Lead Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Senior Graphic Designer

Company: The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Location: Boston, MA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and execute graphic design projects for a global organization, ensuring alignment with a unique metaphysical foundation and mission-driven objectives.

• Lead the design team in developing compelling visual assets for periodicals, books, digital platforms, and promotional materials, emphasizing clarity, accessibility, and engagement.

• Provide design leadership and operational support, focusing on quality consistency, process improvement, and the professional growth of design colleagues.

• Collaborate closely with client departments and internal teams to translate strategic goals into effective design solutions that remove barriers to discovering and engaging with healing resources.

• Utilize a deep understanding of design principles, print production, and digital publishing to guide the creation of high-quality, professional, and mission-aligned visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a unique blend of professional design expertise and a spiritual foundation, requiring candidates to integrate metaphysical principles with design best practices. This is not a standard corporate design role; candidates should be prepared to understand and align with the organization's specific mission and values.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute design concepts for a wide range of materials, including periodicals, books, album art, advertisements, posters, digital slides, social media graphics, and signage.

• Collaborate with client partners and P&DSG teams to ensure a consistent tone and quality across all design outputs, supporting the organization's healing mission.

• Provide design direction, initial or final design evaluation, and subject matter expertise to client departments and design colleagues.

• Lead internal initiatives to improve design team service, recommend and implement process improvements, and identify areas for employee growth and development.

• Manage design operations, including task assignment, ensuring designers have necessary information, following up on progress, supporting time tracking, and facilitating meetings.

• Actively mentor and train colleagues, sharing knowledge and perspective, and contributing to the creation and updating of training materials.

• Independently coordinate with external contractors and vendors (NBEs) as assigned, ensuring project requirements are met.

• Track time accurately and consistently using project management software to support budget allocation and project scheduling.

• Prepare design files meticulously for both print production and digital publication, adhering to established best practices and department guidelines.

• Engage in regular prayer to support the demonstration of a unified expression of Church and work in obedience to the Golden Rule, integrating spiritual discernment into design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a leadership component ("Lead Senior") that involves not just execution but also operational oversight, team mentorship, and process improvement, indicating a need for strong organizational and interpersonal skills beyond pure design talent.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Experience:

• A minimum of 8–10 years of related professional graphic design experience.

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively within a creative team environment.

• Proven ability to balance multiple client projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines. Required Skills:

• Mastery of foundational design principles and fundamentals, including typography, color theory, hierarchy, and image/illustration selection and use.

• Expert understanding of print production processes, requirements, and best practices for file preparation.

• Expert understanding of digital publishing requirements and processes for various platforms.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro.

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Ability to astutely perceive, interpret, and implement client and management direction in a humble and effective manner.

• Strong problem-solving skills with an inclination to identify and propose solutions.

• Sound independent judgment and decision-making capabilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to colleagues and clients. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with K4 publishing content management system.

• Familiarity with Adobe Express.

• Experience with Digital Asset Management (DAM) platforms.

• Proficiency with collaboration and project management tools such as Slack, Toggl Track, and Trello (or equivalent).

• Knowledge of grammar and style rules.

• Experience curating and/or capturing photography.

• Experience curating and/or creating illustrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Membership in The Mother Church" and "Primary Class instruction" is a unique and critical qualification for this role, indicating a need for candidates to align with the specific religious and spiritual tenets of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. This goes beyond standard professional qualifications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating mastery of print and digital mediums, including periodicals, books, collateral, and social media graphics.

• Present case studies that highlight your problem-solving approach, detailing the "why" behind design decisions and how you addressed client feedback and organizational objectives.

• Include examples of how you have applied design principles to remove barriers to discoverability, access, and engagement for target audiences.

• Demonstrate experience with file preparation for both print production and digital publication, including examples of workflow optimization for efficiency. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have tracked time accurately and consistently for project management and budget allocation.

• Illustrate your approach to file organization and naming conventions according to department guidelines.

• Showcase instances where you have collaborated with client departments to identify project goals, measures of success (KPIs), and audience groups.

• Document your experience in contributing to team discussions, sharing knowledge, and mentoring colleagues on design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not only showcase design skill but also evidence of operational understanding, leadership potential, and the ability to integrate spiritual principles into professional practice, as suggested by the unique context of the organization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $114,112 - $148,346.80 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Access to organizational resources and employee assistance programs.

• Potential for hybrid work arrangement, offering flexibility.

Working Hours: 38 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the information explicitly stated in the job description. The explanation for the range is that it is determined by factors such as the applicant’s relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, benchmarking, work location, and internal equity, as per the company's compensation policy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Religious Organization / Publishing / Media Services

Company Size: The provided data does not explicitly state the company size in terms of employee count, but it is implied to be a substantial organization given its global reach and dedicated service groups.

Founded: The First Church of Christ, Scientist was founded by Mary Baker Eddy. While the exact founding date of the organization isn't in the provided text, the historical context of its founding by Mary Baker Eddy suggests a long-standing institution with established traditions and a clear mission.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Senior Graphic Designer is part of the Promotion & Design Services Group (P&DSG).

