Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer
Company: Vibrant Emotional Health
Location: Remote (USA)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Social Services / Healthcare
Date Posted: January 20, 2026
Experience Level: 6+ Years Professional Experience
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of high-quality visual designs across digital and print platforms for Vibrant Emotional Health and its associated brands and programs.
• Translate complex and sensitive mental health content into clear, accessible, and emotionally resonant visual communications that build trust with diverse audiences.
• Serve as a key contributor in developing and maintaining visual identity systems, ensuring brand consistency across all assets.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process streamlining, template standardization, and overall design system improvement.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Communications, Digital, Development, and Program teams, to ensure design alignment and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for translating sensitive mental health messaging into accessible and impactful visual experiences. The emphasis on "emotionally grounded visual communications" and "inclusive and equity-centered approach to imagery and language" highlights the unique demands of working within the mental health sector, requiring a blend of creative expertise and empathetic communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling visual concepts, layouts, and final designs for a wide range of digital and print assets, including social media graphics, email and newsletter layouts, web and blog imagery, environmental graphics, and marketing collateral (toolkits, one-pagers, reports, infographics, presentations).
• Design and maintain user-friendly, updatable templates (PPT, Word, Canva for non-designers; Adobe/Figma templates for the design team) to empower broader team use.
• Act as a steward of Vibrant’s visual identity systems, ensuring consistent application of typography, color, hierarchy, and overall aesthetic across all materials.
• Produce co-branded materials for funders, partners, and campaigns, skillfully balancing Vibrant’s identity with partner brand standards for cohesive and clear communication.
• Prepare accurate print and digital-ready files, ensuring correct color space, resolution, margins, dielines, and pre-flight checks, collaborating with the Creative Manager on vendor specifications and approvals.
• Build clean, well-organized, and revision-ready project files using established naming conventions, version control, and metadata best practices within the Digital Asset Management tool.
• Collaborate effectively with various internal teams by interpreting briefs, recommending visual approaches, incorporating feedback efficiently, and participating in brainstorms and concept reviews.
• Present design rationales and options clearly to stakeholders, advocating for solutions that effectively serve both the target audience and the brand objectives.
• Partner with motion graphics and video teams by providing static key visuals, frames, and layered artwork suitable for animation and edits.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with fast turn-around times, proactively communicating timelines, risks, trade-offs, and resource needs to the Creative Manager.
• Apply accessibility best practices (contrast, legibility, font choices, hierarchy, alt-text guidance) to all digital and print work.
• Provide peer feedback, file checks, and informal mentorship to other members of the design team.
• Stay current with design trends, tools, and AI-driven workflows, proposing practical methods to enhance quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process and efficiency, particularly in template creation, file management (DAM), and the exploration of AI workflows. The role demands not only creative output but also a proactive approach to system improvement and team support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, or a related field.

Experience: 6+ years of professional experience in graphic design roles with a focus on digital and print communication. In-house experience for large/complex organizations and/or agency experience is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expert craft in digital and print graphic design, with a strong command of typography, grid systems, layout, color theory, and information hierarchy.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Figma.
• Strong skills in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation design.
• Solid understanding of print and digital production best practices, including CMYK vs. RGB, file formats, resolution, bleeds, pre-flight, and vendor specifications.
• Experience designing co-branded materials and adapting core brand systems across multiple partners or sub-brands.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear visual narratives, such as diagrams, data visualizations, timelines, and process graphics.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize independently, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to give and receive feedback constructively and to explain design decisions to non-design stakeholders.
• Proven ability to operate as a senior-level designer: make sound design decisions with minimal direction, anticipate issues, and proactively improve deliverables.
• Interest in and sensitivity to mental health, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed communication, with an inclusive and equity-centered approach to imagery and language.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for sensitive or mission-driven subject matter (e.g., healthcare, mental health, human services, social impact).
• Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) tools and best practices.
• Experience in designing user-friendly templates for non-designers (e.g., Canva, Google Slides).
• Basic understanding of motion graphics or video editing principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Proven ability to operate as a senior-level designer" strongly suggests that candidates will be evaluated on their autonomy, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver high-quality work with minimal oversight, a common expectation for senior individual contributor roles. The emphasis on mental health subject matter indicates a need for candidates with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating strong typographic and layout skills.
• Examples of multi-channel campaign work spanning both digital and print mediums.
• Case studies showcasing experience with brand systems and template development.
• Visualizations of complex or sensitive topics, clearly distilled into accessible and understandable graphics.
• Evidence of designing for sensitive or mission-driven subject matter is highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of workflow design and optimization in past projects, particularly in managing design projects from brief to final delivery.
• Examples of creating and implementing standardized design templates (e.g., PPT, Canva, Figma) to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Demonstrations of how you maintain organized project files, including version control and metadata best practices, ideally within a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system context.
• Evidence of applying accessibility best practices in design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is paramount, explicitly stating that candidates without one will not be considered. This underscores the need for a strong visual and project-based demonstration of skills, particularly in translating complex information and maintaining brand integrity across various channels.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $69,100 - $92,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental income insurance.
• Employer-paid disability insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care.
• 401K plan available.

