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 & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads the conceptualization and execution of all visual design elements for Blaze Credit Union's brand collateral across various platforms.

• Responsible for upholding and managing the Blaze brand guidelines to ensure consistent visual communication and brand positioning.

• Drives the creative direction for advertising campaigns, encompassing print, digital, social media, and promotional materials.

• Manages the end-to-end design project lifecycle, from initial assignment through final pre-press, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a need for significant experience in leading design initiatives and a strong understanding of brand management. The emphasis on "leading design and concepts" and "managing Blaze brand guidelines" points to a strategic and ownership-driven role within the marketing and creative function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design of all print, signage, and digital content, including member newsletters, statements, annual reports, billboards, branch materials, event signage, social media graphics, and website visuals.

• Develop visually compelling designs that align with brand strategy, coordinating with internal departments and external vendors for branded content creation.

• Conceptualize and create logos, artwork, and designs for promotional items and specific program offerings to enhance member engagement and brand recognition.

• Maintain, track, and communicate the status of all design projects, ensuring efficient workflow management from inception to completion.

• Uphold and execute brand standards and strategy, acting as a key guardian of the Blaze Credit Union visual identity.

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

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

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

• Maintain a comprehensive database of developed materials and content, including the utilization and management of a Data Asset Management (DAM) tool.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive scope of design work, from foundational collateral to campaign-specific assets. The inclusion of vendor management, pre-press coordination, and DAM system usage suggests a need for a designer with a strong understanding of the production pipeline and asset organization, beyond just creative execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum High School degree or equivalent.

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

• Minimum four to five years of similar or related graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency.

• Proven experience in leading design projects and managing brand consistency. Required Skills:

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

• Strong understanding of brand guidelines, visual identity, and their application across various media.

• Demonstrated knowledge of typography, color theory, layout principles, and iconography.

• Experience with print production processes, including pre-press operations and vendor coordination.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with digital and web design principles, output technology, and cross-platform color palette management.

• Experience with Data Asset Management (DAM) tools for organizing and retrieving digital assets.

• Knowledge of graphic design techniques that translate into effective marketing strategies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title strongly implies a need for advanced technical skills in the Adobe Creative Suite and a deep understanding of design principles. The preference for a degree and the specific experience requirement of 4-5 years suggest candidates should be able to demonstrate a track record of impactful design work and potentially some project leadership or mentorship.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including print collateral, digital assets, signage, and promotional items.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding and application of brand guidelines across multiple projects.

• Include case studies that highlight the design process, problem-solving, and the impact of your design solutions on business objectives.

• Showcase proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with examples that illustrate advanced techniques in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed the design project lifecycle, from initial brief to final delivery, including timelines and stakeholder communication.

• Documentation or explanation of your workflow for creating and maintaining brand assets and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints.

• Evidence of collaboration with marketing teams, vendors, and other stakeholders in the design and production process.

• Demonstrate your approach to proofreading and ensuring accuracy and compliance in marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display creative output but also evidence of process, project management, and brand stewardship. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow, how they ensure brand consistency, and how their designs contribute to marketing objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $31.93 - $43.00 per hour

• This range is based on the provided information for a full-time, on-site Senior Graphic Designer position in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. The hourly rate translates to an approximate annual salary range of $66,414.40 to $89,440.00, assuming a standard 40-hour work week. Benefits:

• Low-cost Medical Insurance: Coverage available with employee contributions as low as $20 per paycheck.

• Dental Insurance: Comprehensive dental coverage options.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits included.

• Quarterly Bonuses: Performance-based bonus opportunities distributed every quarter.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Includes substantial vacation and sick time accrual.

• Paid Leave Options: Various paid leave benefits available.

• 401k Contribution: Employer matching contribution of up to 6% of employee salary.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continued education and professional development.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

• This is a full-time, on-site position, implying a standard work week. While not explicitly stated, a senior role may offer some flexibility in scheduling, though core hours for collaboration are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided hourly, which is common for some roles. The benefits package is robust, highlighting attractive offerings like low-cost medical insurance, quarterly bonuses, and a strong 401k match, which are significant draws for mid-to-senior level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Credit Union)

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but likely medium to large given the "Senior" title and comprehensive benefits package. Blaze Credit Union operates in Minnesota, suggesting a strong regional presence.

