recognizable visual identity across all platforms and communications.
• Translate project concepts into visually appealing designs that capture attention and drive engagement from users, contributors, and partners within the smart home and open-source communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities focus heavily on content creation and visual execution, with an emphasis on translating technical information. This indicates a need for a designer who can not only create aesthetically pleasing work but also deeply understand and represent the technical nature of the foundation's projects. The collaboration aspect with developers and copywriters highlights the operational side of creative production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is beneficial but not explicitly required, with a strong portfolio being the primary differentiator.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience working as a Graphic Designer, with a demonstrable track record in marketing communications.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design work across various marketing channels.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Deep understanding of visual identity systems, branding principles, and their application across different media.
• Knowledge of responsive design principles and their impact on digital asset creation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics.
• Ability to interpret technical information and translate it into clear, engaging visuals.
• Strong collaborative mindset and experience working within creative teams.
• Professional fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective team interaction and feedback.
• Current residency and eligibility to work within Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, or the Netherlands.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with open-source culture and community dynamics.
• Experience designing for open-source projects, developer communities, or the broader tech industry.
• A genuine passion for smart homes, home automation, and related technologies.
• Direct experience as a user of Home Assistant or other related smart home platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, along with branding and responsive design, aligns with modern marketing design roles. The preference for open-source and smart home experience signals a desire for candidates who can quickly integrate into the foundation's specific niche and culture. Professional English fluency is a critical requirement for remote collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of brand consistency by showcasing how you've maintained and evolved visual identity across multiple campaigns or projects.
• Include case studies that highlight your ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, effective visual communications.
• Showcase a range of digital assets (website banners, social media graphics, email templates) and potentially print/physical assets (event signage, merchandise designs) to illustrate versatility.
• Highlight projects where you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, copywriters) and how your design process facilitated this collaboration.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, from initial concept and research to final asset delivery and iteration, particularly how you incorporate feedback and adhere to brand guidelines.
• Articulate how you approach understanding technical briefs and user needs to inform your design decisions.
• Explain your workflow for managing multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a remote environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to showcase a designer's ability to not just create visuals but to operate within a structured marketing and technical environment. The emphasis on process and collaboration is key for a remote role and for demonstrating operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Netherlands: 50,000 - 60,000 EUR per year
• United Kingdom: 43,000 - 58,000 GBP per year
• Spain: 40,000 - 52,000 EUR per year
• Portugal: 38,000 - 51,000 EUR per year
• Other European countries: Compensation to be discussed during the initial interview.

These figures represent a total compensation package targeting the 75th percentile for the role, seniority, and local market rates, and are subject to adjustment based on candidate experience, qualifications, and agreed-upon work hours.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 25 days (five weeks) of paid annual leave.
• Paid Sick Leave: 14 days of paid sick leave, provided it is not already covered by local laws.
• Parental Leave: 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid parental leave within the first year after birth, with the foundation covering any shortfall from local mandates.
• Work Hardware Budget: A budget for essential work equipment provided upon commencement, with the option to retain equipment after three years of service.
• Smart Home Budget: A monthly budget to encourage staying current with smart home technology trends.
• Internet Contribution: 50% contribution towards home internet connection fees.
• Country-Specific Benefits: All benefits mandated by the employee's country of residence will be provided.
• Work-Life Integration: Flexibility to dedicate work time to maintaining existing Home Assistant-related side projects, fostering community engagement and skill development.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While there is no fixed daily schedule, a minimum of 3 hours of overlap is expected daily for team communication and collaboration. The reporting manager is based in the Netherlands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are specific to the listed European countries and reflect a competitive compensation strategy. The benefits package is comprehensive, addressing both standard employee needs and unique perks relevant to the foundation's mission (e.g., smart home budget, work on side projects). The working hours structure emphasizes flexibility within a remote, globally distributed team.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit organization focused on open-source technology, privacy, and sustainability within the smart home ecosystem.

Company Size: The exact size isn't specified, but the description mentions a "growing team" and the "second designer," indicating a lean, agile structure, likely a small to medium-sized organization.

