Partnership Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Partnership Graphic Designer

Company: Detroit Lions

Location: Detroit, MI, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-11

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation and customization of compelling digital and print presentations specifically for the Detroit Lions’ Corporate Partnerships Team.

• Translate complex data and sales pitches into concise, sharp visuals and infographics that amplify commercial storytelling.

• Ensure rigorous adherence to Detroit Lions Brand Standards, maintaining visual consistency across all partnership-related collateral.

• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to conceptualize and develop creative assets that support brand, departmental, and organizational goals.

• Manage a dynamic workflow, balancing multiple projects and delivering high-quality design solutions in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the Corporate Partnerships function, requiring a strong understanding of how design directly supports sales, partner engagement, and revenue generation within a professional sports context. The emphasis on "commercial storytelling" and "sales mockups" highlights the need for design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically persuasive.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop unique creative concepts within the Detroit Lions brand identity for sales mockups and presentations to enhance customized pitches for prospects and partners.

• Design infographics and effectively translate data into actionable graphics and compelling visuals for clear communication.

• Uphold and enforce Detroit Lions Brand Standards, ensuring all outputs consistently leverage logos, internal assets, and conceptualizations.

• Create and maintain template(s) for sales decks, recaps, and other essential collateral used by the sales, solutions, and partnership marketing teams.

• Annually refresh the master sales deck, integrating updated Brand Standards and seasonal themes in collaboration with relevant departments.

• Develop creative assets for external partner communications, including partner events, summits, and draft events.

• Provide design support for partner creative tied to contractual assets on an as-needed basis.

• Collaborate closely with the creative, partnership marketing/solutions teams, and other stakeholders to conceptualize and develop partnership-specific creative.

• Assist with copywriting and the development of verbal storytelling elements to complement visual assets.

• Liaise with internal and external vendors for print-ready files, pricing, and approvals, ensuring project execution.

• Maintain an organized workflow and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing needs from the broader Marketing organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a dual focus: direct support for the Corporate Partnerships team's sales and engagement efforts, and broader support for partnership-adjacent elements in game presentation and marketing. The need to "translate data into actionable graphics" and "develop template(s)" points to a role that balances creative flair with functional efficiency and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience as a creative professional, with a strong preference for experience in sports and/or entertainment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on PowerPoint design capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability in presentation design, including creating impactful sales decks and mockups.

• Strong skills in data visualization and translating complex information into clear graphics and infographics.

• Expertise in typography, photo editing, and compositing.

• Ability to maintain and implement brand standards consistently.

• Proven ability to manage time independently, prioritize competing projects, and deliver high-quality work.

• Strong collaboration and cross-functional communication skills.

• Ability to articulate concepts and contribute to brainstorming sessions.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in the sports or entertainment industry.

• Basic video editing skills.

• Experience in large format and environmental design.

• Familiarity with copywriting and verbal storytelling development.

• Understanding of the "who" and "why" of the Detroit Lions brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to showcase work that demonstrates not only technical skill but also strategic thinking in how design supports business objectives, particularly in sales and partnership contexts. The requirement for "innovative solutions" to visual problems suggests a need for creative problem-solving beyond basic execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a broad creative skill set, including examples of:

  • Presentation design (sales decks, pitch materials).
  • Data visualization (infographics, charts, reports).
  • Typography application and hierarchy.
  • Photo editing and compositing.
  • Basic video editing examples (if applicable).

• Case studies illustrating how design solutions supported specific business objectives, ideally within a sales or partnership context.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a "documentation" role, candidates should be able to articulate their design process, from brief interpretation to final delivery, including:

  • Workflow management for multiple concurrent projects.

  • Collaboration processes with stakeholders and vendors.

  • Iterative design processes, incorporating feedback and approvals.

  • Methods for ensuring brand consistency and quality control.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. It needs to clearly articulate the candidate's ability to meet the core responsibilities, especially in translating information into persuasive visuals for sales and partnership initiatives. Demonstrating an understanding of the Detroit Lions brand is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Detroit, within the sports industry, the estimated salary range would be $60,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for creative roles in professional sports organizations, considering the specialized nature of partnership-focused design and the cost of living in Detroit.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Days, Holidays)

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k))

• Employee Assistance Program

• Opportunities for professional development and training within the sports industry.

