JR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Jr. Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer I)

Company: The Florida Panthers Hockey Club

Location: Sunrise, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Sports & Recreation

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the execution of brand and campaign visual assets across diverse platforms, including social media, digital channels, and in-venue displays.

• Apply and develop foundational typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills under the guidance of senior designers and the Creative Director.

• Contribute to the maintenance of established Panthers brand standards, ensuring consistency across all creative outputs in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Assist in the creation of real-time social content and in-game visual elements, requiring agility and quick turnaround.

• Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions and production meetings, demonstrating an ability to quickly incorporate feedback and refine design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level graphic design position within a professional sports organization, emphasizing foundational design skills and a willingness to learn and grow. The focus on "craft-obsessed" and "eye for the details" suggests a need for meticulousness and a passion for design execution. The "Jr." title and 0-2 years of experience requirement indicate that this is an opportunity for a designer early in their career to gain valuable experience in a dynamic sports marketing environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce on-brand visual assets for social media, email marketing, digital advertising, in-venue signage, and other marketing collateral as directed by the Creative Director and senior design staff.

• Execute foundational typography and layout principles across assigned projects, ensuring visual hierarchy, readability, and aesthetic appeal.

• Collaborate with creative, motion graphics, and content teams to ensure consistent application of brand guidelines and visual identity across all touchpoints.

• Assist in developing and adapting visual assets for real-time social media needs and in-game presentations, requiring prompt execution and creative problem-solving.

• Attend and actively contribute to creative reviews, brainstorming sessions, and production meetings, demonstrating the ability to receive and implement constructive feedback swiftly to enhance design quality.

• Support senior designers with asset production, file organization, and preparation for print and digital distribution.

• Assist in maintaining and updating brand asset libraries and style guides to ensure internal and external consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a production-oriented role with a strong emphasis on supporting senior team members and executing established brand guidelines. The inclusion of "in-game and real-time social content needs" points to a fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and the ability to work under pressure. The emphasis on "applying foundational typography and layout skills" suggests that while creativity is valued, adherence to design principles and brand consistency is paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for foundational design roles. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will be considered.

Experience: 0–2 years of professional graphic design experience, including internships. Experience within the sports or entertainment industry is a plus but not a strict requirement.

Required Skills:

• Typography: Demonstrable strength in type selection, hierarchy, spacing, leading, kerning, and overall typographic layout.

• Layout & Composition: Solid understanding of visual composition, balance, contrast, and alignment to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expertise in core Adobe applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for asset creation and manipulation.

• Brand Standards Application: Ability to understand and consistently apply brand guidelines across various media.

• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design execution, from pixel-perfect alignment to precise typographic spacing.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Adaptability & Coachability: Eagerness to learn, quick to adapt to feedback, and comfortable receiving direction from senior team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Logo & Identity Design: Growing interest and foundational skills in logo development and brand identity systems.

• Print Production Knowledge: Familiarity with print processes, color management, and pre-press requirements.

• Digital Design: Experience creating assets for web, social media, and digital advertising, including understanding of file formats and optimization.

• Sports/Entertainment Industry Experience: Previous work experience in a similar fast-paced, deadline-driven creative environment.

• Familiarity with Motion Graphics Software: Basic understanding of After Effects or similar for simple animation or motion graphics support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize foundational design principles and software proficiency, with a clear indication that a strong portfolio is the primary determinant of suitability. The "0-2 years" experience level, coupled with the requirement for foundational skills, suggests the organization is looking for raw talent and potential, prioritizing a strong design sense over extensive professional history. The preference for sports/entertainment experience is noted, but the emphasis on "passion for the craft" indicates that a strong design portfolio from any background will be competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Foundational Design Skills: Showcase projects that clearly illustrate your understanding of typography, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy. This includes class projects, personal work, or internship assignments.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Include projects where you had to solve a specific design challenge, demonstrating your thought process and how your design addressed the objective.

• Brand Consistency Showcase: If possible, include examples where you applied or adapted existing brand guidelines, or developed simple identity elements.

• Versatility: Present a range of work that shows your ability to design for different media (e.g., social media graphics, digital ads, print materials, identity concepts).

• Clean Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing, reflecting your attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation isn't explicitly required for this junior role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for approaching design projects, from initial brief to final delivery.

• Be ready to articulate how you manage feedback and iterate on designs.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to prepare files for different outputs (print vs. digital).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio is critical. For a junior role, the portfolio needs to strongly convey fundamental design capabilities, problem-solving aptitude, and a developing eye for detail. The emphasis is less on extensive professional experience and more on demonstrating raw talent and a solid grasp of design principles, even if derived from academic or internship work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Jr. Graphic Designer" title, 0-2 years of experience, and location in Sunrise, FL, a competitive salary range would likely fall between $45,000 - $60,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for entry-level creative roles in the South Florida market, considering the sports and entertainment sector often offers competitive compensation for talent.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options for employees and potentially dependents.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching contributions.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Perks: Potential for tickets to Panthers games, team merchandise discounts, and other sports/entertainment industry-specific benefits.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and exposure to high-level creative production within a professional sports league.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position. While a standard work week might be 40 hours, the role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, particularly during game days, events, and critical campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on entry-level graphic designer roles in the South Florida region, adjusted for the sports industry. Benefits are standard for full-time exempt positions, with specific additions relevant to a professional sports team. The working hours emphasize the need for flexibility inherent in sports marketing and event-driven roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Entertainment (Professional Ice Hockey - NHL)

Company Size: The Florida Panthers organization is a significant entity within professional sports, employing a substantial number of individuals across various departments including Hockey Operations, Business Operations, Marketing, Sales, Game Operations, and more. This indicates a structured environment with opportunities for specialization.