Founded: The Open Home Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland, established to champion privacy, choice, and sustainability in smart homes through open-source support.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing team is responsible for connecting the foundation's projects with their intended audiences.
• You will be the second designer, working alongside other creative professionals (copywriters, web developers) and reporting to the Marketing Lead.
• The organization operates fully remotely, fostering a culture of autonomy and asynchronous communication, but with a need for collaborative overlap.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and user-centric design principles to foster growth in their open-source projects.
• Commitment to open-source values, including transparency, collaboration, and community contribution.
• Focus on translating technical innovation into accessible and user-friendly experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in open-source principles, privacy, and sustainability. This suggests a mission-driven environment where collaboration, transparency, and community engagement are highly valued. The remote-first nature requires strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Marketing Designer, requiring independent execution of design tasks and contributions to brand strategy. It's an opportunity to be a foundational member of a growing creative team.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Marketing Lead, who is based in the Netherlands. This provides a clear reporting line and direct access to leadership for guidance and feedback.

Operations Impact: As the second designer, your work will have a significant and visible impact on how the Open Home Foundation's projects are perceived by users, contributors, and partners. Your designs will directly influence user engagement, community growth, and the overall success of initiatives like Home Assistant and ESPHome.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing for tech communities, open-source projects, and smart home technologies, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the foundation.
• Brand Evolution: Play a key role in shaping and evolving the visual identity of prominent open-source projects, contributing to their long-term success and recognition.
• Leadership Potential: As the team grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead specific design initiatives, moving towards a senior or lead designer role.
• Cross-functional Development: Exposure to various aspects of marketing operations, content strategy, and technical product development within an innovative non-profit setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial impact due to its position within a growing team and its direct influence on key open-source projects. Growth opportunities lean towards specialization in tech/open-source design and potential leadership within the creative function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully remote, with employees based in specific European countries. This fosters a flexible work environment that supports work-life integration.

Office Location(s): Candidates must be based in Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, or the Netherlands. This requirement is likely due to employment law and tax regulations.

Workspace Context:

• The remote-first environment necessitates strong self-discipline, effective time management, and proactive communication.
• Access to necessary design tools and hardware is supported through a dedicated budget.
• Opportunities for team interaction will primarily be through digital channels, with a focus on asynchronous communication supplemented by scheduled overlap for synchronous collaboration.

