Production Graphic Designer (Contractor)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Production Graphic Designer (Contractor) Company: ILLUSTRATIVE MATHEMATICS Location: Remote - U.S. location preferred (Oro Valley, Arizona, United States) Job Type: Contractor, Temporary Category: Creative & Media / Education / Marketing Date Posted: 2026-01-05 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years suggested) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Support digital asset production for a mission-driven non-profit organization focused on improving math education.
• Apply established brand guidelines and templates to create social media graphics, format email campaigns, and professionalize Google Slides and Docs.
• Ensure consistent application of typography, color, spacing, and layout across all digital assets.
• Manage turnaround times for requests, aiming for completion within two calendar days, and maintain reliable communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a "Production Graphic Designer," it's crucial to understand that "production" in this context emphasizes adherence to existing templates and brand systems rather than original design conceptualization. The core function is efficient and accurate application of established visual elements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce social media graphics by accurately applying existing templates and adhering strictly to Illustrative Mathematics (IM) brand guidelines for typography, color, spacing, and layout.
• Format content for various social media posts, including blog highlights, news articles, press releases, and job postings, ensuring visual consistency.
• Transfer and format copy from Google Docs into approved Salesforce email templates, maintaining consistent styling and layout.
• Clean up and standardize Google Slides and Google Docs presentations, ensuring correct application of the IM brand system for fonts, colors, spacing, and hierarchy.
• Manage and prioritize incoming requests, ensuring timely delivery of completed assets within the specified two-day turnaround window.
• Maintain proactive and clear communication regarding the receipt of work requests and submission of completed assets.
• Participate in up to 5 hours of paid training during normal business hours to understand specific tools or processes, such as Salesforce Pardot.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "no original design work required" and "all work will follow existing templates" positions this role as a production specialist. Responsibilities will focus on efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to brand standards, rather than creative ideation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational requirements are listed, but a strong portfolio demonstrating the required skills is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in graphic production or a related design role is recommended, focusing on template-based work and brand adherence.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous approach to following brand guidelines and specific instructions.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
• Experience working with Google Slides and Google Docs for content presentation and formatting.
• Proven ability to work effectively from established templates and within a defined brand system.
• Familiarity with optimizing graphics for web and social media platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for timely acknowledgement and submission of work.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of formatting emails within a CRM system, such as Salesforce or HubSpot.
• Experience with Salesforce Pardot (training will be provided).

📝 Enhancement Note: The exclusion of tools like Canva, Adobe Express, and Microsoft Designer from qualification suggests a need for professional-grade design software proficiency. The preference for CRM email formatting experience indicates a direct link to marketing operations and campaign execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio or link to a portfolio demonstrating significant production work.
• Emphasis on examples that showcase template-based design application.
• Visual examples of work completed using established brand guidelines and systems.
• Evidence of ability to maintain consistency and accuracy in repeated tasks.

Process Documentation:

• The role requires strict adherence to established workflows for asset production and delivery.
• Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their process for managing multiple requests and meeting tight deadlines.
• Understanding of file management and organization for digital assets will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly requests a portfolio demonstrating "production work or template-based design," highlighting the critical need for candidates to showcase their ability to execute efficiently within pre-defined frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25 - $40 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• This is a contracted, temporary position.
• Paid training is provided for up to 5 hours.
• The position is approved for up to 60 hours per month, based on workflow and contractor availability.
• Potential for extension into 2027.

Working Hours:

• The role requires a commitment of at least 15 hours per week, with availability varying week-to-week.
• Work will be performed remotely.
• Some availability during Illustrative Mathematics' normal business hours will be required for training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate range of $25-$40/hour for a production graphic designer in the US, especially for remote work, aligns with mid-level industry standards. The 60-hour monthly cap and 15-hour weekly preference indicate a flexible, part-time contractor role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology / Non-Profit Company Size: The provided data indicates the company has a significant online presence and likely operates with a distributed team structure common for non-profits focused on educational resources. Founded: Illustrative Mathematics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Creative Services team, supporting digital asset production.
• Collaboration will likely occur with marketing, content, and potentially curriculum development teams.
• Reporting will be to a manager or lead within the Creative Services department.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a problem-based approach to curriculum development and educational content.
• A strong focus on equity and deep understanding in mathematics education.
• The Creative Services team operates with a clear brand system and established templates to ensure consistency and efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a non-profit focused on education, Illustrative Mathematics likely fosters a mission-driven and collaborative culture. The emphasis on equity and deep understanding suggests a values-oriented organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Production Graphic Designer (Contractor) - This role is an execution-focused position within the creative operations function. It requires strong technical skills in design software and adherence to established processes.

Reporting Structure: The contractor will report to a manager or lead within the Creative Services team. While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of sales or revenue operations, it is integral to the operational execution of marketing and communication strategies.

Operations Impact: This role directly supports the operational efficiency of marketing and communication efforts by ensuring timely and consistent production of visual assets. High-quality, on-brand materials are crucial for effective communication of the organization's mission, programs, and news, indirectly supporting fundraising and outreach goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for extension of the contract and increased hours based on performance and organizational needs.
• Opportunity to gain experience with Salesforce Pardot and specific CRM-related email formatting.
• Development of expertise in applying a robust brand system across diverse digital platforms.
• Exposure to the operations of a non-profit educational organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, demonstrating strong performance and adaptability could lead to further opportunities within the organization or within the broader network of educational content providers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote Office Location(s): Remote, with a preference for candidates located within the U.S.

