Part-Time Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Graphic Designer

Company: Rural King

Location: Mattoon, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: August 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute a wide range of print and electronic marketing collateral, including flyers, advertisements, brochures, social media graphics, and corporate identity pieces, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, merchandising, and operations, to translate project requirements into compelling visual solutions that support business objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced retail environment, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality creative assets.

• Utilize advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software to produce polished and professional graphics, layouts, and visual assets.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of brand elements and guidelines, ensuring all creative output aligns with Rural King's established visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," its responsibilities in creating flyers, advertising materials, and corporate identity pieces, alongside collaboration with marketing and merchandising teams, strongly indicate a function within or closely supporting Marketing Operations, particularly in visual content creation and brand asset management. The emphasis on retail business practices and adapting to a fast-paced environment further solidifies its operational context within the retail sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain brand elements and guidelines in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent visual identity across all platforms.

• Formulate innovative layouts and create compelling artwork that effectively communicates brand messaging and aligns with project objectives.

• Design and produce a diverse array of print and electronic projects, including advertisements, brochures, posters, direct mail pieces, email campaigns, social media posts, and corporate identity materials.

• Integrate various media, such as photography and computer-aided design (CAD), to enhance visual elements and enrich design projects.

• Create visually appealing and effective weekly flyers and pricing signage that clearly communicate product information and promotions to customers.

• Stay current with emerging design technologies and software programs, continuously improving design skills and adapting to industry trends and best practices.

• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support, promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues.

• Actively participate in learning initiatives, including training programs, workshops, and webinars, to acquire new knowledge and refine existing skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed, particularly the creation of weekly flyers, pricing signage, and collaboration with merchandising and marketing, highlight a direct contribution to Go-To-Market (GTM) operational execution. The role is critical in translating marketing strategies into tangible visual assets that drive customer engagement and sales.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and education in graphic design or a related field is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record of creating effective visual communications in a retail or fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and potentially others like 3ds Max, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, and Flash.

• Strong understanding of brand management principles and the ability to develop and maintain brand elements and guidelines.

• Expertise in designing for both print and digital media, with a keen eye for layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

• Proven ability to adapt quickly to changing project requirements and deadlines in a fast-paced retail setting.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and deliver effective solutions.

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all creative outputs.

• Demonstrated behaviors reflecting integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with photography principles and basic photo editing.

• Experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software beyond standard graphic design tools.

• Understanding of retail business practices and customer engagement strategies.

• Knowledge of emerging design technologies and software trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in a broad range of design software, including older programs like Director, Dreamweaver, and Flash, alongside modern tools, suggests the company may have legacy systems or a diverse range of ongoing projects. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate adaptability across these platforms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that showcase a strong understanding of brand identity and its application across various media (print, digital, social).

• Case studies or detailed project descriptions demonstrating the design process from concept to completion, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Examples of retail-focused design work, such as flyers, advertisements, promotional materials, and in-store signage, illustrating an ability to drive customer engagement and sales.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in key design software (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) through well-executed layouts, typography, and visual composition.

• Evidence of collaboration and communication skills, potentially through examples of working with cross-functional teams or presenting design concepts. Process Documentation:

• The ability to document design workflows, from brief intake to final asset delivery, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

• Experience in adhering to established brand guidelines and design processes, or contributing to their refinement.

• Capacity to manage project timelines and deliverables, showcasing an organized approach to design production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of a candidate's technical skills, creative vision, and practical application of design principles in a commercial context. The emphasis should be on demonstrating impact and strategic thinking behind the creative output, not just aesthetic appeal.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour. This range is determined by factors such as geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs.

Benefits:

• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.

• Comprehensive healthcare plans to support associate needs.

• Access to virtual doctor visits.

• Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.

• 15% Associate Discount on Rural King products.

• Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program for financial wellness.

• Associate Assistance Program for support during challenging times.

• RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.

• 24/7 Chaplaincy Services.