Work Schedule: A 40-hour work week with flexibility. While there isn't a strict daily schedule, a 3-hour overlap period is required daily to facilitate team communication and ensure real-time collaboration is possible. This structure allows for adaptation to individual working styles while maintaining team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work environment is a defining characteristic. Candidates must be comfortable with asynchronous communication and possess strong self-management skills. The specific country requirements are a practical constraint for employment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit your CV and portfolio through the provided link.
• HR & Hiring Manager Review: Your application will be assessed by HR and the Marketing Lead.
• HR Interview: An initial conversation to assess cultural fit, motivation, and basic qualifications.
• Technical Assessment: A practical design challenge or portfolio review to evaluate your design skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical proficiency (e.g., Figma, Adobe Suite).
• Team Interview: Meet with members of the creative team and potentially other stakeholders to discuss collaboration, project approaches, and team dynamics.
• Offer: If successful, a formal offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your ability to meet the role's requirements, especially those involving technical interpretation, brand consistency, and digital marketing assets.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented. Highlight your role and contributions.
• Highlight Technical Translation: Include examples where you successfully translated complex information into clear visuals. If you have experience with tech or open-source projects, emphasize those.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects your mastery of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to talk through your design choices, rationale, and how your work aligns with the Open Home Foundation's mission and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• The technical assessment will likely involve a design task relevant to the role's responsibilities, such as creating social media graphics, a landing page mockup, or a visual explanation of a technical concept.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Focus on how you approach problem-solving, iterate on designs, and incorporate feedback.
• Familiarize yourself with the Open Home Foundation's projects (Home Assistant, ESPHome) and their existing visual branding to understand their aesthetic and communication style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both creative skills and operational fit. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates relevant experience and a well-articulated design process will be crucial. The technical assessment will likely be hands-on, requiring practical application of design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, collaborative workflows, and creating scalable design systems. Proficiency is a must.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially InDesign for layout work.
• Project Management/Collaboration Tools: Likely tools such as Slack for communication, possibly Asana or Trello for task management, and Google Workspace for documents and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates on social media, engagement on blog posts) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media platform insights) can be helpful.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the designer's core tasks, but an understanding of how marketing assets are deployed through email marketing platforms or social media management tools would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and Adobe Creative Suite are explicitly mentioned and are central to the designer's toolkit. The organization likely uses standard remote collaboration and project management software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Privacy, Choice, Sustainability: These core values are central to the foundation's mission and should be reflected in all design work and communication.
• Openness & Transparency: Reflecting the open-source ethos, expect a culture that values open communication, shared knowledge, and collaborative decision-making.
• User-Centricity: A focus on creating accessible, understandable, and engaging experiences for the foundation's diverse user base.
• Efficiency & Impact: As a non-profit, there's an inherent drive to maximize impact with available resources, valuing designs that are both effective and efficiently produced.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote & Asynchronous: Expect a communication style that prioritizes clear documentation and asynchronous updates, with scheduled synchronous meetings for critical discussions and reviews.
• Cross-functional: Strong collaboration across design, copy, web development, and marketing leadership is expected.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture of constructive criticism and iterative design, where feedback is shared openly and incorporated to improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are intrinsically linked to its mission. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these principles, particularly regarding privacy, open-source, and community. Collaboration is key in a remote setting, requiring proactive communication and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: A primary challenge will be to effectively communicate intricate technical concepts related to smart home technology and open-source development to a broad audience through design.
• Brand Consistency Across Projects: Maintaining a cohesive visual identity across multiple distinct projects (Home Assistant, ESPHome, etc.) while allowing for their unique characteristics.
• Remote Collaboration: Navigating communication and collaboration effectively in a fully remote, distributed team environment, requiring strong self-management and proactive engagement.
• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality creative assets efficiently to support ongoing project development and marketing initiatives within a non-profit structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Open Source: Gain in-depth understanding of open-source communities, their communication styles, and design needs.
• Smart Home Technology Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in smart home automation, IoT, and related technologies, enhancing design relevance.
• Advanced Design Systems: Contribute to and learn from sophisticated design systems used to manage multiple projects.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Work closely with developers and content strategists, broadening understanding of the full product and marketing lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the niche of open-source tech and remote work, offering significant learning opportunities for a designer interested in these areas. Growth is tied to specialization and mastering the nuances of communicating technical information visually.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual explanation for a new feature in Home Assistant that relies on complex networking protocols like Matter?" (Assesses technical interpretation and problem-solving).
• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach based on feedback from technical stakeholders or a community with strong opinions." (Assesses collaboration and iteration).
• "Walk us through your process for creating a social media campaign visual that needs to resonate with both tech-savvy developers and general smart home users." (Assesses audience targeting and campaign design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the Open Home Foundation's mission to promote privacy and sustainability in smart homes?" (Assesses alignment with values).
• "How do you typically collaborate with copywriters and web developers in a remote setting?" (Assesses collaboration style).
• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with brand guidelines while also being innovative and engaging?" (Assesses balance between structure and creativity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a story: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome/impact.
• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, emphasizing how you translated requirements into visuals and incorporated feedback.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, clearer understanding) or explain the qualitative impact of your designs.
• Showcase Technical Acumen: Point out specific design decisions that demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate technical concepts effectively.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your tool proficiency, design systems, and any specific design challenges related to the foundation's projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also an understanding of the foundation's mission, its technical projects, and the collaborative nature of remote work. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these aspects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Ashby job portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to translate technical information into engaging visuals, maintain brand consistency, and work within a collaborative, remote environment. Prioritize examples that align with the foundation's mission.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, brand development, and content creation for marketing channels. Use keywords from the job description such as "graphic design," "visual identity," "responsive design," and "technical interpretation."
• Prepare for Assessment: Be ready for a technical assessment that will likely involve a design task. Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on problem-solving and iteration.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Open Home Foundation, Home Assistant, ESPHome, and their respective communities. Understand their mission, values, and existing visual branding to better articulate your interest and alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly salary ranges and specific benefits, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.