Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the graphic design process for Wilson's Sportswear (apparel + footwear) marketing initiatives, from initial concept through to final production.

• Develop and execute high-level campaign strategies and visual centers for product launches, ensuring brand consistency and market impact.

• Create compelling visual assets across a diverse range of mediums including digital, social media, direct-to-consumer (D2C) platforms, marketing collateral, event activations, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, and packaging.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Art Directors, marketing stakeholders, copywriters, and project managers, to deliver impactful creative solutions that align with strategic business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for the visual representation and marketing success of Wilson's Sportswear division. The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating marketing objectives into engaging visual narratives, requiring a strong understanding of brand storytelling and campaign execution within the sports apparel and footwear industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with the Art/Creative Director, marketing teams, and internal designers to conceptualize and develop integrated campaigns and creative executions, managing the design lifecycle from ideation to final delivery.

• Lead the conceptualization of high-level campaign strategies and establish visual frameworks for upcoming product launches, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand message.

• Design a wide array of marketing materials across various channels, including digital advertisements, social media content, D2C website assets, marketing sell-in materials, event and activation graphics, POP displays, packaging, and other specialty projects as directed by the Art Director and Project Manager.

• Collaborate with internal and external photographers to direct and execute campaign and product photoshoots, ensuring visual alignment with creative briefs and brand aesthetics.

• Work synergistically with copywriters to refine strategy, develop compelling layouts, and ensure seamless integration of visual and textual elements for diverse projects.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with the project manager to ensure timely delivery and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "motion and video design abilities required" signifies that this role extends beyond static graphics. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate experience in creating dynamic visual content for digital platforms, which is increasingly important for brand engagement in the sportswear market.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive in-house or agency graphic design experience, with a demonstrated track record in campaign development and execution.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a strong range of campaign-level strategy work and design build-out across various mediums.

• Advanced proficiency with Mac computers and Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Figma.

• Demonstrated motion and video design abilities are a mandatory requirement for this role.

• Solid understanding of photography principles, including lighting and art direction for photoshoots.

• Basic knowledge of print production processes and best practices.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for internal communication and presentation needs.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong organizational and project management skills to manage multiple initiatives effectively.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of effectively articulating design concepts, responding to feedback, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the sportswear, apparel, or footwear industry.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of D2C e-commerce design principles and user experience (UX) best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both an Associate's and a Bachelor's degree suggests a preference for formal education, but significant, relevant experience can often substitute. The emphasis on a strong portfolio is paramount, as it serves as the primary validation of a candidate's skills and creative capabilities in a design role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept generation to final asset delivery and production oversight.

• Showcase projects that highlight strategic thinking, illustrating how design solutions addressed specific marketing objectives or business challenges for campaigns, product launches, or brand initiatives.

• Present examples of work across diverse media, including digital (social, web banners, email), print (POP, packaging, collateral), and motion graphics, to reflect the breadth of responsibilities.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of workflow design and optimization, illustrating how design processes were streamlined or improved for efficiency and quality.

• Show examples of collaboration within a design process, detailing how feedback was incorporated and how you worked with copywriters, marketing teams, or art directors.

• Illustrate how design assets were managed, organized, and prepared for production, adhering to specific technical requirements and brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio should not just display aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking and process management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their role in developing creative briefs, managing feedback loops, and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Pre-tax transit discounts to support commuting.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match to help build long-term financial security.

• Life insurance coverage for added peace of mind.

• Paid maternity/paternity leave to support new parents.

• Opportunities for Professional Development, including training and skill enhancement programs.

• Company-sponsored Volunteering programs to engage with the community.

• Team building outings and company-sponsored sports leagues/teams to foster camaraderie.

• Employee discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products.

• On-site health club facilities.

• Summer hours to offer increased flexibility during warmer months.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While specific hours may vary based on project needs and deadlines, the role is expected to be performed on-site during standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior Graphic Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, especially within a well-established sporting goods company. The extensive list of benefits highlights Wilson's commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and fostering a strong company culture connected to sports.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Equipment & Apparel

Company Size: 1,000-5,000 Employees (Based on LinkedIn data and typical for a global brand like Wilson)

Founded: 1913 (Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has a long and rich history in the sports industry)

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger Creative or Marketing department, reporting to an Art Director.

• The team structure typically includes Art Directors, Graphic Designers (various levels), Copywriters, Marketing Managers, and Project Managers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a data-informed approach to design, where creative solutions are developed to meet specific marketing objectives and business goals.

• A strong focus on campaign strategy and brand storytelling, ensuring visual consistency and impact across all marketing channels.

• Adoption of modern design tools and workflows, including motion graphics and digital design best practices, to stay competitive in the market.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Wilson Sporting Goods Co. positions itself as a leader in the sports industry, fostering a culture that values athleticism, teamwork, and innovation. For a designer, this means an environment that likely appreciates creativity, a passion for sports, and a drive to "empower every human to live like an athlete."

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Contributor / Specialist

This role represents a significant step up from a mid-level designer, requiring not only strong execution skills but also the ability to lead creative concepts, manage projects independently, and mentor junior designers. It's a position that contributes directly to the strategic visual direction of a key business unit.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director, who oversees the overall creative vision and output for the Sportswear marketing team.

Operations Impact:

• The visual identity and campaign execution developed by this role directly influence brand perception, consumer engagement, and ultimately, sales performance for Wilson's apparel and footwear lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Art Director: Progression to an Art Director role, leading creative teams and setting the visual direction for larger initiatives or entire business units.

• Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, digital product design, or brand identity development.

