Lead Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Graphic Designer

Company: Lincoln Berean Church

Location: Lincoln, NE (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual identity and creative direction across print, digital, and social media platforms to engage audiences.

• Collaborate with program leaders to translate strategic goals into impactful visual assets and maintain brand consistency.

• Develop and execute a cohesive social media content strategy, creating platform-specific visuals that drive engagement.

• Uphold and refine brand guidelines, ensuring consistent application of design, tone, and messaging across all organizational touchpoints.

• Manage multiple design projects from concept through completion, coordinating timelines and priorities with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply integrated with the communication strategy of a faith-based organization, requiring a blend of creative expertise and a commitment to the organization's mission and values. The emphasis on "serving a greater purpose" and "connecting deeply" highlights the need for a designer who understands how to communicate effectively within a specific community context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead visual direction for church campaigns, events, and key initiatives, ensuring alignment with messaging goals and brand standards.

• Translate strategic messaging objectives into clear, compelling, and impactful design concepts for various platforms including print collateral, digital assets, and social media graphics.

• Design and produce high-quality visual assets such as brochures, flyers, signage, presentations, web graphics, and social media posts.

• Prepare and deliver final, print-ready and web-optimized files, adhering to technical specifications for each medium and platform.

• Develop, manage, and execute a comprehensive social media content calendar, creating engaging visual content tailored to each platform's unique requirements and audience.

• Monitor social media performance metrics (reach, engagement, click-through rates) and provide data-driven recommendations for content optimization and strategy adjustments.

• Serve as the primary guardian of the church's brand identity, ensuring consistent application of logos, color palettes, typography, and overall visual style across all communications.

• Partner closely with ministry leaders, program staff, and volunteers to understand their creative needs, provide insightful design input, and ensure project objectives are met.

• Coordinate project timelines, manage stakeholder expectations, and effectively communicate design progress and feedback loops.

• Provide constructive feedback and guidance on design work submitted by external contractors, volunteers, or other staff members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond typical graphic design tasks to include strategic social media management and brand guardianship, emphasizing the role's importance in shaping the organization's public perception and internal communication. The requirement to lead visual direction implies a need for strong conceptual thinking and strategic creative problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated track record of creating impactful visual communications.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are essential for creating and manipulating a wide range of visual assets.

• Strong Typography and Layout Skills: Ability to create aesthetically pleasing and highly functional designs that effectively convey information and evoke emotion.

• Visual Composition: A keen eye for balance, hierarchy, color theory, and overall visual appeal.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep understanding of branding principles and the ability to consistently apply and enforce brand guidelines across various media.

• Social Media Content Creation: Experience designing graphics specifically for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, etc., understanding platform-specific best practices and aspect ratios.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and coordinate with various stakeholders.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate design concepts, receive constructive feedback, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to approach design challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, balancing creative vision with practical constraints.

Preferred Skills:

• Nonprofit/Church Experience: Familiarity with the unique communication needs and dynamics of a faith-based organization or nonprofit.

• Social Media Analytics: Experience using analytics tools to monitor social media performance and inform content strategy.

• Scheduling Tools: Familiarity with social media scheduling platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Later).

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Basic knowledge of After Effects or Premiere Pro for creating simple animated graphics or video elements.

• Web Design Principles: Understanding of UI/UX principles and experience with web design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "growing relationship with Jesus and a life marked by integrity, humility, and emotional intelligence" competency is a critical, non-negotiable requirement that goes beyond technical skills, reflecting the organization's faith-based mission. This implies that candidates will be evaluated not only on their design capabilities but also on their character and alignment with the church's values.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 3-5 years of professional graphic design work.

• Showcase a variety of projects including branding initiatives, marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, posters), digital assets (web banners, social media graphics), and campaign materials.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight the process from concept development to final execution, illustrating problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying brand guidelines consistently across different media and projects.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial client brief and concept ideation to final file delivery and asset management.

• Provide examples of how you manage multiple design projects, prioritize tasks, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders.

• Be ready to explain your approach to developing social media content calendars and strategies.

• Articulate how you ensure brand consistency and uphold brand standards in your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is heavily weighted towards demonstrating not just creative output but also strategic thinking, process management, and brand stewardship, reflecting the "Lead" aspect of the title and the integration with organizational goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $55,000 - $75,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Lead Graphic Designer roles with 3-5 years of experience in Lincoln, NE, considering the nonprofit sector and the specified responsibilities. Local cost of living data and typical compensation for similar roles in religious organizations were also factored in. Precise compensation will be determined by experience, qualifications, and the final interview process.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Plan: 403(b) retirement savings plan with potential employer match.

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

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, workshops, and training related to graphic design, social media, and ministry communications.

