Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Orchestra

Location: New York, N.Y.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating abstract political messages into compelling visual assets for campaign materials, including direct mail, canvassing literature, and digital/social media ads.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be integral to the Campaigns team, contributing to brand strategy and creative production for Democratic political clients during the 2026 election season.

• The position requires a strong understanding of print design principles and the ability to manage multiple projects with tight, often last-minute, deadlines.

• This is a temporary, full-time engagement from March 2026 through October 30, 2026, offering a unique opportunity to impact political campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the context of political campaigns and the need for rapid, impactful visual communication suggests a role that blends creative design with strategic marketing execution. Candidates should highlight their ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment, mirroring the demands of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Art Directors and account team members to conceptualize, produce, and refine a wide range of campaign materials, with a primary focus on direct mail and digital advertising.

• Develop and execute eye-catching designs that effectively communicate campaign messages and brand identity across various platforms, ensuring visual consistency.

• Proactively manage a diverse workload, consistently meeting strict deadlines for multiple candidates and campaigns under demanding political timelines.

• Address and resolve creative feedback while upholding strong layout principles, consistent branding, and clear design hierarchy.

• Actively contribute to the visual concept development for direct mail pieces and other campaign collateral, bringing innovative ideas to the creative process.

• Maintain meticulous organization and management of project files, ensuring efficient workflow and easy retrieval of assets for the team.

• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and feedback, demonstrating resilience and efficiency in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and project management, common in operations roles that support marketing or GTM functions. The need to "find solutions to feedback that maintain strong layouts, branding, and design hierarchy" points to a strategic design approach, not just execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is often preferred for senior-level creative roles. Relevant professional certifications in design software are also valuable.

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

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in print design and art direction, demonstrated through a strong portfolio showcasing impactful campaign materials.

• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, for creating high-quality visual assets.

• Exceptional detail-orientation, organizational skills, and a highly productive, collaborative approach to work.

• Strong time management capabilities and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a cohesive part of a team, contributing to shared goals.

• Willingness and capacity to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, during peak campaign periods.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in editorial design, showcasing an understanding of narrative flow and layout for longer-form content.

• Direct experience designing for political campaigns, demonstrating an understanding of campaign strategy, audience targeting, and the unique demands of political messaging.

• Familiarity with direct mail production processes and best practices.

• Experience with digital design for social media ads and other online campaign assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "detail-oriented, efficient, organized, highly productive, and collaborative approach" and "strong time management skills" directly aligns with the core competencies expected in operations roles. The willingness to work extended hours is also a common expectation for critical GTM or campaign-support functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5 years of design work, with a strong emphasis on print design and art direction projects.

• Include specific examples of direct mail pieces, demonstrating an understanding of layout, messaging hierarchy, and persuasive design.

• Present a selection of digital/social media ad designs, illustrating adaptability across different platforms and formats.

• Highlight projects where you successfully translated abstract concepts or strategic briefs into tangible visual assets.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Be ready to articulate how you manage multiple project files and maintain organization throughout the design lifecycle.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to collaborating with Art Directors and account teams, detailing how you integrate feedback and ensure alignment with client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting campaigns, the "portfolio" is the primary "process and systems" demonstration. The expectation is to show not just final outputs, but also the strategic thinking and process behind them, particularly in how they serve campaign objectives and manage stakeholder input.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

• Note: This salary range is provided for a full-time, temporary position. The prorated amount for the contract period (March 2026 - October 30, 2026, approximately 8 months) would be between $50,000 and $53,333.

Benefits:

• Temporary Full-Time Status: Access to full-time employment benefits and structure during the contract period.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to gain significant experience in political campaign design and strategic communications, enhancing career prospects.

• Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful political campaigns and potentially influence election outcomes.

• Collaborative Environment: Work within a dynamic and experienced Campaigns team at a leading strategic communications firm.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically expected to be 40 hours per week. However, due to the nature of political campaigns and tight deadlines, candidates must be willing to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated and prorated. The benefits are inferred based on the temporary full-time nature of the role and the industry context, focusing on professional growth and impact rather than traditional corporate benefits. The working hours clearly indicate a demanding schedule typical of campaign cycles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Strategic Communications & Marketing, with a significant focus on Democratic Political Consulting. Orchestra is a conglomerate of specialized firms, indicating a broad spectrum of expertise and a collaborative, integrated approach to client service.