Working Hours: Standard business hours, 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday. This role is fully remote.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, and the company notes that compensation is determined by a comprehensive review of skills, experience, education, certifications, and geographic location. The benefits package is extensive, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and financial security, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Social Services / Healthcare (Mental Health)
Company Size: Vibrant Emotional Health likely falls into the medium to large non-profit category, given the scope of its services and the structure implied by the job description (e.g., multiple departments, Creative Manager, Creative Director).
Founded: Over 50 years ago (formerly Mental Health Association of New York City - MHA-NYC).

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Manager and is part of the Marketing and Communications department.
• The role likely collaborates closely with a Creative Director and potentially other designers, copywriters, and digital specialists.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with Marcomms, Digital, Development, and Program teams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approaches to visual communication, translating complex information into accessible formats.
• Emphasis on user-centered design, ensuring visuals are clear, empathetic, and grounded in the audience's needs.
• Commitment to brand consistency and visual identity management across diverse projects and partners.
• Proactive adoption of new tools and workflows, including exploring AI for efficiency and quality enhancements.

Company Website: vibrant.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and mission-driven focus in mental health are key cultural indicators. The emphasis on accessibility, empathy, and equity in communication suggests a workplace that values social impact and thoughtful, purpose-driven design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, making sound design decisions with minimal direction and proactively improving deliverables.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Manager, with potential indirect reporting or close collaboration with a Creative Director.
Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the perception and accessibility of Vibrant Emotional Health's services and mission. High-quality, empathetic design directly impacts audience engagement, trust-building, and the effective dissemination of critical mental health information.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to Creative Manager or similar leadership roles within the Marketing and Communications department.
• Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., data visualization, accessibility design, brand system development).
• Mentorship opportunities, both receiving guidance from senior leadership and providing informal mentorship to junior team members.
• Exposure to a wide range of projects and stakeholders, offering continuous learning and skill diversification.
• Staying at the forefront of design trends and AI integration within a mission-driven context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of autonomy and expectation for leadership in design execution. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating strong design leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and mentor others.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within the United States.
Office Location(s): Remote USA. While the company is based in New York City (formerly MHA-NYC), this specific role is designated as fully remote across the US.

Workspace Context:

• A virtual collaborative environment, requiring strong digital communication and project management skills.
• Access to design tools and potentially a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system.
• Opportunities for interaction with a distributed team through video calls and digital collaboration platforms.
• Emphasis on self-management and proactive communication to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (9 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday) are expected, with a 10% travel expectation, likely for team meetings or specific project needs. The remote nature allows for flexibility in managing personal time around core work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant aspect, requiring candidates to be self-motivated and proficient in remote collaboration tools and practices. The 10% travel suggests occasional in-person collaboration or site visits may be required.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio. A strong portfolio is mandatory for consideration.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise to evaluate their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to translating complex information.
• Interviews: Typically involves discussions with the Creative Manager, potentially the Creative Director, and possibly cross-functional team members. Expect questions about design philosophy, project experience, collaboration, and handling sensitive subject matter.
• Final Interview: May involve a presentation of past work or a proposed solution to a hypothetical challenge, focusing on design rationale and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your expertise in digital and print design, typography, layout, and brand system application.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, and the impact of your solution.
• Highlight Sensitive Content: Include examples of how you've translated complex or sensitive topics into accessible and empathetic visuals.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work, from marketing collateral to digital assets and template design.
• Ensure Clarity and Organization: Make your portfolio easy to navigate and understand. Use clear descriptions and high-quality visuals.
• Include Template Examples: If possible, show examples of templates you've created for broader team use.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Thoroughly research Vibrant Emotional Health's mission, values, and target audiences.
• Practice Explaining Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design choices, focusing on how they serve the audience and the organization's goals.
• Familiarize Yourself with Key Tools: Ensure you are proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and practice using PowerPoint for presentation design.
• Review Accessibility Guidelines: Be ready to discuss how you incorporate accessibility into your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio means it should be the primary focus of the application. Candidates should treat the portfolio not just as a gallery, but as a narrative of their design journey and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for creating a wide range of digital and print assets.
• Figma: Strong skills required for collaborative design, UI/UX elements, and potentially template creation.
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for presentation design and creating updatable templates for non-designers.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned as a primary responsibility for the designer, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital assets) could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the core responsibilities of this design role.

