Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Blaze Credit Union

Location: Falcon Heights, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 12, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual design and conceptualization of all Blaze Credit Union branded collateral across public, member, and internal audiences.

• Uphold and manage Blaze Credit Union's brand guidelines, ensuring consistent visual communication of brand positioning across all channels.

• Develop creative artwork for diverse advertising campaigns, encompassing print, digital displays, social media, outdoor advertising (billboards), direct mail, promotional items, and other mediums.

• Lead design initiatives for all print, signage, and digital content, including member newsletters, statements, annual reports, branch materials, event signage, social media graphics, and website assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining brand consistency and visual appeal across all Blaze Credit Union touchpoints. The Senior Graphic Designer acts as the primary guardian of the brand's visual identity, requiring a strong understanding of design principles, marketing strategy, and effective communication with various stakeholders and external vendors. The emphasis on "leading design" and managing brand guidelines suggests a significant level of autonomy and responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of all print, signage, and digital content, including but not limited to member newsletters, statements, annual reports, billboards, branch materials, event signage, social media graphics, and website visuals.

• Coordinate with outside vendors and internal departments to ensure the seamless production of high-quality, branded content.

• Develop custom logos and artwork for promotional items and specific program offerings, aligning with marketing objectives.

• Proficiently utilize Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, to produce visually compelling designs.

• Manage and track the status of all design projects from initial assignment through revision, layout, and pre-press, ensuring timely delivery.

• Maintain and rigorously execute brand standards and strategy across all design outputs.

• Direct the creative process in collaboration with the marketing team for promotions and integrated campaigns.

• Manage the specification and coordination of jobs with commercial print vendors, overseeing the process through completion.

• Collaborate effectively with team members and external vendors to achieve project goals.

• Proof all marketing content for accuracy and compliance, serving as the lead brand content advisor.

• Maintain a comprehensive database of developed materials and content, leveraging a Data Asset Management (DAM) tool.

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

• Embody and promote Blaze Credit Union's core values: Better Lives, Thoughtfully Compassionate, Minnesota’s Best, and Give Back.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution, project management, and brand stewardship. The emphasis on "leading design" implies the need for strategic input and the ability to guide creative direction, not just execute tasks. The inclusion of compliance with financial regulations (BSA, Patriot Act, OFAC) indicates a need for diligence and an understanding of industry-specific requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.

• A college degree in Graphic Design or a related field is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of four to five years of similar or related graphic design experience.

• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects and managing brand guidelines. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Strong understanding of graphic design principles: color theory, typography, layout, branding, and iconography.

• Familiarity with digital and web design, output technology, pre-press operations, scanning, and digital production prep.

• Experience in managing and executing brand standards and strategy.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, track progress, and meet deadlines.

• Excellent proofreading skills for accuracy and compliance.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with a Data Asset Management (DAM) tool.

• Familiarity with cross-platform (Mac, PC, NTSC) color palette issues.

• Knowledge of graphic design techniques to translate into marketing strategies.

• Experience collaborating with commercial print vendors.

• Ability to review work, provide constructive feedback, and guide junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in design software and principles, coupled with practical experience in managing brand consistency and project workflows. The preference for a degree and specific experience with DAM tools suggests a desire for a candidate who can hit the ground running with a high level of expertise and strategic thinking in brand management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in print, digital, and branding applications.

• Include examples of campaign development, from concept to final execution, highlighting strategic thinking.

• Present case studies of projects where brand guidelines were effectively implemented and maintained.

• Demonstrate experience in creating logos, artwork, and collateral for promotional items and specific offerings.

• Highlight projects involving collaboration with vendors or cross-functional teams. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing design projects from initiation to completion, including timelines and progress tracking.

• Examples of how brand standards were researched, documented, and applied to various projects.

• Documentation or explanation of workflow for coordinating with print vendors and internal stakeholders.

• Case studies illustrating problem-solving in design execution or brand consistency challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to present a portfolio that not only showcases their design talent but also their ability to manage projects strategically, adhere to brand guidelines, and collaborate effectively. The emphasis on process documentation implies a need for structured thinking and the ability to articulate the "how" behind their design work, particularly in terms of brand stewardship and vendor coordination.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $31.93 - $43.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Low-cost medical insurance (as low as $20 per paycheck).

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Quarterly bonuses.

• Generous vacation time.

• Sick time.

• Paid leave options.

• Up to 6% 401k contribution.

