Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Call Your Mother Deli

Location: Washington, DC

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: November 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual identity and creative output for a rapidly expanding, personality-driven deli brand.

• Translate brand strategy and marketing objectives into compelling visual narratives across diverse physical and digital touchpoints.

• Manage the end-to-end creative production process, from concept development to final vendor-ready artwork and delivery.

• Collaborate closely with a dynamic, cross-functional team to ensure cohesive brand representation and impactful campaigns.

• Drive innovation in design, embracing a playful, unconventional aesthetic while maintaining high standards of execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, implying a need for strong independent execution, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor or guide junior team members if applicable in a growing organization. The emphasis on "scrappy," "making a lot out of a little," and "purposefully imperfect" suggests a need for a designer who is adaptable, resourceful, and can thrive in a less structured, high-growth environment rather than a traditional corporate setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute design solutions for a wide array of brand materials, including packaging, menu boards, in-store signage, merchandise, print collateral, and digital assets for social media, email campaigns, and website.

• Develop technically accurate, production-ready artwork, including detailed packaging dielines and specifications, with a comprehensive understanding of materials, printing methods, and associated costs.

• Manage and cultivate relationships with external production partners, such as printers, fabricators, and merchandise suppliers, overseeing quotes, timelines, proofing, approvals, and quality control.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions for creative campaigns, limited-time offers (LTOs), new shop openings, and other brand moments, contributing unique ideas that align with the brand's playful and memorable personality.

• Uphold and evolve the company's visual identity, ensuring a consistent yet dynamic brand presence that balances thoughtful design with the brand's distinctive, unpolished charm.

• Maintain meticulous project management, ensuring organized file systems, version control, error-free artwork, and cost-effective execution of all design initiatives.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal departments, including Marketing, Operations, People & Culture, IT, Culinary, and Founders, to translate ideas into tangible realities efficiently and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, requiring the Senior Graphic Designer to not only design but also manage production vendors and collaborate extensively. This indicates a role that bridges creative execution with project management and supplier relations, common in growing businesses where specialized roles may not yet exist.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is beneficial but not explicitly required; a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and skill is paramount.

Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record in a senior or lead capacity. Preference is given to candidates with experience in fast-growing restaurant, hospitality, food & beverage, or lifestyle brands.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Demonstrated ability to create original, impactful designs showcased in a comprehensive portfolio.

• Strong technical understanding of print production processes, including dielines, color management, materials, and preparing vendor-ready artwork.

• Experience designing for both physical (merchandise, packaging, signage) and digital (social media, websites, email) platforms.

• Proven ability to manage creative projects from concept through final production and delivery.

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the capacity to manage multiple competing deadlines effectively.

• A resourceful, hands-on, and ownership-driven mentality, comfortable with ambiguity and problem-solving.

• Strong taste, a playful sense of humor, and an appreciation for unconventional design. Preferred Skills:

• Additional experience in photography, video production, or motion graphics.

• Familiarity with website Content Management System (CMS) tools.

• Experience with email marketing platforms and campaign design.

• Exposure to emerging creative technologies and design software.

• Competence in copywriting, with a knack for crafting clever headlines and engaging playful text.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred skills" section indicates a desire for a versatile designer who can contribute beyond traditional graphic design, suggesting opportunities for growth into broader marketing creative roles. The bonus mention of copywriting further emphasizes the need for a candidate who can think holistically about brand communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design work.

• Clear examples of original creative concepts and high-quality execution across various mediums.

• Specific case studies demonstrating experience in taking physical products through the entire production lifecycle, from concept to final delivery, including print and packaging.

• Examples of creative campaigns or brand initiatives that effectively communicate brand personality and drive engagement.

• Demonstrations of design work for both physical products (merchandise, packaging) and digital channels (social media, web). Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing projects from creative concept through final production and delivery, including vendor collaboration.

• Examples of creating technically accurate, production-ready artwork, including dielines and specifications.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating the ability to protect and evolve a visual identity while maintaining a distinct brand personality.