• Creative Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, manage freelance talent, and contribute to the strategic planning of creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title indicates an expectation of leadership and autonomy. Candidates should highlight examples of initiative, strategic input, and the ability to guide creative processes, not just execute tasks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Global Headquarters, likely a modern, collaborative corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois. Wilson's global headquarters is situated in Chicago, offering access to a vibrant professional and sports-centric community.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic and collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork, potentially featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated design studios.

• Access to state-of-the-art design technology, software, and equipment will be standard.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring full-time dedication. While standard business hours are expected, flexibility may be needed to meet project deadlines, particularly around product launches or major marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of Wilson's headquarters suggests a positive and engaging work environment with excellent amenities. For a designer, this implies a space that supports creativity and well-being, crucial for producing high-quality visual work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their design process, strategic thinking, and how they've handled past challenges. This is often a multi-stage process involving the Art Director and other creative/marketing leads.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A design challenge or test may be administered to evaluate specific skills, such as creating a concept for a campaign element or demonstrating motion graphics capabilities.

• Final Interview: Discussions with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the Senior Graphic Designer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates campaign strategy, cross-medium execution (digital, social, print, motion), and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome (quantify if possible).

• Highlight Motion Graphics: Dedicate specific slides or sections to your motion design work, explaining the software used, the creative intent, and the intended application (e.g., social media ads, website animations).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how your design choices supported marketing objectives and brand strategy. Discuss your collaboration with copywriters and marketing teams.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your understanding of the sportswear market, and your experience with specific software.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Allocate your time wisely, prioritizing concept development and key executions over excessive detailing.

• Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

• If motion graphics are involved, demonstrate an understanding of platform best practices for video length and format.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" and "motion and video design abilities" means candidates should prepare a portfolio that not only looks good but also tells a compelling story of their strategic thinking and technical proficiency, particularly in dynamic content creation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, compositing, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print materials, packaging, and marketing collateral.

• Figma: For UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows, particularly for digital assets and D2C platforms.

• Motion Graphics Software:

  • After Effects: Essential for creating animations, motion graphics, and video content.
  • Premiere Pro (or similar): For video editing and final assembly of motion projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and potentially CRM systems (like Salesforce or HubSpot) could be helpful for understanding campaign deployment and audience targeting, though direct usage might not be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and especially Figma and After Effects, is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level and specific use cases for these tools in their portfolio projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Sport: A genuine enthusiasm for sports and an understanding of athletic culture is likely a core value, driving authentic creative output.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The company emphasizes a "Team Wilson" mentality, suggesting a culture where collaboration, mutual support, and collective achievement are highly valued.

• Integrity & Innovation: Upholding high standards in work and business, while continuously seeking new and creative ways to engage consumers and evolve the sports industry.

• Ambition & Drive: A culture that encourages individuals to strive for excellence, make a difference, and contribute to the company's growth and success.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketing teams, art directors, copywriters, and potentially product teams.

• Open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to iterate on designs are likely key to the team's workflow.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential for ensuring that creative executions align with broader business strategies and product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wilson's stated values—Passion, Creativity, Integrity, Teamwork, Ambition, Innovation—are directly applicable to a creative role. Candidates should consider how their personal values and work style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Vision with Marketing Objectives: Ensuring that creative output is both aesthetically compelling and strategically aligned with specific marketing campaign goals, product features, and target audiences.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines in the dynamic sportswear industry, requiring efficient workflow and prioritization.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with rapidly changing digital design trends, social media platform requirements, and motion graphics techniques to maintain relevance and impact.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design concepts and rationale to stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and priorities, ensuring buy-in and smooth project progression.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend design or marketing conferences (e.g., Adobe MAX, industry-specific marketing events) to learn about new tools and trends.

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in motion graphics, UX/UI design, or branding through internal training or external courses.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Art Directors and senior creative professionals within the organization.

• Exposure to Global Brand Strategy: Gaining insights into the creative strategies of a leading global sports brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for senior design roles in fast-moving consumer goods industries. Highlighting how you've successfully navigated similar situations in your past experience will be key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a campaign strategy from a visual perspective. What was the objective, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and measurable results.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with client or marketing team feedback? Provide an example." (Demonstrate collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Wilson Sporting Goods and the sportswear industry?" (Show genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you embody Wilson's core values like Teamwork and Ambition in your work?" (Connect your personal values to the company's.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your background and design philosophy. Then, present 3-5 key projects, dedicating ample time to each. Conclude with a summary of your strengths and how they align with the role.

• Storytelling: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to explain your contribution and impact.

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, on-brand (or neutral), and effectively showcases your best work, especially motion graphics. Use concise text and clear visuals.

• Engagement: Be prepared for Q&A throughout or at the end. Engage actively, answer questions directly, and show enthusiasm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to discuss not just what you designed, but why you designed it that way, and how it achieved specific business or marketing goals. Demonstrating an understanding of the sportswear market and Wilson's brand is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Wilson Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your campaign strategy development, cross-medium execution (digital, social, print, motion), and experience relevant to the sportswear industry. Ensure your motion graphics work is prominently featured.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, highlighting achievements in campaign design, project management, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and motion graphics software. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your strategic thinking, design process, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wilson Sporting Goods Co., its brand identity, current marketing campaigns, and its position within the sports industry. Understand their mission and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description incorporates industry-standard expectations for a Senior Graphic Designer role. While efforts have been made to provide comprehensive insights, candidates should always refer to the official job posting for the most accurate and up-to-date information and prepare accordingly.