Workspace Context:

• The work is fully remote, requiring a self-disciplined and organized individual.
• Candidates must have reliable internet access and a suitable home office setup for design work.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital communication tools.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible work schedule, but with a requirement to dedicate at least 15 hours per week.
• Work availability will fluctuate weekly.
• Some availability during standard business hours is necessary for paid training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote and contract nature of this role requires strong self-management skills. The flexibility in hours is balanced by the need for consistent availability and responsiveness.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Complete all required fields on the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Portfolio Review: A critical component of the review process will be the evaluation of the applicant's portfolio, specifically looking for production work and template-based design examples.
• Skills Assessment: Interviews may include discussions about technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and experience with Google Workspace tools.
• Fit Assessment: Evaluation of attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Work: Clearly showcase examples where you have executed designs based on existing templates or brand guides.
• Demonstrate Template Adherence: Select projects that illustrate your ability to maintain consistency in font, color, layout, and spacing.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Include examples that implicitly or explicitly demonstrate your skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): While this role is production-focused, if any past template work led to measurable outcomes (e.g., improved engagement on social media graphics), briefly mention it.
• Organize Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear labels for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for working with templates and brand guidelines.
• Think about how you ensure accuracy and consistency when working under time constraints.
• Consider how you would approach formatting an email or presentation if given specific content and brand rules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "production work or template-based design" in the portfolio requirement is paramount. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically address this need, rather than general creative design work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and layout elements.
• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics.
• Adobe InDesign: For page layout, document design, and template creation/adaptation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Not directly specified, but familiarity with web/social media optimization implies an understanding of how design impacts performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: Specifically for email template formatting (Pardot knowledge is a plus, training will be provided).
• Google Workspace:
  • Google Slides: For presentation design and standardization.
  • Google Docs: For content transfer and formatting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is a hard requirement. Experience with Google Slides and Docs is also essential. While Salesforce Pardot knowledge is preferred, the organization is willing to train.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the organization's goal of improving math education for all learners.
• Equity and Deep Understanding: Values that influence content creation and organizational practices.
• Precision and Adherence: A need for meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to brand guidelines and templates.
• Efficiency and Timeliness: The ability to produce high-quality work within defined timeframes is crucial for operational success.
• Reliable Communication: Essential for managing remote workflows and ensuring project continuity.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote collaboration primarily through digital channels.
• Emphasis on clear, concise communication for task management and feedback.
• Working within established systems and processes to ensure team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values dedication to educational impact, precision in execution, and reliability in a remote work setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring exact adherence to brand guidelines across a high volume of template-based tasks.
• Managing Workload Fluctuations: Adapting to varying weekly workloads while maintaining the 15-hour minimum commitment.
• Remote Communication: Effectively collaborating and receiving feedback without in-person interaction.
• Tool Proficiency: Rapidly mastering specific aspects of Salesforce Pardot if needed.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• CRM Tool Specialization: Gaining practical experience with Salesforce Pardot's email functionalities.
• Brand System Mastery: Deepening understanding of applying a complex brand system across multiple digital platforms.
• Production Workflow Optimization: Learning efficient methods for template-based asset creation.
• Remote Work Best Practices: Enhancing skills in self-management, communication, and productivity in a remote environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a practical application of design skills within a structured environment, focusing on efficiency and brand integrity, which are valuable operational skills in any creative field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for ensuring brand guideline adherence when working with templates." (Focus on checks, balances, and attention to detail.)
• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple design requests with tight deadlines?" (Highlight organizational skills and time management techniques.)
• "Walk me through an example of a project where you had to adapt existing designs or templates for a new purpose." (Showcase adaptability and understanding of brand systems.)
• "What is your experience with graphic optimization for web and social media, and what factors do you consider?" (Discuss file formats, resolution, and platform-specific requirements.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Illustrative Mathematics' mission and its approach to math education?" (Research their mission and values.)
• "How do you approach communication and collaboration in a remote work setting?" (Emphasize proactivity and clarity.)
• "Describe your experience working with established brand systems. What do you find most important in maintaining brand integrity?" (Focus on consistency, detail, and understanding brand strategy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate for Production: Select 3-5 strong examples that specifically showcase template-based design and production work.
• Highlight Process: For each example, briefly explain the brief, the template used, and how you ensured adherence to brand guidelines.
• Showcase Tool Usage: Be ready to discuss the specific Adobe tools used for each piece.
• Quantify (If Possible): If any template-based work had measurable results, mention them.
• Be Concise: Focus on clear, direct explanations that demonstrate your efficiency and attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your portfolio and interview responses to emphasize your ability to execute accurately and efficiently within established frameworks, rather than focusing on conceptual design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided on the job posting.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features examples of production work and template-based design. If your primary portfolio is broad, create a specific section or document highlighting relevant projects.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Google Workspace (Slides, Docs), attention to detail, and experience working with brand guidelines and templates. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering questions related to your process for template adherence, time management, and remote collaboration. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Illustrative Mathematics' mission, values, and approach to math education to articulate your interest and cultural fit. Understand their focus on equity and deep understanding.

⚠️ 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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