• Work samples that highlight organization, attention to detail, and the management of competing deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on physical products, production, and vendor management in the portfolio requirements is critical. Candidates should prioritize showcasing projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of the manufacturing and printing process, not just aesthetic design. This suggests the role involves significant operational oversight of creative assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary of $90,000.

• Annual bonus opportunity.

• Stock options.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Unlimited paid time off.

• 100% paid, 12-week parental leave.

• 401(k) with a 4% company match.

• Reimbursement for English and Spanish classes, including Duolingo.

• Early Wage Access (up to 50% of eligible earned wages before payday).

• Wellness and Fitness Membership through Classpass.

• Access to confidential therapy and professional resources for mental health, legal guidance, and financial wellness.

• Daily complimentary bagels and 50% off when off duty.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "40 hours" implies a standard full-time work schedule. Given the "unlimited paid time off" and "face-melting vibes" culture, there might be flexibility, but a commitment to deliverables is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated, which is helpful. The benefits package is extensive and reflects a strong focus on employee well-being and professional development, aligning with a "BIG V.I.B.E.S." culture. The inclusion of "Early Wage Access" and "Wellness & Fitness" through Classpass are modern perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Retail (Delis/Sandwich Shops)

Company Size: The description mentions expansion across multiple major cities (DMV, Colorado, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami) and rapid growth from a 2018 farmer's market stand, indicating a company that has scaled significantly and is likely in the mid-size to large-small business range (e.g., 50-200+ employees).

Founded: 2018.

Team Structure:

• The company is led by a husband-and-wife team (Andrew and Chef Dani), suggesting a founder-driven culture.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with Marketing, Operations, People & Culture, IT, Culinary, and the founders, indicating a matrixed or highly collaborative structure.

• The culture is described as "big personality," "colorful, playful, sometimes a little weird," "purposefully imperfect," "ambitious, collaborative, a little unconventional," and "big believers that great ideas can come from anywhere."

• Core values are summarized as "BIG V.I.B.E.S. (Vibrancy, Integrity, Belonging, Energy, and Seize the Moment)." Methodology:

• The company emphasizes making "scrumptious, nostalgic food and unforgettable experiences."

• Design methodology leans towards "clever," "playful," "purposefully unpolished," and "doesn't take itself too seriously."

• A "scrappy, hands-on mentality" and a focus on "making a lot out of a little" are key operational philosophies.

• The growth trajectory and expansion across multiple markets suggest a strong focus on scalable operational processes and consistent brand experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a significant differentiator. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how their creative style and work ethic align with this unique, energetic, and unconventional brand. The "BIG V.I.B.E.S." acronym is a key indicator of their values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant independent execution, technical expertise, and the ability to manage projects and vendor relationships. The role is pivotal in shaping the brand's visual presence as it scales.

Reporting Structure: The designer will collaborate closely with multiple departments, including Marketing and Operations, and report to leadership likely within the Marketing or Brand team, potentially directly to founders given the company's stage and culture.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and operational execution (e.g., packaging usability, signage clarity, merchandise appeal). Effective design is critical for a consumer-facing brand like Call Your Mother to stand out in the competitive food and beverage market. The role is key to translating brand identity into tangible assets that drive sales and customer loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Creative Director or Art Director role as the company continues its rapid expansion, potentially managing a small team or external agencies.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to develop broader marketing skills, including copywriting, social media content strategy, and potentially even basic web/CMS management or motion graphics, given the "any additional experience" preference.

• Brand Stewardship: Deepening expertise in building and maintaining a unique brand identity in a high-growth, multi-location environment.