• Life Group Participation: Active involvement in church life, including participation in a Life Group, fostering community and spiritual growth.

• Organizational Membership: Opportunity to be an integral part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to its community.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment of 40 hours per week.

• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines or specific ministry needs, as agreed upon with the Director of Communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation, as specific figures were not provided. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for full-time positions in similar organizations, with a particular emphasis on elements aligning with the church's mission and community focus. The "Life Group Participation" is highlighted as a unique benefit and requirement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Religious Organization / Non-profit / Community Services

Company Size: Mid-sized (estimated 50-100 employees based on typical church staff structures, though specific numbers were not provided). This size suggests a collaborative environment where individuals can make a significant impact and work closely with leadership.

Founded: Lincoln Berean Church has a history of serving the Lincoln community, implying a stable and established organization with a long-term vision. Specific founding date was not provided, but its presence suggests deep community roots.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Communications, indicating a clear reporting line within the communications department.

• This role will likely collaborate closely with other members of the communications team (e.g., content creators, social media managers, web administrators) and various ministry/program leaders across the church.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative in nature, the role emphasizes translating "goals and messaging into clear, compelling creative solutions" and monitoring "performance metrics" for social media, suggesting a balanced approach that values both artistic output and measurable impact.

• Collaborative Workflow: The emphasis on partnering with ministry leaders and providing feedback indicates a process that values input and shared ownership.

• Brand Consistency: A core methodology is the rigorous application and refinement of brand guidelines to ensure a cohesive and professional organizational identity.

Company Website: https://careers.lincolnberean.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the organization's name and the explicit mention of its mission and values. The size and structure are inferred based on typical operations of established churches, emphasizing the collaborative and mission-driven nature of the work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a "Lead" role within the Graphic Design function, indicating responsibility beyond individual contributor tasks. It suggests a mid-level to senior individual contributor role with leadership expectations in creative direction and project execution. The role requires 3-5 years of experience, aligning with a mid-level professional ready to take on more strategic design responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Communications. This provides a clear path for mentorship, feedback, and strategic alignment within the communications department.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing how the church communicates its mission, values, and programs to its congregation and the wider community. Effective visual communication can enhance engagement, clarify messaging, and strengthen the church's brand identity, ultimately supporting its overall mission to "glorify God by seeking to present every person complete in Christ."

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Opportunity to further develop creative direction skills and influence the visual strategy of the organization.

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas such as digital marketing design, social media strategy, or even explore adjacent areas like light video editing or motion graphics as the organization's needs evolve.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Through collaboration with various ministries, gain a broader understanding of organizational communication needs and strategic planning.

• Mentorship: Learning from the Director of Communications and contributing to the development of design standards for volunteers or junior staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" context here is interpreted through the lens of organizational function and impact within a non-profit/religious setting. Growth opportunities are framed around developing creative leadership and expanding skill sets relevant to communications and design within this specific environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, likely within the Lincoln Berean Church facilities. This suggests a dynamic work environment integrated with the church's daily operations and community activities.

Office Location(s): Lincoln, NE. Specific address details would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with the Director of Communications, ministry leaders, and potentially other members of the communications team. Expect a collaborative atmosphere focused on shared goals.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment and the necessary Adobe Creative Suite software and hardware for design production will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, project discussions, and informal collaboration within the church staff setting.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

• While a fixed schedule is outlined, the nature of church communications may occasionally require flexibility for urgent design needs or specific events, as discussed with management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is specific to a church setting, implying a community-focused atmosphere where work is intertwined with the organization's mission and daily life. This differs from a standard corporate office, emphasizing collaboration and integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of resume and a strong portfolio is the first step. The portfolio will be critically reviewed for design quality, breadth of experience, and alignment with the organization's visual communication needs.

• Screening Interview: A preliminary conversation, likely with HR or the hiring manager (Director of Communications), to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with the church's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss your faith journey and commitment.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio in detail, discussing their process, decision-making, and how they've achieved results. A practical design exercise related to church communications might be assigned.

• Final Interview: A more in-depth discussion, potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, team collaboration, and long-term fit within the church staff.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Emphasize work that showcases branding, multi-channel campaigns, and social media content.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) if applicable.

• Highlight Process: Show rough concepts, sketches, or iterations to demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving approach.

• Demonstrate Brand Application: Include examples where you've successfully applied or developed brand guidelines.

• Showcase Social Media Expertise: Include examples of social media graphics and explain your strategy for engagement and platform suitability.

• Tailor to Lincoln Berean: If possible, include a conceptual design piece or a brief analysis of their current visual identity, demonstrating your understanding of their needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Church-Specific Scenarios: Be prepared for design challenges related to common church events (e.g., holiday services, new member drives, seasonal campaigns, sermon series graphics) or general community outreach.