Founded: The Florida Panthers were founded in 1993, entering the National Hockey League for the 1993-94 season. Their recent success as back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions (2024, 2025) has significantly elevated their profile and likely fostered a high-performance, championship-driven culture.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing department is likely structured with specialized teams for creative, digital, content, partnerships, and fan engagement.

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director, working closely with senior designers, motion graphic artists, and content creators.

• Collaboration is expected across various departments, including Hockey Operations, Communications, Sales, and Game Presentation, to ensure cohesive brand messaging and event execution. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creativity is emphasized, decisions are increasingly informed by analytics regarding fan engagement, social media performance, and campaign effectiveness.

• Agile Production: The need for real-time content and in-game assets suggests an agile approach to creative production, prioritizing speed and responsiveness.

• Brand Consistency: A core methodology involves maintaining strict adherence to brand guidelines across all platforms to build a strong, recognizable identity.

Company Website: https://www.nhl.com/panthers

📝 Enhancement Note: The recent championship success is a defining characteristic, likely instilling a culture of excellence and high expectations. The organization's commitment to community and its military foundation ("Heroes Among Us") suggests a values-driven environment. The structure within a professional sports team implies a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and collaborative atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Graphic Designer I, representing an entry-level position. It's designed for individuals with foundational skills and 0-2 years of experience, focusing on production support and skill development under senior guidance. The career path is geared towards growing into a Graphic Designer II or Senior Graphic Designer role, potentially specializing in areas like digital design, branding, or campaign execution.

Reporting Structure: The Jr. Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director, a senior leadership role within the Marketing department. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the organization's brand perception, fan engagement, and marketing effectiveness. High-quality visual assets are crucial for driving ticket sales, merchandise revenue, sponsorship value, and overall brand loyalty. The designer contributes to the "world-class sports and entertainment platform" the organization aims to build.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deep expertise in specific design areas such as digital advertising, social media content creation, in-venue graphics, or brand identity systems.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced Creative Directors and senior designers provides invaluable learning opportunities and skill refinement.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Working on high-profile projects for a major sports league offers significant opportunities to build a robust and impressive professional portfolio.

• Advancement within the Organization: Successful performance and demonstrated growth can lead to promotions to more senior design roles within the Panthers' creative team or potentially to other creative positions within the broader sports and entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the typical progression for a creative role within a professional sports organization. The emphasis is on skill development, mentorship, and the potential to build a strong portfolio that can lead to further opportunities within the team or the wider industry. The "impact" section reframes the role's contribution through a marketing and brand lens, relevant to business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based on-site at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. This implies working within a professional sports arena environment, which can be dynamic and sometimes busy, especially on game days or during events. The workspace will likely be within the Marketing department's creative hub.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL. The Florida Panthers organization also operates other facilities, such as Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs and Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, but this specific role is tied to the arena.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The creative team likely operates in an open or semi-open studio environment designed to foster collaboration, idea-sharing, and quick communication between designers, motion artists, and content creators.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to industry-standard design software and hardware, including powerful workstations and necessary peripherals.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the broader Marketing team, as well as periodic collaboration with other departments involved in game operations, sponsorship activation, and community outreach.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time exempt role. While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the nature of professional sports requires significant flexibility. Expect to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during the NHL season, playoffs, and major events hosted at the arena. This flexibility is crucial for meeting real-time content demands and event-specific creative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description emphasizes the unique aspects of a professional sports arena setting – dynamism, event-driven schedules, and a collaborative creative space. The on-site requirement is a key factor, and the need for flexible hours is highlighted as a standard expectation for this industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and portfolios will be screened for foundational design skills, relevant experience (including internships), and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. A portfolio is mandatory.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo a detailed portfolio review, where they'll be asked to discuss their design process, decision-making, and how they approach creative problem-solving. A practical design challenge may be assigned, requiring candidates to create assets based on a brief relevant to the Panthers' brand or a specific campaign.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Candidates who perform well on the portfolio review and creative challenge will be interviewed by the Creative Director and potentially other senior members of the marketing team. This stage assesses technical skills, cultural fit, communication ability, and understanding of brand application.

• Final Interview (Potentially): Depending on the organizational structure, a final interview with a higher-level marketing executive might occur.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Thoughtfully: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your foundational design skills, particularly typography and layout.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, your design process (ideation, iteration), and the final outcome. Visuals of sketches or early concepts can be impactful.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your selected work clearly reflects your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and your understanding of brand consistency.