• Cross-functional Impact: Gaining exposure to various aspects of the business (Operations, Culinary, Marketing) through close collaboration, offering a holistic understanding of a scaling business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential due to the company's rapid expansion. The "Senior" title suggests a path towards leadership, especially if the candidate can demonstrate strong project ownership and strategic creative thinking beyond just execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Washington, DC, and is described as "On-site." Given the nature of the work (design, production management, collaboration), it's likely an office-based role, possibly within a creative hub or shared workspace, or a dedicated office space within the company's operational footprint.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC. The specific office location within DC is not detailed, but it's implied to be a central hub for creative and marketing functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes close collaboration with Marketing, Operations, and other departments, suggesting a dynamic and interactive work setting.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected. The mention of "emerging creative technologies" suggests an environment that embraces modern tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with founders, culinary teams, and marketing professionals will be key to understanding brand needs and translating them into design. The culture encourages "face-melting vibes" and "big ideas from anywhere."

Work Schedule: The role is listed as FULL_TIME, with an implied 40-hour work week. The company culture suggests a high-energy environment where dedication is valued, but "unlimited PTO" indicates a focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is important. Candidates should be prepared for a collaborative, in-person work environment that aligns with the company's high-energy and unconventional brand personality.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for a Senior Graphic Designer role in a growing company would likely involve:

1. Application Review: Initial screening of resumes and portfolios.

2. Portfolio Presentation/Screening Call: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on relevant experience (print production, brand work, campaign development).

3. Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the brand's aesthetic. This might involve creating a small piece of collateral or responding to a design brief.

4. Team/Founder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders (Marketing, Operations, Founders) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking.

5. Reference Checks: Verifying past performance and work ethic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Experience: Explicitly showcase projects where you managed the entire production process, from concept to vendor-ready files. Include examples of dielines, material choices, and print specifications.

• Demonstrate Brand Versatility: Show how you've adapted designs to fit a specific brand's personality, especially if it's playful, unconventional, or imperfect. Contrast this with more corporate or polished work if applicable, to show range.

• Showcase Campaign Thinking: Include examples of integrated campaigns across different channels (physical and digital) that tell a cohesive brand story.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the results or impact of your design. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased merchandise sales by X%," "successful launch of Y product").

• Tailor to Call Your Mother: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work that aligns with their "colorful, playful, sometimes a little weird" aesthetic. If you have copywriting samples, include them, especially if they exhibit a similar tone.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Call Your Mother's current branding, marketing, and overall vibe. Be ready to articulate what you like and how you would build upon it.

• Problem-Solve: Anticipate a design challenge that involves a common brand need (e.g., designing a new menu item promotion, a piece of merchandise, or social media assets). Be prepared to outline your process, considerations (budget, production), and creative direction.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to walk through your design thinking, from understanding the brief to final execution, emphasizing how you balance creativity with practical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application instructions explicitly request a portfolio with physical product production examples and creative campaigns. This is a critical signal for applicants to prioritize these types of projects in their submission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Prototyping/Wireframing Tools (Potentially): Tools like Figma or Sketch may be beneficial for digital mockups, though not explicitly mentioned.

• Project Management Software (Potentially): Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com is often helpful for managing multiple projects and deadlines, especially in a collaborative environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics on social media, websites, and email campaigns would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with basic CRM functionalities or email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Klaviyo) for designing templated emails or understanding campaign deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep expertise in Adobe Creative Suite. While other tools are not explicitly listed, demonstrating familiarity with project management or digital design tools will enhance an application, especially for a role that collaborates across departments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Vibrancy: Bringing energy, color, and life to all creative outputs.

• Integrity: Upholding quality, honesty in production, and commitment to brand standards.

• Belonging: Fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where diverse ideas are welcomed.

• Energy: Contributing a high-energy, proactive attitude to a fast-paced work setting.

• Seize the Moment: Demonstrating agility, resourcefulness, and a proactive approach to opportunities and challenges.

• Playful & Unconventional: Embracing a design aesthetic that is fun, engaging, and distinctively "Call Your Mother."

• Scrappy & Resourceful: Ability to achieve great results with often limited resources, focusing on smart execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Marketing, Operations, Culinary, and Founders to translate business needs into creative solutions.

• Open Communication: A culture that values direct communication and idea sharing, fostering an environment where "great ideas can come from anywhere."