Founded: Not specified in the provided data.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing department, potentially reporting to a Marketing Director or Manager.

• This role may involve working closely with marketing specialists, copywriters, and digital marketers.

• The description mentions "collaborating with team members and outside vendors," indicating a collaborative internal environment and a need for strong external vendor management skills. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "Better Lives, Thoughtfully Compassionate, Minnesota’s Best, and Give Back" as core values, suggesting a culture focused on member well-being, community involvement, and high standards of service.

• Operations within the credit union adhere to strict compliance regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Patriot Act, and OFAC, indicating a need for meticulousness and adherence to policy.

• Design work directly supports marketing strategies, aiming to visually communicate brand positioning and engage members and the public.

Company Website: blazecu.com (inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: As a credit union, Blaze Credit Union likely fosters a community-oriented and member-centric culture. The core values suggest a focus on positive impact and ethical practices, which would be reflected in internal operations and external communications. The compliance requirements are critical for any financial institution and will influence the accuracy and regulatory adherence expected in design work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer

• This level signifies a move beyond execution to leadership in design strategy and brand stewardship. The role requires not only advanced creative skills but also the ability to manage projects, guide creative direction, and potentially mentor junior team members. It's a critical role in shaping the visual identity and communication effectiveness of the organization. Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Director, overseeing the creative output of the marketing department.

• Will collaborate closely with other marketing professionals and potentially cross-functional teams on specific campaigns or initiatives. Operations Impact:

• The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, member engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality, on-brand visuals are crucial for building trust, communicating value propositions, and driving desired actions (e.g., account openings, loan applications).

• Accurate and compliant design work minimizes regulatory risks for the credit union.

• Efficient project management and vendor coordination contribute to the overall operational efficiency of the marketing department. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital marketing design, motion graphics, UI/UX design).

• Leadership: Transition into an Art Director or Creative Lead role, managing a larger team or more complex creative projects.

• Cross-functional Movement: Potentially move into broader marketing roles if skills in strategy and campaign management are developed.

• Professional Development: Utilize tuition reimbursement and potentially attend industry conferences or workshops to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a pathway for growth into leadership or specialized design roles. The credit union environment offers stability, and the robust benefits package, including tuition reimbursement, supports continuous learning and career advancement within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the Larpenteur Administrative office in Falcon Heights, MN.

Office Location(s): 2025 Larpenteur Ave W, Falcon Heights, MN 55113.

• This location is in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, offering access to amenities and a professional work setting. Workspace Context:

• The role requires working within a professional office environment, likely with access to standard office equipment and design software.

• Collaboration with marketing team members and potentially other departments is expected, suggesting an environment that supports teamwork and communication.

• The presence of a Data Asset Management (DAM) tool implies a structured approach to digital asset organization and accessibility. Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. The on-site nature means adherence to a regular office schedule. While specific flexibility isn't detailed, a senior role might offer some degree of autonomy within the standard work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based work environment, which can foster stronger team cohesion and direct collaboration compared to remote settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discusses their design process, and potentially completes a design challenge or technical assessment.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing problem-solving skills, collaboration style, brand management approach, and how they handle feedback and project challenges.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to ensure alignment with Blaze Credit Union's core values (Better Lives, Thoughtfully Compassionate, Minnesota’s Best, Give Back).

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your senior-level skills, brand management experience, and ability to deliver on marketing objectives. Include examples of print, digital, signage, and promotional items.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable impact of your design.

• Highlight Brand Stewardship: Emphasize how you interpreted and applied brand guidelines, and how you ensured consistency.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant design software.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical design task that tests your problem-solving, creativity, and ability to work within brand constraints under a time limit.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the Blaze Credit Union brand by reviewing their website and any publicly available marketing materials.

