Marketing - Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing - Graphic Designer Company: Nashville Soccer Club Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: 2026-01-30 Experience Level: 0-2 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity of Nashville SC, Huntsville City FC, and GEODIS Park, requiring a designer who can generate and execute creative concepts across diverse platforms.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing and producing high-impact visual assets for digital, social media, print, in-stadium, and environmental applications, contributing to overall marketing and brand strategy.
• Key duties include collaborating closely with internal teams such as marketing, ticketing, merchandise, operations, and partnerships to ensure cohesive brand messaging and campaign execution.
• The position demands strong design fundamentals, advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and excellent photography/photo-editing skills to maintain and elevate brand standards across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," has significant operational implications within a sports and entertainment organization. The responsibilities heavily involve supporting various departments (Ticketing, Merchandise, Operations, Partnerships) with visual assets, indicating a need for a designer who understands cross-functional workflows and can translate business needs into creative solutions. The emphasis on "elevating the creative output" and "pushing the brand forward" suggests a strategic component beyond mere execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute creative visual assets for digital channels, social media campaigns, print collateral, in-stadium displays, and environmental branding for Nashville SC, Huntsville City FC, and GEODIS Park.
• Develop original design concepts and creative ideas that align with and advance the brand's visual identity, rather than solely executing assigned tasks.
• Maintain and update templated graphics with a high degree of accuracy, while also identifying opportunities to enhance and innovate existing visual elements.
• Provide comprehensive design support for sales decks, stadium signage, wayfinding maps, and other critical operational materials required by various departments.
• Collaborate daily with cross-functional teams including marketing, ticketing, merchandise, operations, and partnerships to ensure creative deliverables meet departmental needs and strategic objectives.
• Execute design projects across a wide range of applications including brand development initiatives, marketing campaigns, promotional materials, social media content, email marketing, web graphics, digital advertising, and in-venue experiences.
• Capture and edit photography as required, including matchday events, special events, and media days, ensuring high-quality visual content.
• Ensure all creative output strictly adheres to Nashville SC's brand guidelines while actively contributing to the evolution and enhancement of the brand's visual language.
• Effectively manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and consistently delivering high-quality creative work under demanding deadlines.
• Demonstrate flexibility and availability to support critical events, including matchdays and special occasions, which may require working evenings and weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of platforms (digital, social, print, in-stadium, environmental) and collaborating departments (marketing, ticketing, merchandise, operations, partnerships) indicates a need for a designer who can adapt their style and output to various contexts and stakeholder requirements. The emphasis on "operational materials" suggests that functionality and clarity are as important as aesthetics for certain deliverables.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of creative expertise and professional experience.

Experience: 1-2 years of professional experience as a creative professional, with a strong preference for experience within sports, entertainment, or culture-driven brands.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in graphic design principles, visual communication, and brand development.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design, photography, photo editing, and campaign work.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Strong photography and photo-editing skills, with mandatory proficiency in Adobe Lightroom.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support matchdays and events.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of motion graphics software such as Adobe After Effects.
• Experience with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Familiarity with soccer culture and the Major League Soccer (MLS) landscape.
• Experience designing for in-stadium or large-format environmental graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "1-2 years of experience" positions this role as an early-to-mid-career opportunity, suitable for individuals who have completed foundational design education and gained initial professional exposure. The emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Lightroom, highlights the core technical requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is essential, critically reviewed for its demonstration of graphic design capabilities, photography skills, photo editing proficiency, and successful campaign execution.
• The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to conceptualize and execute creative work across various platforms, including digital, social, print, and in-stadium applications.
• Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that highlight their understanding of brand development and their capacity to contribute original ideas that push a brand forward.
• Examples of work demonstrating proficiency in updating and elevating templated graphics are highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept generation and ideation to final execution and asset delivery, emphasizing how they ensure quality and brand consistency.
• The ability to articulate how they manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines will be assessed, showcasing their workflow and time management strategies.
• Examples of collaborative processes, detailing how they work with cross-functional teams (marketing, operations, partnerships, etc.) to gather requirements and deliver effective visual solutions, will be important.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role like this, the portfolio serves as the primary "process and systems" demonstration. It's not about formal process documentation but about showcasing the results of their design process and their ability to adapt to different project needs and organizational workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in Nashville, TN, the estimated salary range is typically between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Nashville and the typical compensation for creative roles in the sports and entertainment sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and marketing.
• Access to company events, including Nashville SC matches and team activities.
• Potential for employee discounts on merchandise and tickets.

