Senior Graphic Designer - CNBC and MS NOW

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - CNBC and MS NOW

Company: Versant

Location: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Brand Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative execution and brand system adherence for iconic news brands like CNBC and MS NOW, ensuring visual consistency across all platforms.

• Translate strategic objectives and editorial content into compelling visual narratives through strong ideation and concept development.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, editorial, and production, to deliver cohesive and high-quality design solutions.

• Manage end-to-end project lifecycles, from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and stakeholder expectations.

• Act as a brand steward, respecting established standards while actively seeking opportunities for innovation and creative elevation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior Graphic Designer," indicating a need for experienced professionals with a strong portfolio and the ability to work independently and lead projects. The emphasis on "brand systems" and "creative execution" suggests a focus on applying and evolving existing brand identities rather than purely conceptual or abstract design. The hybrid work model requires a balance of in-office collaboration and independent work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative design solutions for a diverse range of platforms, including on-air graphics, digital content, social media assets, direct-to-consumer (DTC) products, brand verticals, and live events.

• Interpret and apply CNBC and MS NOW brand guidelines, ensuring all visual output is consistent, on-brand, and meets established quality standards.

• Collaborate with marketing managers, writers, producers, and animators to conceptualize and produce compelling visual storytelling that aligns with editorial and marketing objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, from initial brief and concept development through production and final delivery, ensuring timely completion and successful outcomes.

• Partner with design leads and cross-functional stakeholders to maintain clarity, alignment, and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.

• Contribute informed creative perspectives and actively participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and receiving direction from Art Directors and Creative Directors.

• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements, workflow efficiencies, and creative innovation within the design team and broader organization.

• Stay abreast of current design trends, media landscapes, and cultural shifts to inform creative strategies and maintain a relevant and forward-thinking visual approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and project management. The emphasis on "on-air, digital, social, DTC products, brand verticals, and live events" indicates the need for versatility across various media types. The requirement to "elevate brand guidelines" suggests a role that contributes to brand evolution and innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio and relevant experience are paramount. A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a senior role.

Experience: 6+ years of professional design and art direction experience, ideally within a creative agency or an in-house studio environment. Experience in a media or broadcast setting is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Design Aesthetic: A refined and sophisticated design sense with a deep understanding of color theory, typography, layout, and composition.

• Conceptualization & Ideation: Proven ability to generate strong ideas, develop compelling concepts, and translate strategic objectives and editorial content into impactful visual storytelling.

• Production Design: Skilled in translating concepts into polished, production-ready designs across various media.

• Brand Stewardship: A thoughtful approach to brand management, respecting established standards while actively seeking opportunities for creative innovation and elevation.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, agile team environment, building strong relationships with marketers and stakeholders to understand objectives and audience needs.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Problem-Solving: An innovation-minded approach to identifying and solving design challenges, with a focus on efficiency and improved workflows.

• Trend Awareness: Commitment to staying current with design, media, and cultural trends.

• Initiative & Ownership: A self-starter mentality with a strong sense of ownership, initiative, and a dedication to delivering high-quality work.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a media or broadcast design environment.

• Familiarity with motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects) or 3D design software.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Understanding of UX/UI principles for digital platforms.

• Experience in developing and maintaining scalable design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of artistic talent, strategic thinking, and practical execution. The "6+ years" requirement, coupled with "art direction" and "portfolio demonstrating conceptual range and systematic design craft," signifies a senior-level role. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a fundamental requirement, as expected for a graphic design position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a wide range of design projects, demonstrating both conceptual strength and systematic design craft.

• Examples of campaign thinking, illustrating how designs support broader marketing or editorial strategies.

• Demonstrations of scalable design systems, highlighting the ability to create consistent visual frameworks.

• Fully realized executions of designs across multiple platforms (on-air, digital, social, etc.) to showcase versatility.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including how they approach concept development, client/stakeholder brief interpretation, and iterative feedback loops.

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of workflow optimization, showing how projects were managed efficiently from start to finish.