• Company-paid YMCA Family Membership.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. While specific hours are not detailed, part-time roles typically involve fewer than 30-35 hours per week. The role requires on-site presence, so flexibility might be needed to accommodate business needs, especially for weekly flyer production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, and the explanation for its variation is clear. The benefits package is quite comprehensive for a part-time role, including financial planning tools and health services, which is a strong selling point. The YMCA membership is a unique and valuable perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Farm and Home Store)

Company Size: Rural King operates over 150 locations across 17 states and has annual sales exceeding $2.5 Billion, indicating a large, established retail enterprise.

Founded: The company's headquarters are in Mattoon, IL, with a corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store located there. The founding date is not explicitly stated, but its scale suggests a long operational history.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing department, working closely with marketing managers, merchandising specialists, and potentially other creative team members.

• Collaboration is expected with various departments including operations, merchandising, and potentially e-commerce teams to ensure visual consistency and support for different business functions.

• The role reports to a manager or director within the marketing or creative services function. Methodology:

• Rural King emphasizes a "people-first" environment and passionate service to rural communities.

• The company culture is characterized by a unique shopping experience that includes complimentary popcorn and coffee, suggesting a focus on customer appreciation and a friendly atmosphere.

• Data-driven decisions are implied through the need for effective advertising and signage to drive sales, though the specific methodologies for design are not detailed.

• Continuous improvement is a stated company value, encouraging associates to leverage learning initiatives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Farm and Home Store" identity suggests a focus on practical, value-driven products. The culture, described as "people-first" and community-focused, combined with tangible perks like popcorn and coffee, indicates a company that values its associates and customers. The scale of operations ($2.5 Billion in sales) means this role supports a significant commercial enterprise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level position within the creative and marketing support function. It focuses on execution and production of design assets rather than strategic campaign planning.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a marketing or creative lead. This individual will likely work within a team that supports broader marketing and operational initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the visual appeal and clarity of marketing communications, which influences customer perception, engagement, and purchasing decisions. Effective design for flyers, signage, and digital assets is crucial for driving sales and supporting the overall Go-To-Market strategy in a retail context.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design software and explore new design trends and technologies.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like digital design, packaging, or retail visual merchandising design.

• Leadership Potential: With significant experience and demonstrated leadership in project management and creative direction, there could be pathways to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, overseeing projects or junior team members.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to merchandising, marketing strategy, and retail operations can provide a broader understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a part-time role, the emphasis on continuous learning and the company's growth suggest potential for advancement into full-time positions or more senior creative roles for high performers. The company's stated commitment to associate growth is a positive indicator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the Mattoon, IL location, which houses the corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store. This suggests a dynamic work environment that blends corporate functions with retail operations.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Mattoon, Illinois (4216 DeWitt Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938).

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely a dedicated design area within the corporate office, equipped with the necessary hardware and software for graphic design tasks.

• Collaboration with various departments means opportunities for interaction with colleagues from marketing, merchandising, and potentially operations teams.

• The environment is described as "people-first" and rewarding, suggesting a supportive and team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: This is a part-time position. The exact schedule will be determined based on business needs, but it will require consistent on-site availability during working hours. Flexibility may be needed to accommodate peak periods or urgent design requests, especially for weekly flyer production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at the corporate headquarters offers direct exposure to the company's core operations and decision-making processes, which can be beneficial for understanding the broader business context of design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: A dedicated session to discuss the candidate's portfolio in detail, assess their design process, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency with design software. This may include a practical design exercise or a case study presentation.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring managers or team members to evaluate communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, and alignment with Rural King's values (People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, Continuous Improvement).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss the role's impact and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills and experience, particularly in retail and print design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact of your design. Use metrics where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign).

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to adhere to and build upon brand guidelines, showcasing how your designs contribute to a cohesive brand identity.

• Showcase Retail Relevance: Include examples of flyers, advertisements, signage, or other collateral that highlight your understanding of retail marketing objectives and customer communication.