• Feedback Exchange: Likely an environment where constructive feedback is given and received to refine creative work and ensure brand consistency.

• Agile & Responsive: The ability to adapt quickly to new opportunities, promotions, or operational needs, turning around creative assets efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "BIG V.I.B.E.S." are not just buzzwords; they are likely embedded in how the team operates and makes decisions. Applicants should reflect these values in their communication and approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Personality with Scalability: Maintaining the unique, "purposefully imperfect" brand aesthetic while scaling operations across multiple geographic locations and ensuring consistency.

• Managing Production Complexity: Overseeing diverse production vendors and processes for a wide range of physical products (packaging, merchandise, signage) to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.

• Resourcefulness in a Growth Environment: Excelling in a "scrappy" environment where creative solutions often need to be generated with limited budgets or resources, requiring innovative problem-solving.

• Rapid Iteration and Adaptation: The fast-paced nature of the food and beverage industry and a growing brand means designs may need frequent updates or rapid turnaround for LTOs and new initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Building Expertise: Deepen understanding of brand strategy and visual identity development for a high-growth consumer brand.

• Production & Vendor Management Skills: Gain extensive practical experience in managing relationships with printers, manufacturers, and suppliers, understanding their capabilities and limitations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Develop a broader business acumen by collaborating closely with Operations, Culinary, and Marketing teams.

• Creative Exploration: Opportunity to explore new design mediums and technologies, potentially expanding into areas like motion graphics or digital content strategy, as suggested by preferred skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior creative role in a rapidly scaling business. Framing how one has successfully navigated similar challenges in previous roles will be crucial for applicants.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing packaging for a new limited-time offer bagel flavor, considering our brand's playful aesthetic and production constraints?" (Assesses creative thinking, brand alignment, and production awareness.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage a challenging relationship with a production vendor. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluates vendor management, problem-solving, and communication skills.)

• "Our brand is known for being a bit unconventional and 'purposefully imperfect.' How would you ensure our visual identity remains consistent across all touchpoints while embracing this unique characteristic?" (Tests understanding of brand stewardship and aesthetic interpretation.)

• "Imagine we need to launch a new line of merchandise for our upcoming shop openings. Walk us through your process from initial concept to having ready-to-sell items." (Assesses end-to-end project management and creative execution for physical products.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Call Your Mother Deli, and what excites you most about our brand and culture?" (Tests research and cultural fit.)

• "How do you embody our BIG V.I.B.E.S. (Vibrancy, Integrity, Belonging, Energy, Seize the Moment) in your work and professional interactions?" (Assesses alignment with core values.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams like Marketing and Operations?" (Evaluates teamwork and collaboration style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each key project, articulate the brief, your conceptual thinking, design decisions, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final solution.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launches, positive customer feedback, cost savings in production).

• Highlight Production Expertise: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase your print production knowledge, dielines, and vendor management experience. Use visual examples of technical artwork.

• Showcase Brand Fit: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to work with a strong, distinct brand personality, especially if it aligns with Call Your Mother's playful, unconventional style. Be prepared to explain why your work fits their brand.

• Be Ready for a Design Challenge: Have a plan for how you would approach a hypothetical design task based on the company's needs, and be ready to present your initial thoughts or a quick concept sketch.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on skills and knowledge directly relevant to the job description, emphasizing brand understanding, production management, and portfolio presentation tailored to the company's unique culture and requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Print Production," "Packaging Design," "Vendor Management," "Brand Identity," "Merchandise Design," and any experience with "Restaurant," "Hospitality," or "Food & Beverage" brands. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prioritize showcasing projects that demonstrate your expertise in physical product production (packaging, dielines, print-ready artwork) and creative campaign development. Include work that reflects a playful, unconventional, and high-energy aesthetic.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your design process, your experience managing production vendors, and how you've contributed to brand growth and identity.

• Research the Brand: Thoroughly understand Call Your Mother Deli's mission, values (BIG V.I.B.E.S.), and current visual identity. Be prepared to articulate why you are a strong cultural and creative 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.