• Focus on Clarity and Impact: Demonstrate how you can create visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also clear, compelling, and aligned with the church's messaging.

• Showcase Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback, adjust designs, and work within potential constraints of a mission-driven organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a dual evaluation: technical design skills and spiritual/cultural alignment. The portfolio review is crucial, and candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and impact, specifically within the context of a faith-based organization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and print production (brochures, flyers, bulletins, signage).
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Key for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation (social media graphics, web banners).

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For creating documents, presentations, and collaborating on text-based content (e.g., Word/Docs for copy integration, PowerPoint/Slides for presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Social Media Analytics Tools: Familiarity with native platform analytics (Facebook Insights, Instagram Insights, etc.) and potentially third-party tools (e.g., Hootsuite Analytics, Sprout Social) to monitor engagement, reach, and audience demographics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design assets integrate with church management software (e.g., Planning Center, Realm) or email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) for distribution would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is standard for a graphic design role but specifically highlights the importance of the Adobe Creative Suite and social media analytics, reflecting the core responsibilities of the position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Glorifying God: A foundational value that permeates all work, aiming to bring honor to God through high-quality communication and service.

• Seeking to Present Every Person Complete in Christ: The overarching mission that guides all activities, including communication strategies designed to reach and disciple individuals.

• Healthy Drive: A commitment to pursuing goals with passion and energy, balanced with integrity and humility.

• Teachable: An openness to learning, receiving feedback, and adapting to new approaches and technologies.

• People Savvy: An understanding of human dynamics, empathy, and effective interpersonal communication.

• Radical Candor: The ability to provide and receive direct, honest feedback in a constructive and respectful manner.

• Hopeful: Maintaining a positive outlook and a belief in the potential for growth and positive impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Service-Oriented: A primary focus on supporting ministries and program leaders by providing excellent creative services.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in team meetings and project discussions with various departments to ensure cohesive messaging and branding.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages open communication and constructive feedback to improve design outcomes and processes.

• Community-Focused: Working within a community of faith, collaboration often extends beyond professional tasks to shared spiritual growth and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are explicitly defined by the organization's mission, doctrine, and staff core values. This is a critical aspect for candidates to understand, as it dictates the ethos and operational approach within Lincoln Berean Church.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Practical Constraints: Effectively translating strategic goals into compelling visuals while working within budget, time, and technical limitations common in non-profit settings.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Ministries: Ensuring a unified visual identity across a wide range of church programs and communication channels, each with potentially unique needs or audiences.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with trends in social media, digital design, and communication platforms to ensure the church's messaging remains relevant and engaging.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of graphic design in achieving specific organizational goals (e.g., event attendance, engagement rates, message comprehension).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design software and tools.

• Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy Workshops: Access to training that enhances skills in modern communication and audience engagement techniques.

• Ministry-Specific Design Understanding: Gaining insights into the unique communication needs of different church ministries, fostering a deeper connection to the organization's mission.

• Mentorship from Communications Leadership: Guidance from the Director of Communications on strategic thinking, project management, and leadership within a faith-based organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the practical realities of graphic design within a church context, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strategic thinking, and a focus on impact. Growth opportunities are tied to skill enhancement and deeper organizational integration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual campaign for a new sermon series on [topic relevant to church doctrine]?" (Assesses conceptual thinking, message translation, and understanding of church themes.)

• "Describe your process for developing a social media content calendar for a church. What metrics would you prioritize?" (Evaluates social media strategy, content planning, and data-driven decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of Lincoln Berean Church's mission, and how do you see graphic design supporting it?" (Assesses alignment with the organization's core purpose.)

• "Describe your personal faith journey and how it influences your approach to creative work." (Crucial for cultural fit and understanding of the organization's values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select with Purpose: Choose projects that best reflect the requirements of this role – branding, multi-channel campaigns, social media graphics, and any work for non-profits or religious organizations.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the results. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity).

• Highlight Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with clients or stakeholders, managed feedback, and incorporated input.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, especially your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Showcase Social Media Acumen: Explain your approach to designing for different social platforms and how you'd aim to drive engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on assessing both technical design skills and alignment with the church's mission and values, reflecting the unique requirements of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application via the provided link on the Lincoln Berean Church careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating branding, multi-channel campaign design, and social media content creation. Tailor your presentation to highlight relevant experience, especially if you have worked with non-profit or faith-based organizations.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and experience with social media strategy. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Faith Statement: Be prepared to articulate your personal commitment to faith and how it aligns with the mission and values of Lincoln Berean Church. This is a critical component of the application process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lincoln Berean Church's mission, key beliefs, current communication efforts (website, social media), and overall community presence. Understand their visual identity and consider how you can contribute to its enhancement.

⚠️ 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.