• Access to Detroit Lions events and potentially team merchandise discounts.

• Potential for hybrid work arrangements after initial on-site integration, depending on departmental policy.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, this role requires flexibility, with the potential for non-standard schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel, to support international travel, football operations, events, and other Partnership activities as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for similar roles and locations. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The "Non-essential Functions" section strongly implies the need for schedule flexibility, which is common in sports marketing and partnerships.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Sports (NFL)

Company Size: The Detroit Lions, as a major professional sports franchise, operate with a significant number of employees across various departments including football operations, marketing, sales, partnerships, communications, finance, and administrative functions. This indicates a structured corporate environment with opportunities for cross-functional interaction.

Founded: The Detroit Lions were founded in 1929, making them one of the older franchises in the NFL. This long history suggests a blend of tradition and evolving modern sports business practices.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design Coordinator will likely report to a Creative Director, Marketing Director, or a Manager within the Partnership Marketing or Corporate Partnerships department.

• The role involves close collaboration with the Corporate Partnerships team (sales, solutions, marketing), as well as broader marketing and creative departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating data into actionable visuals to support sales pitches and partnership value propositions.

• Brand Consistency: A core methodology involves strict adherence to established brand guidelines to maintain a cohesive and professional image.

• Collaborative Development: Design concepts are often developed through brainstorming sessions and iterative feedback loops with various stakeholders.

• Goal-Oriented Outputs: Design work is directly tied to achieving specific organizational goals, such as securing new partnerships, retaining existing ones, and enhancing fan/partner engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a professional sports team like the Detroit Lions means operating within a high-profile, fast-paced environment driven by seasonal schedules and event demands. The culture likely values passion for the sport, strong work ethic, and the ability to perform under pressure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Coordinator," typically an early to mid-career level for graphic designers. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and 2-5 years of experience, with opportunities to grow into more senior design roles or specialize within sports marketing.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager within the marketing or partnerships function, providing direct creative support for their initiatives. This structure offers exposure to strategic decision-making within those departments.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's impact is direct and measurable through their contribution to sales materials, partner engagement collateral, and game-day presentation elements. Effective visuals directly influence sales success, partner satisfaction, and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director: Progression to managing larger projects, leading design initiatives, and potentially overseeing junior designers.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, digital marketing design, or event branding within the sports industry.

• Partnership Marketing Management: Transitioning into a role that blends design expertise with marketing strategy and account management within the partnerships division.

• Cross-Departmental Moves: Leveraging design experience to move into broader marketing, communications, or brand management roles within the sports franchise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of RevOps or SalesOps, this position is critical to the operational success of the Corporate Partnerships team. Growth hinges on demonstrating not only design talent but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the business objectives they support.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires working from both Ford Field in Detroit, MI, and the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, MI. This suggests a dynamic work environment that bridges stadium operations with training and administrative facilities.

Office Location(s):

• Ford Field, Detroit, MI: Home stadium for the Detroit Lions, offering a high-energy, event-driven workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in open office spaces or shared creative studios designed to foster collaboration with marketing, partnerships, and creative teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided. The role emphasizes advanced use of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with partnership managers, sales representatives, marketing specialists, and potentially other creative professionals.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week) but requires significant flexibility. Non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, will be necessary to support events, game days, and urgent partnership needs. This schedule demands strong personal time management and adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual office locations mean candidates must be comfortable commuting to both facilities. The need for schedule flexibility is a critical factor for anyone considering this role in the fast-paced sports industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a practical design exercise or challenge.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions focused on collaboration, time management, handling pressure, and understanding brand identity. Expect questions about how you'd approach specific partnership design scenarios.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key members of the Corporate Partnerships and Marketing teams to assess cultural fit and ability to collaborate effectively.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase skills relevant to partnership sales collateral, data visualization, and brand consistency. Include examples of presentations, infographics, and mockups.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the outcome/impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "design contributed to a successful pitch").

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Show examples of how you've worked within specific brand guidelines and maintained consistency.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a range of work to show flexibility across digital and print mediums.

• Be Ready for Specifics: Prepare to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint in detail, and how you approach translating data into visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a timed design challenge, likely involving creating a sales mockup or infographic based on a provided brief. Focus on quick conceptualization, efficient execution within brand guidelines, and clear communication of key messages.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice answering questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or unique design requests for partners.

