Senior Graphic Designer

BerlinRosen
Full-time$75k-80k/year (USD)New York, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: BerlinRosen

Location: New York, N.Y.

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote candidates considered, ideally based near New York, N.Y. office)

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is a critical component of the BerlinRosen Campaigns (BRC) team, focusing on the visual execution of political campaigns for the 2026 election season.

  • The Senior Graphic Designer will translate abstract political messages into compelling visual assets across various mediums, including direct mail, digital ads, and canvassing literature.

  • The position demands a strong blend of creative talent, technical proficiency in design software, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, deadline-driven campaign environment.

  • Success in this role requires meticulous attention to detail, excellent time management, and a collaborative spirit to effectively partner with Art Directors and account teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the context of political campaigns and the duration (March 2026 - October 30, 2026) indicate this is a specialized, project-based role focused on election cycle needs. The "hybrid" remote status implies a preference for local candidates but openness to remote US-based individuals, likely due to the temporary nature and need for strong collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate closely with Art Directors and campaign account teams to conceptualize, design, and produce impactful direct mail pieces and other essential campaign collateral.

  • Translate complex political messaging and candidate platforms into clear, persuasive visual narratives for diverse audiences.

  • Develop and execute design concepts for a variety of campaign materials, including but not limited to: direct mail, canvassing literature, digital/social media advertisements, and potentially other print or digital assets.

  • Manage and meticulously organize project files, ensuring version control and accessibility for team members.

  • Proactively address and incorporate feedback from Art Directors and account teams, maintaining design integrity, brand consistency, and strong visual hierarchy.

  • Actively contribute to brainstorming sessions, offering creative solutions and visual concepts that align with campaign objectives and client needs.

  • Ensure all design outputs meet tight deadlines, adapting quickly to evolving campaign priorities and last-minute requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the end-to-end design process within a campaign context, from initial concept to final production, highlighting the need for both creative input and execution efficiency. The mention of "solving for feedback" underscores the collaborative and iterative nature of agency work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of design principles and application is paramount. Equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in print design and art direction, preferably within an agency environment or a comparable fast-paced creative setting.

Required Skills:

  • Proven expertise in print design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

  • Demonstrated experience in art direction, guiding creative output and providing constructive feedback.

  • Advanced proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

  • Strong organizational skills with a meticulous approach to file management and project organization.

  • Exceptional time management capabilities, with a proven ability to prioritize and execute tasks effectively under pressure.

  • A highly productive and collaborative work ethic, capable of both independent contribution and seamless team integration.

  • Adaptability and resilience to pivot priorities swiftly and manage last-minute deadline changes in a high-stakes environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Direct experience in editorial design, showcasing a refined aesthetic and understanding of narrative flow in visual communication.

  • Prior experience designing for political campaigns, demonstrating an understanding of campaign strategy, messaging nuances, and voter engagement tactics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "5+ years of experience with print design and art direction in an agency setting" suggests a need for candidates who understand client service, iterative feedback, and the pace of agency work. The preference for political campaign design experience is a strong indicator of the specific industry knowledge valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of relevant design work, with a strong emphasis on print design and art direction.

  • Specific examples of direct mail campaigns, demonstrating an ability to translate messaging into effective voter communications.

  • Visual examples of digital and social media ad creative, highlighting adaptability across different platforms.

  • Case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate problem-solving capabilities, particularly in response to feedback or evolving campaign needs.

Process Documentation:

  • While not explicitly requested, candidates who can articulate their design process, from brief to final delivery, will stand out. This includes how they approach concept development, incorporate feedback, manage file versions, and ensure print-readiness.

  • Be prepared to discuss how you manage your workflow and collaborate with teams to meet strict deadlines, which is a critical process in campaign design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, especially in a campaign context, the portfolio is paramount. The "Process & Systems" section is adapted to focus on the tangible outputs and the demonstrable design process expected in a portfolio. The emphasis is on showcasing results and problem-solving within the campaign framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000 annually (prorated for the duration of the contract).

Benefits:

  • As this is a temporary position, comprehensive benefits packages typical of full-time permanent roles may not apply. However, candidates can expect:

  • Opportunity to gain valuable experience on high-stakes political campaigns during a critical election cycle.

  • Exposure to a dynamic and fast-paced agency environment within a leading communications firm.