Company Size: Orchestra comprises over 700 people across multiple acquired firms. This suggests a large, well-resourced organization with diverse capabilities. The Campaigns team itself is described as a "leading Democratic political consulting and direct mail firm" with an "in-house creative studio."

Founded: Orchestra was founded in 2022, consolidating its constituent firms. This indicates a relatively new, yet rapidly growing, entity built on established expertise. The Campaigns team operates as a specialized unit within this larger structure.

Team Structure:

• The Campaigns team is a specialized unit within Orchestra, functioning as a political consulting and direct mail firm.

• It boasts an in-house creative studio composed of strategists, copywriters, branding experts, and designers.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to an Art Director and collaborate closely with account team members and other creative professionals.

Methodology:

• Orchestra's approach is described as "strategic communications and marketing built for today’s complex and fragmented world," integrating "people, platforms, and stories that stick."

• The Campaigns team uses a "record of winning tough races" and acts as "creative partners" to clients, solving challenges from "brainstorming to creative production and execution."

• The team's methodology involves decoding audiences, designing bold strategies, and leveraging an in-house creative studio for tactical execution.

Company Website: www.orchestraco.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's structure as an acquired group of firms implies a culture that values specialized expertise while aiming for integrated, holistic client solutions. The Campaigns team's focus on winning political races highlights a results-driven, high-pressure, and fast-paced operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Graphic Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level of experience. It requires independent execution of design tasks, problem-solving, and collaboration with senior creative leadership (Art Directors). While not a management role, it expects a high degree of autonomy and expertise.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will report to an Art Director. This suggests a clear hierarchy within the creative studio, with Art Directors providing strategic direction and oversight, and designers executing the creative vision.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the success of political campaigns by creating visual materials that persuade voters, build brand recognition, and communicate key messages. This influence on public perception and electoral outcomes is a significant form of "operations impact" within the political sphere.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in political campaign design, direct mail strategy, and rapid visual communication.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects from winning political campaigns.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience within the fast-paced and dynamic world of political consulting and strategic communications.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful performance in this temporary role could lead to opportunities within Orchestra's network of firms, potentially for future election cycles or other strategic communications projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on leveraging this temporary role for skill development and portfolio building within a niche but high-impact industry. The "operations impact" is framed in terms of influencing campaign outcomes, a key metric in this sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Orchestra offers a hybrid work environment. While candidates ideally are based near the New York, N.Y. office, remote candidates within the United States will be considered. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office mentioned is New York, N.Y. Orchestra as a whole has multiple acquired firms, suggesting a broader presence, but this specific role is tied to the New York hub for the Campaigns team.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The hybrid model suggests opportunities for in-office collaboration with Art Directors and account teams, fostering idea exchange and feedback.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is assumed. The role requires proficiency in these tools for efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: The Campaigns team, including strategists, copywriters, and designers, works closely together. The Senior Graphic Designer will be integrated into this team dynamic, participating in brainstorming and creative reviews.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) but requires significant flexibility. Candidates must be prepared to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, especially during peak campaign periods, to meet critical deadlines. This demands a high level of personal organization and commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role necessitates strong self-management and communication skills. The expectation of extended hours underscores the high-pressure operational tempo of political campaigns.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involving a review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design skills.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and explain how your work aligns with campaign objectives. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, highlighting your role, creative decisions, and the impact of your designs.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a case study to evaluate your ability to translate briefs into effective visual solutions under time constraints.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions will likely focus on your experience working in fast-paced environments, managing feedback, collaborating with teams, and handling pressure.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of your interest in politics and your ability to work effectively within the Campaigns team's dynamic and mission-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects, with a clear emphasis on print design and direct mail. Include 1-2 examples of digital/social media ads if available.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative approach, key design decisions, and the final outcome or impact. Highlight how you handled feedback.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or client testimonials that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., "contributed to a successful voter turnout initiative").

• Tailor to Politics: Emphasize any experience or understanding of political campaign design, messaging, and audience engagement.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and key messaging.