• Tuition reimbursement.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly range of $31.93-$43.00 aligns with mid-to-senior level graphic design roles in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, considering the specified experience level and responsibilities. This range is competitive for a full-time, on-site position. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong health coverage, performance-based bonuses, retirement planning, and professional development support, which are attractive incentives for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Credit Union)

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but likely mid-sized given the administrative office location and structure.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be an established institution by its administrative office and comprehensive benefits.

Team Structure:

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

• Collaboration is expected with various departments across the credit union for collateral needs.

• The role involves guiding junior designers, indicating a potential for team leadership or mentorship. Methodology:

• Emphasis on maintaining and executing brand standards and strategy.

• Data-driven approach implied through the use of a DAM tool and proofing for accuracy and compliance.

• Collaborative approach in directing creative processes with the marketing team and coordinating with vendors.

• Focus on efficiency and accuracy in project management and pre-press operations.

Company Website: blazecu.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Blaze Credit Union operates within the financial services sector, specifically as a credit union, suggesting a member-focused culture and potentially a strong community presence. The emphasis on core values like "Better Lives," "Thoughtfully Compassionate," and "Minnesota's Best" points to a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, ethical conduct, and local impact. The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating these values into compelling visual narratives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Level Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as a lead creative contributor responsible for the strategic visual direction of the brand. It involves not just execution but also management of brand guidelines and direction of creative processes.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Director. The responsibility to "guide junior designers" suggests potential for informal or formal team leadership within the design function.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the credit union's brand perception, member engagement, and overall marketing effectiveness. High-quality, consistent visuals are crucial for building trust, attracting new members, and reinforcing brand loyalty in the competitive financial services market. Their output influences advertising campaigns, member communications, and internal brand understanding.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to formally lead a design team or mentor junior designers as the department evolves.

• Strategic Design Contribution: Opportunity to influence broader marketing and brand strategy through creative insights and proposals.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital marketing design, motion graphics) or gain broader understanding of marketing campaign management.

• Industry Advancement: Transition into roles like Creative Director, Brand Manager, or Marketing Communications Specialist within the financial services sector or other industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Senior Graphic Designer role offers a significant opportunity for an experienced creative professional to make a substantial impact on a well-established financial institution. The growth path likely involves increased strategic influence and potential leadership, leveraging their expertise in brand management and design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at a dedicated administrative office. This suggests a professional office setting designed for administrative and creative functions.

Office Location(s): 2025 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113. This location is within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, offering accessibility and a professional business environment.

Workspace Context:

• The role requires being on-site, facilitating direct collaboration with marketing teams and other internal departments.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware is expected.

• The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities to interact with team members on projects and receive/provide feedback.

• The need to proof content and manage vendor communications implies a structured work process within the office.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. While specific flexibility isn't detailed, the on-site nature suggests adherence to typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Falcon Heights, MN, indicates a traditional office-based work environment. This setup is beneficial for fostering strong team cohesion, facilitating spontaneous collaboration, and ensuring direct oversight and feedback loops, which are often valued in creative roles and for maintaining brand consistency across an organization.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical/Creative Interview: Discussion of design process, software proficiency, brand management experience, and problem-solving skills. This may include a portfolio review session.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a design challenge or case study to evaluate practical application of skills under specific constraints, focusing on how they would approach a Blaze Credit Union project.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess alignment with Blaze's core values and work environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership discussion about strategic contribution and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (print, digital, branding, campaign work).

• Highlight Brand Management: Clearly articulate how you’ve managed and applied brand guidelines. Use examples where you had to ensure consistency across multiple deliverables.

• Showcase Process: For 1-2 key projects, walk through your design process: problem identification, concept development, execution, revision, and final output. Explain your rationale.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable marketing success (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), be prepared to discuss it.

• Tailor to Blaze: If possible, include a project that demonstrates understanding of the financial services industry or a similar regulated environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Blaze Credit Union’s current branding, mission, and values.

• Simulate Real-World Scenarios: Practice creating design concepts for common credit union collateral (e.g., a promotional flyer for a new savings account, social media graphics for a community event).

• Focus on Speed and Clarity: Be prepared to present your ideas and rationale concisely and clearly, demonstrating ability to work efficiently.