  • Potential for networking and professional development within the political consulting and communications industry.

  • A contract role that can enhance a portfolio and provide significant resume-building experience.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the nature of political campaigns necessitates a willingness to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, especially during peak periods leading up to election day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided and prorated for the contract duration. Benefits are framed within the context of a temporary role, emphasizing experience and professional development rather than traditional long-term benefits. The working hours highlight the demanding nature of campaign work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Strategic Communications, Political Consulting, Marketing, Public Affairs. BerlinRosen is part of Orchestra, a larger integrated communications company.

Company Size: Orchestra (parent company) comprises over 700 people across multiple acquired firms, including BerlinRosen. BerlinRosen itself is a significant agency within this structure. This size indicates a robust organization with diverse capabilities and resources.

Founded: BerlinRosen was founded in 2005. Orchestra was launched in 2022 and has since acquired multiple firms. This history suggests a company with established expertise and a forward-thinking growth strategy.

Team Structure:

  • The role is within the BerlinRosen Campaigns (BRC) team, a specialized unit focused on Democratic political consulting and direct mail.

  • This team includes strategists, copywriters, branding experts, and designers, operating as an in-house creative studio.

Methodology:

  • Orchestra's methodology emphasizes integrating people, platforms, and stories to build influence, suggesting a data-informed and audience-centric approach.

  • The Campaigns team's expertise lies in winning tough races through strategic communication and direct mail, implying a results-oriented and data-driven approach to creative execution.

  • The integration of an in-house creative studio suggests a commitment to quality control, efficiency, and seamless execution of creative strategies.

Company Website: www.berlinrosen.com, www.orchestraco.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights BerlinRosen's position within a larger, integrated communications group (Orchestra), suggesting stability and broad capabilities. The focus on the Campaigns team and its specific niche in political consulting provides crucial context for the role's demands and environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" Graphic Designer, indicating a level of experience and autonomy beyond junior or mid-level roles. It requires 5+ years of experience and the ability to handle complex projects and feedback independently.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will report to Art Directors and work collaboratively with account teams. This structure is typical in an agency setting, involving clear lines of responsibility and cross-functional teamwork.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, this graphic design position has a direct impact on the "operations" of political campaigns. Effective visual communication is crucial for voter persuasion, fundraising, and overall campaign success. The design directly influences how candidates are perceived and how voters engage with campaign messaging, thereby impacting election outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in political campaign design, editorial design, and high-volume print production.

  • Portfolio Enhancement: Gain significant project experience on potentially high-profile campaigns, building a robust portfolio for future opportunities in political consulting, agency work, or related creative fields.

  • Networking: Build professional connections within the political consulting and communications industry through collaboration with experienced strategists, copywriters, and account managers.

  • Potential for Future Roles: Successful performance in this temporary role could lead to consideration for future contract extensions or permanent positions within BerlinRosen or Orchestra's network, depending on business needs and candidate performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section reframes the role's influence within the campaign context, linking design to operational success. Growth opportunities are tailored to a senior creative role within a project-based environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," with a preference for candidates based near the New York, N.Y. office. This suggests a collaborative office environment where in-person interaction is valued, particularly for brainstorming and team coordination, but with flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s): New York, N.Y. (primary), with consideration for remote candidates across the United States.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The need to collaborate with Art Directors and account teams implies a dynamic, team-oriented workspace where communication and idea-sharing are encouraged.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is a given. The environment likely supports efficient file transfer and project management systems.

  • Team Interaction: Regular meetings, design reviews, and feedback sessions will be integral to the daily workflow, fostering a connected team experience even in a hybrid setting.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an expectation of extended hours, including nights and weekends, during peak campaign periods. This signifies a demanding but rewarding environment where dedication to campaign success is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and preference for New York-based candidates are key. The description emphasizes a collaborative, fast-paced agency setting where tight deadlines are the norm, especially during election cycles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

  • Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how they've handled challenges and feedback. Focus on direct mail and campaign-related work.

  • Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or a discussion about how they would approach specific campaign design challenges.

  • Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with Art Directors and/or account team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to thrive in a high-pressure campaign environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest print design and art direction work, with a particular emphasis on direct mail and political campaign materials if available.

  • Highlight Process: Be ready to walk through your design process for selected projects, explaining your conceptual thinking, problem-solving approach, and how you incorporated feedback.