• Time Management: Practice designing within tight timeframes, focusing on delivering a strong concept and execution rather than perfection.

• Articulate Strategy: Be prepared to explain your design choices and how they support the campaign's strategic goals.

• Focus on Hierarchy & Messaging: Prioritize clear communication of the core message and a strong visual hierarchy suitable for political materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges is crucial. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to execute effectively under pressure, mirroring operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency is required in:
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, typesetting, and pre-press preparation of direct mail and print collateral.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating visual assets for both print and digital.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations used in campaign materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how campaign assets integrate into broader CRM or marketing automation platforms used by political campaigns could be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on core design software. The key is proficiency and efficiency in using these tools to produce high-quality, impactful campaign materials rapidly.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Results-Oriented: A strong emphasis on winning tough races and achieving client objectives. Design work must be effective and contribute to electoral success.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team of strategists, copywriters, and other designers is paramount. Open communication and shared ownership are key.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to pivot quickly, handle pressure, and maintain high productivity under tight deadlines is essential.

• Strategic Thinking: Beyond aesthetics, designs must serve a strategic purpose, effectively communicating messages and persuading target audiences.

• Commitment to Mission: A shared passion for Democratic politics and a dedication to helping clients achieve their goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Creative Process: Designers work hand-in-hand with Art Directors, copywriters, and account teams, fostering a continuous feedback loop.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Collaboration is often dynamic and responsive, requiring quick turnarounds and agile decision-making.

• Constructive Feedback: The team values constructive criticism to improve designs and meet campaign objectives, creating an environment where feedback is seen as integral to the process.

• Shared Ownership: While roles are defined, the team likely shares a collective responsibility for the success of campaign materials and client outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is defined by its mission-driven nature, high-stakes environment, and the need for seamless collaboration to achieve rapid, impactful results. This resonates with the operational ethos of GTM teams focused on achieving aggressive targets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Intense Deadlines: The political calendar is unforgiving, meaning constant pressure to deliver high-quality work under extremely tight timelines.

• Navigating Feedback: Effectively interpreting and implementing feedback from various stakeholders (Art Directors, account managers, potentially clients) while maintaining design integrity.

• Balancing Creativity with Strategy: Ensuring that creative design choices are strategically aligned with campaign goals and audience targeting.

• Adapting to Diverse Candidates/Clients: Designing for a range of political figures, each with unique brands and messaging needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Political Design Specialization: Become an expert in the nuances of designing for political campaigns, a highly specialized and impactful field.

• Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: Hone skills in quickly developing and iterating on design concepts in response to real-time campaign needs.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Gain insights into political strategy, direct mail production, and digital campaign execution by working closely with other specialized teams.

• High-Profile Portfolio Building: Work on projects that have significant public visibility and can elevate your professional profile.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight operational hurdles common in high-pressure environments, such as deadline management and stakeholder alignment. The growth opportunities focus on acquiring specialized skills and building a strong portfolio within a unique industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex political message and translating it into a compelling visual for direct mail." (Focus on your strategic approach, audience consideration, and design execution).

• "How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple campaigns with competing deadlines?" (Highlight your time management, organizational, and prioritization skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on political campaigns for Democratic candidates?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the political landscape).

• "How do you approach collaboration with copywriters and account managers to ensure cohesive campaign materials?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a concise story about the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Clearly point out how your work demonstrates print design expertise, art direction, use of Adobe Suite, and understanding of campaign objectives.

• Be Ready for Specifics: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you manage project files.

• Enthusiasm for Politics: Convey your passion for the work and your desire to contribute to successful campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design prowess but also operational capabilities like efficiency, prioritization, adaptability, and strategic thinking within a political context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of print design and art direction experience, specifically mentioning any agency work and political campaign design. Use keywords like "direct mail," "campaign materials," "brand strategy," "Adobe Creative Suite," and "deadline-driven."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest print design and direct mail projects. Ensure it's easily accessible online (PDF or personal website) and be ready to present it, explaining your process and impact.

• Research Orchestra: Familiarize yourself with Orchestra's mission, its acquired firms, and the Campaigns team's focus. Understand their role in the political landscape.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for a temporary, high-pressure role in political campaigns and how your skills align with the team's needs.

⚠️ 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.