Working Hours: The standard workweek is approximately 40 hours. However, due to the nature of the sports industry and event-driven schedules, flexibility is required, including potential work on evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during matchdays and key event periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for Graphic Designers in similar metropolitan areas and industries. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, portfolio strength, and final negotiations. The benefits package is inferred from typical offerings for full-time employees in professional sports organizations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment, specifically professional soccer (Major League Soccer and lower leagues). Company Size: Nashville Soccer Club is a growing professional sports franchise, indicating a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. The presence of multiple entities (Nashville SC, Huntsville City FC, GEODIS Park) suggests a complex operational structure. Founded: Nashville SC was founded in 2016, with its inaugural MLS season in 2020. GEODIS Park opened in 2022, signifying a relatively young organization with a strong focus on growth and development.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a high-performing creative team, likely within the Marketing or Brand department. This team is responsible for the visual output across multiple entities.
• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director, Senior Graphic Designer, or Marketing Manager, with direct collaboration across various departments such as Marketing, Ticketing, Merchandise, Operations, and Partnerships.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring the designer to work closely with individuals and teams who have different strategic priorities and creative needs.

Methodology:

• The creative team likely employs a data-informed approach, using insights from marketing campaigns, fan engagement, and sales performance to guide design decisions and measure impact.
• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be crucial given the fast-paced nature of sports and the need to manage numerous concurrent projects and deadlines.
• Automation practices may be relevant for templated graphics, but the role also emphasizes original creative input and strategic design thinking.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and relatively recent founding suggest a culture that is likely ambitious, innovative, and focused on rapid growth. The emphasis on "creative output" and "shaping the visual identity" implies a value placed on strong branding and engaging visual storytelling.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career position (0-2 years of experience) within the creative and marketing operations function. It's designed for individuals looking to build a foundation in sports branding and design.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or director within the creative/marketing department. They will work closely with various operational departments, acting as a visual resource and collaborator.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, fan engagement, ticket sales, merchandise appeal, and the overall fan experience at GEODIS Park. High-quality, consistent visuals are crucial for driving revenue and building brand loyalty in the competitive sports market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like motion graphics, digital advertising design, or in-stadium visual experiences.
• Brand Development: Opportunity to contribute significantly to the evolution of the visual identity for Nashville SC, Huntsville City FC, and GEODIS Park.
• Career Progression: Advancement to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director roles within the organization or in related sports/entertainment entities.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience in the fast-paced sports marketing industry, which can open doors to other opportunities within sports franchises, agencies, or sports-related businesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path in a professional sports organization can be rapid for talented individuals. Demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and a strong understanding of the business objectives behind the creative work will be key to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, suggesting a professional office environment within the Nashville SC organization, likely located near GEODIS Park or a dedicated team facility. This environment is expected to be collaborative and fast-paced, typical of professional sports teams.

Office Location(s): Nashville, Tennessee. Specific office location details would be provided by the hiring team, but it's likely situated in a central business district or near the stadium complex.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact directly with marketing, operations, and other internal teams.
• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially hardware (high-performance computers, cameras) will be provided.
• The environment is expected to be dynamic, with the energy of a professional sports team, potentially involving creative brainstorming sessions and quick turnarounds on design requests.