  • Quantify Impact: If possible, demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. For campaign materials, this might be anecdotal evidence of client satisfaction or strategic alignment.

  • Showcase Adaptability: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different brand guidelines and client needs, and your capacity to work under tight deadlines.

  • Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for a specific type of candidate or campaign issue.

  • Think about how you would translate abstract political concepts into clear, compelling visual messages.

  • Practice articulating your design decisions and justifying your choices based on campaign objectives and target audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is tailored to a senior design role, emphasizing the portfolio as the primary evaluation tool. Preparation advice focuses on demonstrating relevant experience and a strong design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential. Candidates must be highly proficient in:

    • Adobe InDesign: For layout and production of direct mail and print collateral.
    • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
    • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and custom illustrations.
  • Project Management Software: While not explicitly stated, expect to use tools for task management, file sharing, and collaboration (e.g., Asana, Trello, Google Workspace).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable. The focus is on creative output, not CRM management or marketing automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, as is standard for graphic design roles. The emphasis is on practical application within the campaign design context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Impact-Driven: A strong focus on achieving campaign objectives and winning elections through effective visual communication.

  • Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among designers, Art Directors, copywriters, and account teams.

  • Excellence & Quality: Commitment to producing high-quality, eye-catching creative work that stands out.

  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thriving in a fast-paced, often unpredictable campaign environment, with the ability to pivot and problem-solve under pressure.

  • Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to design details, ensuring accuracy and polish in all deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Art Directors for creative direction and with account teams for client strategy and feedback.

  • Iterative Process: Design work is often subject to multiple rounds of review and revision, requiring open communication and a constructive approach to feedback.

  • Shared Goals: The team operates with a unified purpose: to support client campaigns and achieve electoral success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is described through the lens of a political campaign agency, emphasizing high performance, collaboration, and a shared mission to win.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Tight Deadlines: The constant pressure of meeting campaign deadlines, often with very short turnarounds.

  • High-Stakes Environment: Working on political campaigns means the work has significant real-world consequences, which can be both motivating and challenging.

  • Managing Feedback: Artfully incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders, some of whom may have strong opinions but limited design knowledge, while maintaining design integrity.

  • Translating Abstract Concepts: Converting complex political ideas and policy points into simple, compelling visual messages that resonate with voters.

  • Pace of Change: Campaign needs can shift rapidly, requiring designers to adapt quickly to new strategies or messaging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Skill Development: Gaining deep expertise in campaign design, direct mail strategy, and political branding.

  • Industry Exposure: Working with leading political strategists and communicators, providing insights into campaign operations and messaging.

  • Portfolio Building: Creating a strong body of work for high-profile campaigns that can significantly advance a design career.

  • Resilience Training: Developing robust coping mechanisms for high-pressure environments and tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the realities of political campaign work, while growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and career advancement within the creative and political spheres.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for designing a direct mail piece for a political candidate. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on audience, message, call to action, brand consistency).

  • "How do you approach translating a complex policy issue into a visually understandable graphic for a broad audience?" (Emphasize simplification, storytelling, and clear visual metaphors).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working on political campaigns for BerlinRosen?" (Show genuine interest in the political space and BerlinRosen's work).

  • "How do you handle working under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?" (Highlight your organizational skills, time management, and ability to stay calm and productive).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Don't just show the final product; tell the story behind each project. What was the brief? What challenges did you face? How did you solve them? What was the impact?

  • Focus on Relevance: Prioritize examples that best showcase your skills in direct mail, campaign materials, and print design.

  • Technical Clarity: Be prepared to discuss your technical process and how you ensure files are print-ready.

  • Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and your excitement about contributing to political campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation centers on demonstrating design expertise, campaign relevance, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, collaborative agency environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and highlights your strongest work relevant to direct mail, print design, and ideally, political campaigns. Tailor your presentation to showcase your ability to translate messaging into impactful visuals.

  • Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience in print design and art direction, emphasizing your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any experience in agency or campaign settings. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, challenging feedback scenarios, and your interest in political communications. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate your skills and experience.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with BerlinRosen's work, their clients (especially in the political space), and Orchestra's broader mission. Understand their approach to strategic communications and campaign design.

⚠️ 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. This is a temporary, full-time role with specific start and end dates.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in print design and art direction within an agency setting. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are essential.