• Tailor if Possible: If you have any work related to sports, entertainment, or similar dynamic industries, feature it prominently.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or a well-organized PDF) and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research the Florida Panthers' current branding, visual identity, recent campaigns, and social media presence.

• Practice Design Briefs: Work through mock design challenges related to sports marketing (e.g., social media post, digital ad, event graphic). Focus on quick ideation and execution.

• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice working efficiently under pressure, prioritizing key elements of the brief.

• Articulate Your Choices: Be prepared to clearly explain the rationale behind your design decisions, including typography choices, color palettes, and imagery selection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and practical design assessment. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their work but also articulate their design thinking and demonstrate adaptability through potential creative challenges. Thorough research into the Panthers' brand is essential for both the application and interview stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and Adobe InDesign (for layout, print collateral).

• Adobe After Effects (Basic): Familiarity or willingness to learn for simple motion graphics and animated social content would be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility for this role, an understanding of how design impacts analytics (e.g., social media engagement rates, click-through rates on digital ads) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., social media platform insights) may be helpful. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a graphic designer, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard graphic design software. The emphasis is on Adobe Creative Suite, with After Effects being a beneficial addition for modern digital content creation. The role does not appear to require deep expertise in CRM or automation platforms, but a general awareness of how design assets integrate into marketing workflows is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality, visually compelling work that upholds the organization's standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work effectively with designers, content creators, and other marketing professionals to achieve shared goals.

• Adaptability & Responsiveness: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, quickly adjusting to new priorities and feedback, especially for real-time content needs.

• Passion for the Brand: A genuine enthusiasm for sports, the Florida Panthers, and contributing to the team's brand identity and fan experience.

• Continuous Learning: An eagerness to develop design skills, stay updated on industry trends, and absorb knowledge from senior team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The creative team works closely with various departments, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate needs into visual assets.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: A culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and used to refine designs, fostering a growth mindset.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from peers and senior designers, sharing insights on design techniques, tools, and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture values a blend of creative skill, collaborative spirit, and adaptability, crucial for a dynamic sports marketing environment. The emphasis on "passion for the craft" and the brand itself suggests a team that is both professionally driven and personally invested in the organization's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The demands of a professional sports team, especially during the season and playoffs, require rapid turnaround times and the ability to manage multiple urgent requests simultaneously.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Execution: Maintaining strict brand standards while also producing fresh, engaging, and innovative visual content can be a delicate balance.

• Adapting to Real-Time Needs: Creating effective visual assets for spontaneous or real-time social media moments or in-game activations requires quick thinking and agile execution.

• Developing a Unique Voice: As a junior designer, growing from executing established guidelines to contributing more unique creative concepts can be a developmental challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship from Senior Creatives: Direct guidance from experienced designers and a Creative Director offers unparalleled opportunities for skill refinement and career advice.

• Exposure to High-Profile Projects: Working on assets for a professional NHL team provides significant experience and portfolio-building opportunities.

• Industry Event Exposure: Potential opportunities to attend industry conferences or workshops focused on sports marketing and design.

• Skill Specialization: The chance to deepen expertise in areas like digital design, social media content creation, or branding through hands-on experience and focused projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges focus on the inherent demands of working in professional sports, particularly the pace and need for adaptability. Growth opportunities are framed around mentorship, project experience, and skill development, aligning with the entry-level nature of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to quickly adapt a design based on feedback. What was the situation, and how did you approach it?" (Assesses adaptability and coachability)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a social media graphic from concept to completion. What tools do you use, and what are your key considerations?" (Evaluates design workflow and tool proficiency)

• "How do you ensure visual consistency across different platforms while still maintaining creative interest?" (Tests understanding of brand guidelines and design principles)

• "What interests you specifically about designing for a professional sports team like the Florida Panthers?" (Gauges passion for the industry and brand alignment) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Florida Panthers' current brand identity and recent marketing efforts?" (Checks research and brand awareness)

• "How do you handle working under tight deadlines and managing multiple project priorities?" (Assesses time management and stress resilience)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative atmosphere." (Evaluates cultural fit and teamwork skills) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story: the problem, your solution, and the impact. Focus on your thought process.

• Highlight Fundamentals: Explicitly point out your use of typography, layout, and color theory in your examples.

• Showcase Adaptability: If possible, show variations of a design or how you adapted it for different uses.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, your challenges, and what you learned from each project.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on quality over quantity; present your strongest, most relevant work clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating foundational design skills, adaptability, brand awareness, and collaborative potential. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes storytelling and articulating design rationale, crucial for a junior role where demonstrating understanding is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Jr. Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight any graphic design experience, internships, relevant coursework, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description such as "typography," "layout," "brand standards," and "digital assets."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easy to navigate, and showcases projects that demonstrate your foundational design skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail. Include a mix of relevant work, even from academic or personal projects.

• Research the Panthers: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the Florida Panthers' current branding, recent marketing campaigns, social media presence, and overall team narrative. This research will be invaluable for your application and any subsequent interviews.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design process, explain your creative choices, and discuss your passion for design and sports during potential interviews. Practice presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions.

⚠️ 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.