Marketing Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Graphic Designer

Company: COLECTIVO COFFEE ROASTERS

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: March 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute day-to-day digital marketing assets, focusing on email campaigns, social media content, and website graphics to support brand initiatives.

• Drive content creation for social channels, including photography and short-form video, to enhance brand engagement and storytelling.

• Develop and coordinate all creative assets for seasonal cafe menu rollouts, ensuring consistent brand messaging across physical and digital touchpoints.

• Manage print production files and coordinate with external vendors to maintain quality and accuracy for all printed marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "Marketing Graphic Designer," its focus on digital asset creation, social media content, and print production coordination places it within the broader "Marketing & Creative Operations" category. This role requires a blend of creative execution and operational efficiency to manage marketing collateral production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of digital marketing assets, including engaging email campaigns, dynamic website graphics, mobile app assets, and eye-catching digital advertisements.

• Serve as a key contributor to the content team, generating compelling content for Colectivo’s social media platforms, encompassing photography, short-form video, and Reels to drive audience engagement.

• Lead the design and coordination of all creative materials for seasonal cafe launches, encompassing menus, in-store signage, bakery tags, and promotional collateral to ensure a cohesive brand experience.

• Capture, edit, retouch, and resize product and promotional photography for marketing campaigns, menus, and social media, maintaining high visual standards.

• Prepare files accurately for print production and liaise with external vendors, ensuring brand consistency and quality across all printed materials.

• Manage incoming design requests from various internal teams, maintaining an organized project list and prioritizing tasks to ensure timely and efficient completion of all creative projects.

• Provide additional creative support for packaging design, sales materials, presentations, and other ad-hoc marketing projects as required, demonstrating versatility and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for operational efficiency in managing design requests and print production, indicating that candidates with experience in project management tools and vendor coordination will be well-suited.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Fine Arts, or a related field.

Experience: 1-3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on digital marketing and content creation within a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and editing a wide range of design assets.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, including layouts, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrated ability to execute creative concepts quickly and efficiently, managing multiple small projects simultaneously without compromising quality.

• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills to ensure accuracy in all design outputs, from digital to print.

• Experience in organizing design files and maintaining a structured workflow for efficient asset management and retrieval.

• Familiarity with printing processes and the technical requirements for preparing files for professional print production.

Preferred Skills:

• Photography experience, including proficiency with photo-editing software such as Lightroom.

• Video editing skills using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects for short-form video content.

• Proven experience in creating engaging content specifically for social media platforms, with a portfolio showcasing examples.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for website updates or digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-3 years" experience requirement suggests an entry-level to junior position. However, the need for proficiency in multiple Adobe Creative Suite applications, alongside photography/video editing as a plus, indicates a demand for a well-rounded creative individual ready to contribute immediately to operational marketing tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of digital marketing assets, including email campaigns, social media graphics, and website banners, highlighting design execution and brand consistency.

• Include examples of how design has been used to support seasonal campaigns or product launches, illustrating an understanding of marketing objectives and creative problem-solving.

• Showcase experience in preparing files for print, with examples of signage, menus, or other collateral, demonstrating an understanding of print production requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of ability to manage multiple design requests, illustrating an organized approach to project intake, prioritization, and deadline management.

• Examples of structured file organization and hygiene practices are beneficial for demonstrating efficiency in asset management.

• Showcase any experience with vendor coordination for print production, demonstrating an understanding of the workflow from design to final printed product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the operational focus of this role in managing creative assets, a portfolio that emphasizes efficient workflow, organization, and successful execution of marketing collateral will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $52,000 per year

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status.

• Potential for involvement in diverse marketing projects, offering hands-on experience across various creative disciplines.

• Opportunity to contribute to a well-established coffee brand with a strong local presence.

• Exposure to different facets of marketing operations, from digital content to print production and photography.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with an Exempt status, indicating potential for flexibility in managing workload to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Milwaukee, WI area for a junior to mid-level graphic designer role. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for individuals with 1-3 years of experience in creative marketing roles, considering the cost of living in the region. Benefits are inferred based on typical full-time employment offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Coffee Roasters & Cafes. Colectivo Coffee Roasters is a prominent independent coffee roaster with multiple cafe locations, known for its commitment to quality, community, and sustainability.

Company Size: The company likely falls into the medium-sized business category, with a significant number of employees across its cafes and operations, suggesting a structured yet potentially close-knit team environment.

Founded: Colectivo Coffee Roasters has a history dating back to 1993 (as Alterra Coffee Roasters, rebranded in 2003), signifying a well-established presence and deep roots in the coffee industry.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Marketing, indicating a clear reporting line within the marketing department.

• The role is part of the broader marketing team, which likely includes specialists in digital marketing, content creation, and brand management.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating visually appealing and brand-consistent digital and physical assets that support marketing campaigns and cafe experiences.

• A focus on content creation for social media, indicating a data-informed approach to engagement and audience interaction.

• Workflow management and vendor coordination are key operational aspects of the creative process.

Company Website: colectivocoffee.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Colectivo's brand identity – which emphasizes quality, community, and a passion for coffee – is crucial for aligning design output with company values. The "Exempt" status suggests a professional environment where results and timely delivery are prioritized.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Junior to Mid-Level Designer within the Marketing department. It offers a foundational opportunity to develop skills in executed marketing collateral creation and gain exposure to various creative operations.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports directly to the Director of Marketing, providing a clear path for feedback, guidance, and project assignment, and allowing for direct impact on marketing initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Marketing Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, customer engagement, and sales conversion through visually compelling marketing materials for digital platforms, social media, and in-cafe promotions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop a comprehensive portfolio of marketing collateral, gaining experience in digital design, print production, photography, and social media content creation over 1-3 years.

• Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design or marketing operations, such as digital advertising design, advanced photography/videography, or brand asset management.