• Address Compliance: Consider how regulatory compliance might influence design decisions in the financial sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on both creative talent and strategic application of design principles within a corporate, regulated environment. A strong portfolio that demonstrates not just aesthetic skill but also process, problem-solving, and brand stewardship will be crucial. Preparing for a potential design challenge that mimics real-world tasks for Blaze Credit Union will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential, with specific emphasis on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Data Asset Management (DAM) Tool: Experience with DAM systems is noted for maintaining a database of developed materials. Specific tool not named, but understanding DAM principles is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for this role, the role supports marketing campaigns. Familiarity with how design impacts digital analytics (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement) would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Senior Graphic Designer role, but understanding how design assets are utilized within marketing automation platforms or CRMs could be a plus for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with a DAM system is explicitly mentioned as a requirement for maintaining content databases, which is crucial for brand asset management. While direct analytics or CRM tool experience isn't listed, an understanding of how design assets integrate into broader marketing technology stacks would enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Lives: Implies a focus on creating designs that positively impact members and the community.

• Thoughtfully Compassionate: Suggests a mindful approach to design, considering the audience's perspective and needs.

• Minnesota’s Best: Reflects a commitment to high quality and excellence, aiming to be a leader in the industry.

• Give Back: Indicates a culture of community involvement, where design might support charitable initiatives or community outreach.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to lead creative processes and collaborate with the marketing team.

• Requires effective communication and coordination with outside vendors and internal departments.

• Ability to review work and guide junior designers suggests a supportive and developmental collaboration approach.

• Emphasis on accuracy and compliance indicates a detail-oriented and thorough collaboration style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Blaze Credit Union strongly influence the expected team culture. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to quality, empathy, community, and ethical practices in their work and interactions. Collaboration will be key, requiring strong communication and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Compliance: Designing engaging visuals within the strict regulatory framework of the financial industry.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all collateral, across various mediums and vendors, adheres to stringent brand guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating design needs and feedback from various departments and leadership.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Keeping design practices current with new digital platforms and user expectations while maintaining brand integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement new design software features or emerging design trends.

• Marketing Strategy Integration: Gaining deeper insights into marketing campaign planning and how design contributes to overall business objectives.

• Brand Management Expertise: Developing a comprehensive understanding of brand strategy and its long-term impact.

• Potential for Leadership: Growing into a more senior role with mentorship and team management responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to refine skills in a specialized, regulated industry and to grow into a more strategic and potentially leadership-oriented position. The challenges are typical for senior creative roles in corporate environments, emphasizing problem-solving and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a campaign for a new mortgage product, considering both member appeal and regulatory compliance?" (Focus on process, research, and risk mitigation).

• "Describe a time you had to enforce brand guidelines against pushback from a stakeholder. How did you handle it?" (Focus on diplomacy, persuasion, and brand advocacy).

• "If tasked with redesigning our member newsletter, what would be your first steps, and how would you ensure it meets our brand objectives and user needs?" (Focus on strategic thinking, user-centric design, and process). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your design work contributing to Blaze Credit Union's core values of 'Better Lives' and 'Thoughtfully Compassionate'?" (Focus on aligning personal values with company mission).

• "Describe your experience working with external vendors. How do you ensure they meet your quality and brand standards?" (Focus on vendor management and quality control).

• "How do you stay updated on graphic design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate for a financial institution's brand?" (Focus on continuous learning and strategic application). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, guiding the interviewer through your process for each project.

• Highlight Problem/Solution: For each case study, clearly state the design challenge and how your solution addressed it effectively.

• Emphasize Brand Stewardship: Explicitly point out where you applied and maintained brand guidelines, and explain the reasoning behind your design choices.

• Discuss Collaboration: Be ready to talk about how you worked with others (team members, clients, vendors) and how you incorporated feedback.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; prepare to present your key projects efficiently and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, brand guardianship, and interpersonal skills. Be ready to articulate your design process, justify your creative decisions with brand and business objectives in mind, and show how you can operate effectively within a regulated industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting platform.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your 4-5 years of graphic design experience, specifically mentioning proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, brand guideline management, and print/digital collateral creation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure they showcase your ability to manage brand standards, create diverse collateral (print, digital, promotional), and ideally demonstrate experience in regulated industries or campaign development.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key projects, explaining your process, rationale, challenges, and outcomes, with a focus on brand consistency and stakeholder collaboration.

• Research Blaze Credit Union: Understand their mission, values, current branding, and target audience. Prepare to discuss how your design approach aligns with their culture and objectives.

⚠️ 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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