• Anticipate questions about how you would approach designing for a financial institution, considering compliance and trust.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your work supports business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should be prepared to not just show their work, but to articulate the strategic thinking and process behind it, especially concerning brand consistency and marketing effectiveness in a regulated industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. These are the core tools for graphic design, layout, and image manipulation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are necessary for general office tasks, documentation, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a requirement for the designer, familiarity with how design impacts digital analytics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media) would be beneficial.

• The role involves proofing marketing content, implying an understanding of how content is consumed and measured. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed for this design role. However, understanding how designs are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional familiarity with digital marketing platforms or analytics, while not mandatory, would demonstrate a broader understanding of how design functions within the overall marketing ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Lives: Designs should contribute to enhancing the lives of members and the community through clear, accessible, and positive visual communication.

• Thoughtfully Compassionate: Visuals should be sensitive, inclusive, and reflect a caring approach towards members and the community.

• Minnesota’s Best: Designs should strive for excellence, reflecting high quality and pride in serving the Minnesota community.

• Give Back: Visuals may be used to promote community initiatives and the credit union's commitment to social responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be collaborative, working closely with the marketing team and external vendors.

• The ability to provide and receive constructive feedback is highlighted ("Ability to review work, provide feedback and guide junior designers"), suggesting a culture that values continuous improvement and mentorship.

• Adherence to compliance regulations implies a meticulous and detail-oriented approach within the team's workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Blaze Credit Union are central to its culture. A successful candidate will need to demonstrate how their design approach aligns with these values, ensuring that all visual communications are not only aesthetically pleasing but also ethical, compassionate, and community-focused.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand & Compliance: Ensuring designs are innovative and engaging while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and financial industry regulations can be challenging.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Priorities: As a senior designer, you'll likely juggle numerous projects with competing deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Vendor Management: Effectively communicating design needs and managing expectations with external print vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.

• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with design trends and digital technologies to ensure Blaze Credit Union's visual communication remains modern and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Utilize tuition reimbursement for advanced design courses or certifications.

• Industry Exposure: Potentially attend design conferences or workshops to learn about new software, techniques, and industry best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, further developing leadership and communication skills.

• Broader Marketing Understanding: Gain deeper insights into marketing strategy and campaign execution through close collaboration with the marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be navigating the dual requirements of creative excellence and strict regulatory compliance inherent in the financial services industry. Growth will come from mastering these constraints and expanding into leadership or strategic design roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?"

• "How would you approach designing a campaign for a new financial product, considering the need for clarity, trust, and compliance?"

• "Walk us through your process for managing multiple design projects simultaneously. How do you prioritize and ensure deadlines are met?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and reflect a 'thoughtfully compassionate' approach, especially in financial communications?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our core values, how would your design philosophy align with Blaze Credit Union's mission?"

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, particularly from stakeholders with different perspectives?"

• "Describe your experience working with external vendors. What is your approach to ensuring successful collaboration?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, select 3-5 key projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, brand management experience, and impact.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain the objective, your target audience, your creative concept, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame, and the final outcome. Use visual aids to clearly present your work.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, provide metrics or anecdotal evidence of how your designs contributed to campaign success (e.g., increased engagement, positive member feedback, successful product launches).

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how you applied brand guidelines meticulously and how your designs reinforced the Blaze Credit Union identity.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your technical skills, design choices, and how you would contribute to the Blaze team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also strategic thinking, project management skills, and a deep understanding of brand stewardship within a regulated industry. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 4-5 years of graphic design experience, specific achievements in brand management, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description such as "brand guidelines," "print production," "digital design," and "vendor management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases a diverse range of projects relevant to a financial institution, including print collateral, digital assets, and signage. Be ready to present and discuss your work in detail.

• Research Blaze Credit Union: Familiarize yourself with their mission, core values, and existing visual identity. Understand their position as a credit union in Minnesota.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Anticipate a practical design exercise that will test your skills and ability to work within brand constraints.

⚠️ 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.