Work Schedule: Primarily a standard 40-hour workweek, but with significant flexibility required for matchdays, events, and critical deadlines, which will often fall on evenings and weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for direct collaboration, access to event environments for photography, and immediate responsiveness during critical operational periods like matchdays.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and creative fit.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, creative choices, and problem-solving approaches. This may involve a brief skills test or design challenge.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with the creative team and potentially managers from departments that frequently collaborate with design (e.g., Marketing, Operations) to assess collaboration style and understanding of business needs.
• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate the breadth of skills required (graphic design, photography, editing, campaign work). Tailor your selection to highlight sports/entertainment experience if possible.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the impact (e.g., campaign engagement, brand consistency achieved).
• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant software. If photography was involved, explain your approach to shooting and editing.
• Showcase Brand Thinking: Demonstrate your understanding of brand identity and how you maintain consistency while also innovating.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a quick concept for a social media post, a small print ad, or a mock-up for an in-stadium graphic, based on a brief provided during the interview process.
• Focus on demonstrating your thought process, creative approach, and ability to work within brand guidelines under time constraints.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders who may not have a design background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should treat its presentation as a key interview component, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and demonstrable impact, not just aesthetic execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These are the core tools for graphic design, illustration, and layout.
• Adobe Lightroom: Essential for photo editing and management, as photography is a key responsibility.
• Adobe After Effects (Preferred): Useful for creating motion graphics for social media, digital ads, and in-stadium content.
• Adobe Premiere Pro (Preferred): Valuable for basic video editing tasks related to event recaps or promotional content.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media engagement rates, website click-throughs) would be beneficial. Familiarity with social media analytics or web analytics dashboards might be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Less directly relevant to this creative role, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing) could provide context for design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is clearly on the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and ideally have working knowledge of After Effects and Premiere Pro.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to constantly generate new ideas and push visual boundaries.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects from concept to completion, ensuring high quality and timely delivery.
• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to upholding and evolving the brand identity with integrity and vision.
• Adaptability & Agility: Thriving in a fast-paced environment, responding quickly to changing needs and priorities.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a highly collaborative and communicative style, given the need to support multiple departments and events.
• Expect a culture that values constructive feedback and open dialogue to refine creative output.
• Knowledge sharing and problem-solving sessions are probable, particularly when tackling complex campaigns or new visual challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a desire for a designer who is not just a task-executor but a proactive contributor. Values like "ownership," "collaboration," and "generating ideas" suggest a team that expects initiative and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Constantly shifting priorities and tight deadlines inherent to the sports and entertainment industry.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to brand standards while also pushing creative boundaries to keep the brand fresh and engaging.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the varied requirements from different departments (e.g., sales, operations, marketing) into compelling visual assets.
• Event-Driven Demands: The need for immediate design support during critical periods like matchdays, requiring flexibility and quick turnaround times.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to develop advanced skills in motion graphics, video editing, or specialized digital design.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep experience in the unique demands of sports marketing and event branding.
• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with high-profile projects for a professional sports franchise.
• Networking: Connecting with professionals across various roles within a major sports organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be adapting to the high-octane, deadline-driven nature of professional sports. Growth will come from mastering this environment and demonstrating a capacity for both creative excellence and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conceptualizing a new campaign or visual asset from brief to final delivery. How do you ensure it aligns with brand strategy?"
• "How do you approach collaborating with non-creative departments like operations or ticketing to ensure their needs are met visually?"
• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure quality?"
• "Tell us about a time you contributed an original idea that significantly improved a creative project."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working in the sports industry, specifically with Nashville SC?"
• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you apply them to a sports brand like ours?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive collaborative culture."
• "How do you ensure your design work not only looks good but also serves a specific business objective (e.g., driving ticket sales, increasing engagement)?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your strongest pieces first. For each project, provide context: the client/goal, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.
• Storytelling: Focus on the narrative behind each design. Explain your thought process, the creative decisions you made, and why they were effective.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work. Use high-resolution images and clear typography.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Highlight projects that showcase your ability to work across different mediums (digital, print, in-stadium) and styles.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your technical skills, your ability to take feedback, and how you handle creative challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not just your design skills but also your problem-solving abilities, collaborative spirit, and understanding of how design supports business objectives in a fast-paced sports environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.dayforcehcm.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant design experience, particularly any work in sports, entertainment, or culture-driven brands. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your best work that aligns with the job description's requirements.
• Resume Optimization: Emphasize keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Photoshop," "Photography," "Brand Development," and "Project Management." Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed assets for campaigns that increased social media engagement by X%").
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, creative rationale, and the results of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with the required software and your ability to work under pressure.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Nashville SC's current branding, recent campaigns, and overall presence in MLS. Understand their teams (Nashville SC, Huntsville City FC) and stadium (GEODIS Park) to better articulate your understanding and enthusiasm during the interview process.

⚠️ 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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