Other Potential Tools:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Tool: For organized storage and retrieval of project files.
• Canva: For creating user-friendly templates for non-designers.
• Project Management Software: (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) for managing workflows and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and PowerPoint points to a standard, yet robust, design technology environment. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable. Familiarity with DAM systems is a plus, indicating a structured approach to asset management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empathy and Sensitivity: A deep understanding and respect for mental health, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed communication.
• Inclusivity and Equity: Commitment to using imagery and language that reflects a diverse audience and promotes equity.
• Clarity and Accessibility: Dedication to making complex information understandable and accessible to all.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence and Continuous Improvement: Striving for high-quality design and proactively seeking ways to enhance processes and skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with Creative Managers, Creative Directors, and cross-functional teams (Marketing, Communications, Digital, Development, Programs).
• Open to constructive feedback and peer review, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
• Proactive communication to ensure alignment and efficient project progression.
• Willingness to share knowledge and informally mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply intertwined with its mission. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values in their approach to design and communication, particularly concerning sensitivity, inclusivity, and accessibility in the context of mental health.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Sensitive Content: Effectively communicating complex and sensitive mental health topics visually without oversimplifying or misrepresenting them.
• Balancing Multiple Brands: Managing and harmonizing Vibrant's brand identity with those of funders and partners in co-branded materials.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Juggling multiple concurrent projects with tight deadlines and varying priorities.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and team cohesion in a fully remote setting.
• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving design tools and AI capabilities while ensuring ethical and on-brand application.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in specialized design areas like data visualization, accessibility standards, or brand system management.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, software updates, and AI applications in the creative field.
• Mentorship: Learning from senior design leadership and potentially mentoring junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a broader understanding of marketing, communications, and program development within a mission-driven organization.
• Professional Development: Opportunities may exist for attending relevant workshops, webinars, or conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptable, strategic, and empathetic designers. The growth opportunities suggest a supportive environment for professional development within a unique sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex or sensitive information into a clear visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your approach to empathy, clarity, and audience understanding).
• "How do you ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines when designing co-branded materials for multiple partners?" (Highlight your understanding of brand systems and stakeholder management).
• "Walk us through your process for creating a user-friendly template for non-designers. What considerations are important?" (Demonstrate your efficiency-focused, user-centric design thinking).
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially from non-design stakeholders?" (Showcase your communication and collaboration skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Vibrant Emotional Health's mission and work in mental health?" (Research the organization thoroughly and connect your values to theirs).
• "How do you approach designing with inclusivity and equity in mind?" (Discuss your understanding of diverse audiences and representation in visuals).
• "Describe your experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment. What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?" (Highlight your self-management and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the quantifiable or qualitative results.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs achieved the project's objectives and served the target audience.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your portfolio pieces demonstrate expertise in typography, layout, brand systems, and translating complex information.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and production best practices.
• Showcase Your "Senior" Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and elevate the brief.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily center around the portfolio and the ability to articulate design decisions, process, and impact, particularly within the context of sensitive subject matter and a mission-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your portfolio through the Vibrant Emotional Health careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of digital and print design, template creation, and ideally, work that demonstrates experience with sensitive or mission-driven subject matter.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and PowerPoint, and any experience with brand systems or co-branding. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work, especially concerning sensitive content and remote collaboration. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Vibrant's mission.
• Company Research: Deeply familiarize yourself with Vibrant Emotional Health's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit. Understand their approach to mental health advocacy and accessible communication.

⚠️ 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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