• Evidence of adhering to and evolving brand guidelines, showcasing a systematic approach to maintaining brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior graphic design role, a portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. The emphasis on "systematic design craft" and "scalable design systems" suggests that the company values designers who can create repeatable and adaptable visual solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45 - $60 per hour.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) plan

• Paid Leave

• Tuition Reimbursement

• A variety of other benefits and perks.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement requires a minimum of three days per week in the Englewood Cliffs, NJ office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly salary range provided is typical for a senior-level graphic designer in the New Jersey area, reflecting the experience and skill set required. The inclusion of comprehensive benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement indicates a supportive employer. The hybrid work model requires candidates to be comfortable with a structured in-office presence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, News Broadcasting. Versant is a significant player in the media landscape, owning and operating prominent networks and digital brands such as USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel, alongside digital platforms like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Versant's ownership of multiple major networks and digital brands suggests a large, established corporation with a substantial employee base. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact within specific business units like CNBC and MS NOW.

Founded: The founding date of Versant is not provided, but its portfolio of established brands indicates a long history in the media industry. The description highlights an "industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit," suggesting a culture that values progress and forward-thinking.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the Brand Design Team within Versant News.

• This team likely operates within a larger creative department, collaborating with Art Directors, Creative Directors, and potentially other design specialists (e.g., animators).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on brand systems and connecting with audiences suggests that design decisions are informed by brand strategy, audience insights, and performance metrics.

• Agile Collaboration: The mention of a "cross-functional, agile team environment" indicates a work methodology that prioritizes flexibility, iterative development, and rapid response to evolving project needs.

• Brand Consistency & Innovation: The culture appears to balance strong adherence to brand guidelines with a continuous drive for creative elevation and innovation.

Company Website: https://www.versantmedia.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Versant's diverse portfolio suggests a dynamic and large-scale media operation. The specific mention of CNBC and MS NOW indicates a focus on news and current affairs, which often requires timely, impactful, and visually coherent design solutions. The company's self-description emphasizes innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, suggesting a culture that values proactive contributions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer position, indicating an individual contributor role with significant responsibility and expected autonomy. It signifies a level where candidates are expected to not only execute but also contribute strategically to design concepts and brand application.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to design leads, potentially Art Directors or Creative Directors, within the Brand Design Team. The Senior Designer will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including marketing managers, writers, and producers, suggesting a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional collaboration structure.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual identity and brand perception of CNBC and MS NOW across all touchpoints. Effective design contributes to audience engagement, brand recognition, clarity of information, and the overall success of marketing campaigns, digital products, and broadcast content. Strong visual storytelling can enhance the impact of news and information delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into an Art Director or Creative Director role by demonstrating leadership in project management, creative direction, and team collaboration.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of broadcast design, digital media, or brand system development.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Gaining experience across multiple high-profile brands within the Versant portfolio.

• Process Improvement: Leading initiatives to refine design workflows, implement new tools, or develop innovative design solutions.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a clear career path beyond this role, likely involving greater creative leadership, strategic input, or management responsibilities within the design function. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and brand stewardship points to opportunities for developing broader business acumen alongside design expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the Englewood Cliffs, NJ office. This suggests a professional office setting designed for collaboration, with the necessary tools and infrastructure for creative work.

Office Location(s): Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, United States (900 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632-3312). This location is likely well-equipped with creative resources and provides easy access to colleagues and stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional work indicate a collaborative office space designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming sessions, and feedback exchanges.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other creative tools and hardware necessary for high-quality graphic design production.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction with design leads, fellow designers, and stakeholders, fostering a stronger sense of team cohesion and facilitating real-time creative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines. The hybrid schedule requires balancing remote work with dedicated in-office collaboration days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, with a structured approach to managing their time across remote and in-office settings. The Englewood Cliffs location suggests a professional corporate environment typical of media companies in the region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, and their process. This may involve a case study presentation.

• Technical/Skill Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and application of brand guidelines.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with design leads, Art Directors, Creative Directors, and potentially marketing or editorial stakeholders to assess creative vision, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize hiring decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your range, conceptual thinking, technical execution, and experience with brand systems, particularly in media or broadcast contexts if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges, solutions, and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Brand Stewardship: Demonstrate how you've applied and elevated brand guidelines. Showcase projects where you've maintained consistency while pushing creative boundaries.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples across different media (on-air, digital, social, print, events) to demonstrate your adaptability.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your approach to feedback, your project management skills, and how you stay current with trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brands: Familiarize yourself with the current visual identities and recent design work of CNBC and MS NOW.