• P&DSG functions as a service-based group supporting the global activities of The First Church of Christ, Scientist (TFCCS) and The Christian Science Publishing Society (CSPS).

• The design team within P&DSG collaborates closely with client departments throughout the organization.

• The Lead Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Design Manager and is part of the graphic design leadership team.

• While this role supervises no direct reports, it actively supports the professional growth of colleagues and the performance of the department. Methodology:

• Design strategy is built upon the principle of removing barriers to right ideas, integrating metaphysical foundations with professional design practices.

• P&DSG delivers a range of services including design, analytics, promotion, events, user experience, social media, and messaging.

• Designs are created to promote and extend the healing mission of Christian Science, ensuring a consistent tone and quality.

• Design work is guided by a thorough knowledge of design best practices and an understanding of audience groups, supported by spiritual discernment through dedicated prayer.

• Project management and resource allocation programs are used to track assignments and schedule future work.

Company Website: christianscience.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in the principles of Christian Science, emphasizing metaphysical approaches, spiritual discernment, and a mission to promote healing and saving resources. This integration of faith into professional operations is a defining characteristic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the graphic design function, bridging execution and leadership. It is a "Lead Senior" role, indicating a high level of expertise and responsibility, including operational oversight and mentorship, but without direct line management. It's a crucial step for designers looking to influence team processes and professional development.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Design Manager. This position is part of the graphic design leadership team, contributing to strategic discussions and operational improvements within the design function.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, focusing on enhancing the discoverability, access, and engagement with the "healing and saving" resources of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. Through compelling design, effective communications, and insightful reports, the role directly supports the organization's mission-aligned objectives and its service to customers and humanity. The design work is intended to remove barriers and promote understanding of Christian Science principles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized design areas, explore new design technologies, and enhance leadership capabilities through mentorship and operational responsibilities.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Design Manager role or lead larger design initiatives, taking on more strategic responsibility for design operations and team development.

• Professional Practice: Continuous learning and application of design best practices, coupled with spiritual development through prayer and study, fostering holistic professional growth.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of the organization's mission and how design supports various departments by collaborating with diverse client groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed within both professional design development and the unique spiritual context of the organization. The emphasis is on holistic growth, integrating technical skills with spiritual practice and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in an office environment located in Boston, MA. The role may follow a hybrid schedule according to current workplace policies, indicating a blend of in-office and remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Boston, MA, with a specific postal code of 02115.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is part of the Promotion & Design Services Group (P&DSG) and emphasizes close collaboration with client departments, P&DSG staff, and management. Team discussions and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing are integral.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to a suite of design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Suite, Microsoft Office) and potentially specialized systems like K4, DAM platforms, Slack, Toggl Track, and Trello will be provided or expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with P&DSG staff, management, and various department staff and managers is expected, fostering a connected and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 38 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers some flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing in-office presence with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid schedule indicates a modern work environment that values flexibility while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration, essential for a creative and service-oriented team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the organization's mission and design requirements.

• Design Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their work, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design challenge or case study related to the organization's needs. This will evaluate problem-solving skills, design execution, and understanding of the organization's unique context.

• Behavioral and Situational Interviews: Questions will assess collaboration style, leadership potential, ability to receive and implement feedback, and alignment with the organization's values and metaphysical approach.

• Manager/Team Interviews: Discussions with the Design Manager and potentially other P&DSG team members to evaluate cultural fit, team dynamic compatibility, and subject matter expertise.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate mastery of print and digital design, problem-solving, and your ability to translate strategic goals into visual solutions. Include a variety of work types (periodicals, collateral, digital assets).

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, key decisions, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you removed barriers and met objectives.

• Showcase Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples of how you have guided colleagues, shared knowledge, or contributed to team process improvements.

• Demonstrate Understanding: If possible, include a project or concept that reflects an understanding of mission-driven communication or how design can serve a specific community or purpose.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your experience with print/digital production, and your familiarity with the required software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Research The First Church of Christ, Scientist, its mission, and the role of the Promotion & Design Services Group. Consider how design supports spiritual goals and community outreach.

• Review Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of core design principles, typography, color theory, and best practices for print and digital.

• Practice Software Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat Pro.

• Develop Communication Skills: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design choices support objectives and benefit the audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should be prepared for interviews that assess not only technical design skills but also their capacity for spiritual discernment, humility, and alignment with the organization's unique metaphysical foundation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (for layout of periodicals, books, collateral), Photoshop (for image editing, digital graphics), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, illustrations), Acrobat Pro (for file preparation, proofing, PDF creation).

• Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Slides (for collaboration, documentation, presentations, and general office tasks).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint (for broader organizational compatibility and specific departmental needs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary design tools, the role requires collaboration with analytics functions within P&DSG. Proficiency in understanding and applying design principles that support data visualization and reporting clarity would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• K4 Publishing Content Management System (Preferred): Experience with this system would be highly valuable for managing content workflows in publishing.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Platforms (Preferred): Essential for organizing, storing, and retrieving design assets efficiently.