• Brand Application: Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Detroit Lions brand and how you would apply it creatively to partnership initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should meticulously prepare to articulate their design decisions and demonstrate how their work directly supports business objectives in a sports partnership context. Understanding the "why" behind the Detroit Lions brand is as important as the "how" of design execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for photo editing, compositing, and detailed visual manipulation.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and infographics.
  • InDesign: Used for layout and design of presentations, brochures, and print collateral.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: A primary tool for presentation design, requiring advanced skills beyond basic templates.
  • Word: For accompanying copy and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tools are specified for this role, but understanding how designs integrate with CRM-generated content or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and advanced PowerPoint skills are non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate mastery of these tools, particularly in creating dynamic and visually engaging presentations for sales and partnerships.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and commitment to upholding the Detroit Lions brand standards and visual identity across all creative outputs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, share ideas, and contribute positively to group projects and brainstorming sessions.

• Efficiency & Productivity: An ability to manage workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and deliver high-quality results within demanding timelines.

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to develop unique, compelling visual solutions that enhance communication and support business objectives.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities and occasional non-standard work hours.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with partnership managers, sales teams, and marketing specialists to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual assets.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and ensure alignment with goals.

• Proactive Communication: Clearly communicating project status, potential challenges, and design concepts to ensure transparency and facilitate smooth workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing design insights and best practices to team discussions and potentially assisting colleagues with visual elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "human talent—your judgment, experience, and character are integral" statement in the qualifications suggests that cultural fit and personal attributes are highly valued, in addition to technical skills. The team likely seeks individuals who are passionate about sports and dedicated to the success of the Detroit Lions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The sports industry, especially during the season, is characterized by tight deadlines and constant demands. Managing multiple projects with competing priorities will be a primary challenge.

• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Needs: Balancing the core Detroit Lions brand with the specific needs and customization required for various partners and activations.

• Translating Complex Data: Effectively simplifying and visualizing intricate data points for sales pitches and partner reporting to make them easily digestible and impactful.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Staying current with design trends and the evolving marketing and partnership strategies of the team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Immersion: Gaining deep experience within the professional sports industry, understanding its unique marketing and sales dynamics.

• Partnership Marketing Expertise: Developing a nuanced understanding of corporate partnerships, activation strategies, and how design directly contributes to revenue generation.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to refine skills in presentation design, data visualization, and potentially explore motion graphics or digital design.

• Networking: Building a professional network within the sports and entertainment industry through collaboration with various teams and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to build a career in sports marketing and design. The challenges are inherent to the industry but also present clear avenues for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a sales presentation for a client with complex data. How did you approach visualizing the information to make it compelling and easy to understand?" (Focus on data visualization, storytelling, and audience engagement.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of creative assets, especially when working with external partners who may have their own brand guidelines?" (Focus on brand management, attention to detail, and process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for the Detroit Lions and specifically in a role supporting Corporate Partnerships?" (Demonstrate passion for the brand and understanding of the role's impact.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you apply them while maintaining the core Detroit Lions brand identity?" (Showcase industry awareness and brand stewardship.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to logically flow from brand adherence examples to data visualization, then to presentation design and creative mockups.

• Quantify Success: Where possible, use metrics or anecdotes to demonstrate the impact of your designs on sales pitches, partner engagement, or overall brand perception.

• Explain Your Process: For key projects, walk through your thought process, the challenges, and how you arrived at the final solution. This demonstrates strategic thinking.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that directly align with the responsibilities of a Partnership Graphic Designer, such as sales decks, infographics, and branded collateral. Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the Detroit Lions brand identity and how you would apply it to create compelling visuals for partnerships. Highlighting experience with data visualization and presentation design will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Partnership Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in presentation design, data visualization, brand adherence, and creative problem-solving relevant to sales and partnerships. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF or online portfolio link).

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and any relevant sports/entertainment industry work. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to brand consistency, and how you translate complex information into compelling visuals. Be ready to discuss your experience with the Detroit Lions brand.

• Research the Team: Familiarize yourself with the Detroit Lions' current partnerships, marketing campaigns, and overall brand messaging to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.