• Prepare for Software Discussions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and any other relevant software mentioned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design exercise is provided, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, managing your time effectively, and producing a polished, well-reasoned solution that aligns with the stated objectives.

• Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely, focusing on the strategic thinking behind your designs and the measurable impact achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices and demonstrate how their work contributes to business goals, especially within the retail context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print production), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics and logos), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation).

• Other Adobe Software: Familiarity with Acrobat (for PDF creation and editing) is also crucial.

• Legacy/Specialized Software: Potential exposure or willingness to learn 3ds Max, Director, Dreamweaver, and Flash, depending on specific project needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, customer response to flyers) is beneficial. The ability to interpret basic performance data to inform future design decisions would be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a wide range of Adobe products, including some older ones, indicates a need for a versatile designer. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with each, or their ability to quickly adapt to them.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: Emphasizes a supportive and collaborative environment where associates are valued and respected. This translates to teamwork and open communication within the design team and with stakeholders.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and business dealings, ensuring honesty and transparency.

• Attitude: Maintaining a positive and proactive approach to tasks, challenges, and feedback.

• Initiative: Taking ownership of projects, seeking opportunities for improvement, and proactively contributing ideas.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues across departments to achieve shared goals, understanding that design success is often a collective effort.

• Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking opportunities to learn new skills, refine processes, and enhance design quality.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, encouraging the sharing of ideas and constructive feedback.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, requiring the designer to work effectively with marketing, merchandising, and potentially other operational teams to understand project needs and deliver aligned visual solutions.

• Open communication channels are expected for discussing project requirements, design concepts, and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of company values provides a clear framework for understanding expected behaviors and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work and interactions align with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload of print and digital design projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced retail setting.

• Brand Consistency Across Channels: Ensuring that all visual communications adhere strictly to brand guidelines while adapting them for different media and audiences.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, tools, and digital trends while also supporting legacy systems.

• Translating Business Needs into Visuals: Effectively interpreting marketing and merchandising objectives into compelling and effective design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Proficiency: Opportunities to master advanced features of Adobe Creative Suite and potentially explore new design tools.

• Retail Design Specialization: Gaining deep experience in retail marketing collateral, visual merchandising, and customer-facing communications.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Understanding the operational and strategic aspects of marketing, merchandising, and retail management through collaboration.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training programs, workshops, and webinars as mentioned in the responsibilities, fostering ongoing skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role in a busy retail environment. The growth opportunities focus on practical skill development and gaining valuable industry experience within a large organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a weekly flyer for a retail store. How do you ensure it's visually appealing and drives sales?"

• "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across various print and digital assets, especially when working with different teams?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to adapt your design based on feedback or changing project requirements. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you stay updated with the latest graphic design trends and software, and how do you incorporate that knowledge into your work?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about Rural King, what aspects of our brand identity do you find most compelling, and how would you approach designing for it?"

• "Our company values include 'People First' and 'Teamwork.' Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in a previous role?"

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it's constructive criticism?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Project Narratives: For each project, clearly state the objective, your solution, the tools used, and the results. Aim for 2-3 minutes per project.

• Highlight Retail Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of retail marketing, customer engagement, and driving sales.

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, techniques, and proficiency with specific software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Demonstrate Adaptability: If possible, show projects that reflect your ability to adapt to different brand styles or project requirements.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approach, and how your work aligns with business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that align with Rural King's values and the retail industry context. The interview will likely assess not just design skill but also the ability to be a productive and collaborative team member.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this part-time Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant retail design experience, including flyers, advertisements, and promotional materials. Ensure it showcases proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 2+ years of graphic design experience, specific software proficiencies, and any experience in fast-paced or retail environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready for a potential practical design exercise or to present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your design process and problem-solving skills.

• Research Rural King: Familiarize yourself with Rural King's brand, products, and target audience. Understand their "Farm and Home Store" positioning and their stated company values to articulate your cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.

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