• Opportunity to advance within the marketing team by demonstrating strong design skills, project management capabilities, and a proactive contribution to marketing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-3 years" experience requirement and the specific responsibilities suggest this role is geared towards building foundational skills in creative operations. Growth potential lies in mastering the core duties and expanding into more specialized or strategic creative roles within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, suggesting a dedicated workspace within Colectivo's Milwaukee location, likely in a corporate office or a combined office/studio setting.

Office Location(s): 2999 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53212-2631. This location in Milwaukee provides a central point for on-site work.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, requiring interaction with the Director of Marketing and potentially other members of the marketing team and cafe staff.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite, cameras) will be provided.

• Opportunities to interact with the Colectivo brand in its natural environment (cafes) for inspiration and content gathering.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Exempt status. This typically implies a standard 40-hour work week, but with the expectation of managing workload to meet project deadlines, which may occasionally require extended hours during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement necessitates a candidate comfortable working within a physical office environment and engaging directly with team members and the company's physical presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, resumes, and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and creative capabilities. Emphasis will be placed on relevant design samples.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative choices, and how they've handled specific project requirements similar to those listed. This may include a practical design exercise or a case study.

• Team/Manager Interview: An interview with the Director of Marketing and potentially other team members to evaluate creative vision, problem-solving skills, ability to work within brand guidelines, and cultural fit within Colectivo.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion to confirm fit, discuss compensation, and outline next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature digital marketing assets (emails, social graphics), print collateral (menus, signage), and any photography or video work.

• For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the design process, and the outcome or impact. Highlight your ability to manage projects and work with brand guidelines.

• Organize your digital portfolio for easy navigation, ensuring high-quality images of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a potential design challenge that mirrors a real-world task, such as creating a social media graphic for a new seasonal drink or designing a menu insert.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of Colectivo's brand aesthetic and your ability to translate marketing objectives into effective visual communication.

• Be ready to articulate your design choices and justify them based on branding, target audience, and project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-3 years" experience and the specific responsibilities suggest the interview process will focus heavily on evaluating practical design skills, ability to follow brand guidelines, and operational efficiency in managing creative tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for all graphic design tasks, including digital asset creation, layout design, and print file preparation.

• Photography Equipment: Proficiency with digital cameras for product and promotional shoots.

• Photo Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom for efficient photo editing, retouching, and management.

• Video Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects (preferred) for creating short-form video content and Reels.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with social media analytics platforms (e.g., Meta Business Suite, Instagram Insights) to understand content performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) would be beneficial for designing and potentially deploying email campaigns.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems could be advantageous for website graphics and asset organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and photography/video editing tools indicates a hands-on creative role. Familiarity with analytics tools for social media and email will be a plus for optimizing content performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality design work that reflects the premium nature of Colectivo's coffee and brand.

• Community & Connection: Contributing to a brand that values its customers and local community through engaging and relatable visual content.

• Efficiency & Organization: Maintaining organized design files and workflows to ensure timely project delivery and smooth collaboration.

• Passion & Creativity: Bringing enthusiasm and innovative ideas to the creative process, contributing to fresh and dynamic marketing campaigns.

Collaboration Style:

• Working closely with the Director of Marketing to receive direction and feedback on design projects.

• Collaborating with other marketing team members on content strategy and asset development.

• Potentially interacting with cafe staff or management to understand needs for in-cafe promotional materials.

• Coordinating with external print vendors, requiring clear communication and understanding of production requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on coffee quality and community suggests a culture that values craftsmanship, authenticity, and a positive customer experience, which should be reflected in the designer's work and approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs align with Colectivo's established brand guidelines while also bringing fresh creative ideas to seasonal campaigns and social media content.

• Managing Multiple Project Deadlines: Effectively prioritizing and executing various design tasks, from digital assets to print collateral and photography, under tight timelines.

• Adapting to Evolving Social Media Trends: Staying current with platform changes and emerging content formats (like Reels) to create engaging and relevant social media assets.

• Technical Skill Development: Continuously learning and improving proficiency in photography, video editing, and new design software or techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like food photography, short-form video production, or advanced digital design techniques.

• Brand Development: Gaining in-depth knowledge of brand strategy and how creative execution contributes to overall marketing success.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding how design impacts other areas of the business, such as product development and cafe operations.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of design and marketing trends within the food and beverage industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-3 years" experience suggests the primary growth will come from mastering core responsibilities and demonstrating initiative in learning new creative skills relevant to the brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media campaign graphic from concept to final asset." (Focus on workflow, tools, and how you ensure brand alignment.)

• "How do you approach balancing creative freedom with strict brand guidelines?" (Highlight examples of executing brand standards while adding creative flair.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple competing design requests. How did you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?" (Emphasize organizational skills and project management approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Colectivo Coffee Roasters and our brand?" (Research their history, values, and recent campaigns.)

• "How do you see your design style contributing to Colectivo's brand identity?" (Connect your aesthetic to their established look and feel.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (digital assets, print, photography, social media).

• For each project, clearly state the objective, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., engagement metrics, successful campaign).

• Be prepared to discuss your file organization methods and experience with print production.

• Showcase your ability to adapt your design style to different campaign needs and target audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely focus on assessing practical design skills, ability to work independently and meet deadlines, and creative alignment with the Colectivo brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in digital marketing asset creation, social media content, print production coordination, and photography relevant to a coffee or food/beverage brand. Include specific examples of successful campaigns or projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and any photography/video editing software. Use keywords from the job description, such as "digital content," "social media," "print production," and "photography."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management approach, and how you ensure brand consistency. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your ability to meet the role's requirements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Colectivo Coffee Roasters' brand, values, and current marketing efforts. Understand their product offerings and target audience to better align your responses and portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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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