• Practice Timed Exercises: If a design challenge is anticipated, practice creating cohesive design solutions within a limited timeframe.

• Focus on Core Skills: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in typography, layout, color, and composition, as well as your ability to quickly grasp and apply brand requirements.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process and design decisions clearly and concisely, even under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges highlights the practical, execution-focused nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the strategic thinking and process behind it, especially concerning brand application and cross-platform consistency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator for graphic design and production.

• Brand Guidelines: Deep understanding and application of established brand systems for CNBC and MS NOW.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this graphic design role, but awareness of how design assets are integrated into marketing automation platforms or content management systems could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. The role is focused on visual creation and brand execution, rather than the operational or analytical aspects typically associated with Revenue or Sales Operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Excellence: A commitment to maintaining and elevating the visual standards of respected news brands like CNBC and MS NOW.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and partnership across diverse teams and departments.

• Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries, explore new design approaches, and contribute to an evolving media landscape.

• Efficiency: A focus on streamlined workflows, effective project management, and finding smarter ways to create and deliver high-quality design.

• Professionalism: A dedication to delivering high-quality work, taking ownership, and demonstrating initiative.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, editorial, production, and other teams to ensure design solutions are aligned with broader business and content objectives.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture of constructive critique and open feedback, where ideas are shared and refined collaboratively.

• Agile Approach: Working in a flexible and responsive manner, adapting to changing project requirements and priorities within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of creative rigor, collaborative spirit, and a forward-thinking mindset, essential for success in the dynamic media industry. The emphasis on "entrepreneurial spirit" suggests an environment where individuals can contribute ideas and drive initiatives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining the integrity of established brand systems while continuously exploring new creative avenues and staying relevant in a fast-paced media environment.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects across different platforms (on-air, digital, social, events) with varying deadlines and creative requirements.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design solutions meet the needs and expectations of various stakeholders with potentially different priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Media Trends: Staying ahead of visual trends in news, digital media, and broadcast.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design disciplines, potentially through workshops, online courses, or on-the-job training.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining exposure to cutting-edge design practices and trends within the broadcast and digital media industries.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Art Directors and Creative Directors within the Versant network.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles (e.g., Art Director, Creative Director) or specialize in areas like motion graphics or digital brand systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of the media industry and the need for adaptability and continuous learning. The growth opportunities point towards a supportive environment for professional development and career progression within a large media organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Application: "How would you approach designing a new on-air graphic package for CNBC, considering its existing brand identity and current market trends?" (Focus on process, research, and creative rationale).

• Project Management: "Describe a complex design project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your organizational skills, problem-solving, and stakeholder management).

• Creative Vision: "How do you balance adhering to strict brand guidelines with the need to innovate and push creative boundaries?" (Showcase your understanding of brand stewardship and creative problem-solving).

• Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or team member on a creative project. How did you navigate the situation?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and achieving project goals).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Versant, specifically on the CNBC and MS NOW brands?" (Research Versant's mission, recent campaigns, and the specific news segments you'd be designing for).

• "How do you stay current with design and media trends?" (Provide specific examples of resources you use).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression of skills. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role (e.g., brand identity, broadcast graphics, digital campaigns).

• Explain Your "Why": Be ready to articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices. Why did you choose certain colors, typography, or layouts? How do they serve the brand and the audience?

• Demonstrate Process: Show sketches, mood boards, or wireframes to illustrate your ideation and development process. This shows you're not just a pixel-pusher but a strategic designer.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved brand recall), be prepared to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of brand systems, strategic design thinking, and effective collaboration, in addition to core design skills. Being able to articulate your process and rationale is crucial for a senior-level role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Versant careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects that align with broadcast and digital media design, showcasing your ability to work within brand guidelines and execute across multiple platforms.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience in design and art direction, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, experience with brand systems, and success in managing multi-platform projects. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and how you've successfully managed projects and collaborated with teams. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your creative rationale.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Versant's brands, particularly CNBC and MS NOW. Understand their current visual identity, recent campaigns, and the competitive media landscape to demonstrate genuine interest and insight.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details, especially regarding specific team dynamics, exact interview processes, and performance expectations, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview stages.