• Project Management Software (Implicit): The role requires tracking work through project management software, likely used for task assignment, progress tracking, and time logging. Examples like Trello are mentioned as preferred.

• Time Tracking Software: Toggl Track (Preferred) for accurate time logging, crucial for budget allocation and project costing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools is standard for graphic design roles. However, the preferred tools like K4, DAM platforms, and specific project/time tracking software highlight the operational and workflow-centric nature of this design position within a publishing and service-oriented group.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service-Oriented: A core value of serving the global activity of The First Church of Christ, Scientist and its publishing society, with a focus on promoting healing and saving resources.

• Spiritual Discernment: Designs are guided by a "metaphysical foundation" and "dedicated prayer," integrating spiritual understanding with professional practice.

• Excellence and Quality: Commitment to producing "inspired, professional, and effective designs" that maintain a consistent tone and quality.

• Collaboration and Humility: Emphasis on "closely collaborating," "freely exchanging ideas," and "humbly receiving direction and feedback."

• Problem-Solving and Innovation: Encouraging the identification and proposal of solutions to encountered problems and removing barriers to right ideas.

• Efficiency and Professionalism: Adherence to best practices, accurate time tracking, and professional conduct in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on collaborating with client departments and other P&DSG teams (analytics, promotion, events, UX, social media).

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open exchange of ideas, sharing knowledge generously, and active contribution to team discussions.

• Feedback Culture: A willingness to readily receive and implement feedback from peers, managers, and clients, with a focus on collective improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively contributing to team development through training, mentoring, and creating/updating training materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values clearly reflect a unique organizational culture where spiritual principles are integrated into professional operations, influencing decision-making, collaboration, and the overall approach to design work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Metaphysical and Professional Demands: Integrating spiritual discernment and prayer with rigorous design principles, production standards, and client feedback requires a unique approach.

• Navigating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Working with various client departments across a global organization means managing diverse expectations and feedback while maintaining design integrity.

• Ensuring Design Consistency: Maintaining a unified tone and quality across a broad spectrum of materials and platforms for a global audience presents an ongoing challenge.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Landscapes: Keeping pace with advancements in digital design, publishing technologies, and social media trends while adhering to organizational standards.

• Leading Through Influence: As a Lead Senior role without direct reports, influencing team best practices, operational improvements, and professional development requires strong interpersonal and persuasive skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in specialized areas of graphic design, digital media, and potentially photography or illustration.

• Operations and Leadership Training: Development in design operations, project management, team mentorship, and leadership through practical application and guidance from the Design Manager.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying current with design trends, software updates, and production methodologies through professional development initiatives and potentially external training.

• Spiritual Growth: Continuous opportunities for spiritual development through prayer, study, and community engagement, which are integral to the organization's culture and the role's foundation.

• Cross-Departmental Knowledge: Gaining broader insights into the organization's mission and how various departments contribute, enhancing strategic design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique operational context of the organization, requiring candidates to be adaptable, spiritually grounded, and adept at influencing without direct authority.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's feedback with your professional design judgment. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for evaluating feedback and proposing solutions.)

• "How do you ensure consistency in design quality and brand messaging across a wide range of materials and platforms for a diverse audience?" (Highlight your understanding of design systems, guidelines, and cross-functional collaboration.)

• "Discuss your approach to project management and time tracking. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate your organizational skills and familiarity with project management tools.)

• "How do you integrate spiritual discernment or a foundational mission into your creative process?" (This is a critical question; prepare to discuss how your personal values and understanding of the organization's mission inform your design work.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The First Church of Christ, Scientist and its mission? How does your professional approach align with our values?" (Research the organization thoroughly and be prepared to articulate your understanding and alignment.)

• "Describe your experience working in a collaborative team environment. What role do you typically play, and how do you contribute to team success?" (Focus on your ability to share knowledge, mentor, and foster a positive team dynamic.)

• "How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your work?" (Emphasize humility, a willingness to learn, and a focus on improving the final outcome.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity, successful event promotion).

• Highlight Operational Skills: Showcase examples of effective file preparation, project management, and any contributions to process improvement.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific tools and techniques used within your projects.

• Connect to the Mission: If possible, select projects that subtly or directly reflect an understanding of mission-driven communication or community service, and be prepared to explain that connection.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation must include a deep dive into the organization's unique spiritual and metaphysical aspects, as these are fundamental to the role and company culture. This goes beyond standard design interview prep.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.ultipro.com portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 8-10 years of relevant professional experience, mastery of design principles, print production, digital publishing, and proficiency in the required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, Microsoft Office). Emphasize any leadership or mentorship experience.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest print and digital design projects. Prepare case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving process, ability to integrate feedback, and understanding of mission-driven communication. Ensure it showcases your ability to work in a collaborative, service-oriented environment.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your approach to collaboration, and how you integrate your values into your professional work. Be ready to discuss your experience with operational aspects like time tracking and file management.

• Research The First Church of Christ, Scientist: Thoroughly understand the organization's mission, values, and the role of the Promotion & Design Services Group. Prepare to discuss how your skills and approach align with their unique context and metaphysical foundation.

⚠️ 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.