Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union

Location: Lowell, MA, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual communication strategy and execution for Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, enhancing brand presence across all channels.

• Develop and maintain a consistent and compelling visual identity, ensuring brand integrity across print, digital, social media, and in-branch materials.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate business objectives into impactful creative solutions that drive member engagement and business growth.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from concept to production-ready artwork, ensuring quality, accuracy, and adherence to brand and regulatory standards.

• Serve as the primary creative resource, providing expert design direction and mentorship within the marketing team and to external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, implying a leadership component in creative direction and project management, rather than purely execution. The focus on "strengthening brand," "supporting strategic marketing initiatives," and "enhancing member experience" suggests a deep integration with GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies and a need for strategic visual thinking aligned with business objectives. The credit union context is crucial, requiring an understanding of financial industry marketing nuances and regulatory compliance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and design of visual assets for a comprehensive range of marketing materials, including print collateral, digital advertisements, social media graphics, email campaigns, web elements, presentations, and in-branch signage.

• Uphold and advance the Credit Union's visual identity system, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across all internal and external communications to foster a cohesive brand narrative.

• Partner closely with Marketing leadership and cross-functional teams (e.g., product, member services) to understand strategic goals and translate them into visually compelling and effective creative strategies that resonate with target audiences.

• Prepare and finalize high-resolution artwork and design files for both print and digital distribution, meticulously adhering to technical specifications, vendor requirements, and quality control standards.

• Establish and meticulously maintain organized digital asset management systems, including templates, brand guidelines, and image libraries, to streamline workflow efficiency and ensure brand consistency across all projects.

• Liaise with and manage external vendors (printers, agencies, freelancers) to oversee production timelines, review proofs, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality finished products.

• Conduct thorough reviews of all proofs and final deliverables to guarantee accuracy, compliance with credit union policies and regulatory requirements, and overall production quality.

• Proactively research and stay abreast of emerging design trends, software advancements, and production techniques, recommending innovative approaches to elevate marketing effectiveness and enhance member engagement.

• Ensure all creative output complies with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., financial advertising regulations), accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG for digital assets), and internal organizational policies.

• Provide creative design support for special events, community outreach programs, sponsorships, and internal communications initiatives, developing collateral that effectively communicates the Credit Union's mission and values.

• Execute all assigned duties in strict accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and established credit union policies, ensuring ethical and compliant practices.

• Undertake additional related duties and responsibilities as assigned by management to support the Marketing department's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential Functions & Responsibilities" list is comprehensive. Specific emphasis should be placed on the "regulatory requirements, accessibility considerations, and organizational standards" due to the financial industry context. The mention of "creative guidance, project leadership, and mentorship" suggests that while not a formal supervisory role, the Senior Graphic Designer is expected to act as a lead on projects and potentially guide junior team members or external resources.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on developing visual communications for marketing initiatives. Experience within the financial industry, specifically with banking or Credit Union products and services, is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in graphic design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, layout, and branding.

• Advanced mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Lightroom.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain a strong, consistent visual identity and brand voice across diverse media.

• Strong understanding of print production processes, digital publishing standards, and file preparation techniques for various outputs.

• Excellent creative thinking, conceptualization, and problem-solving skills with a strong visual problem-solving aptitude.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and project requirements clearly.

• Robust project management, organizational, and time management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Meticulous attention to detail and superior proofreading skills to ensure accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

• Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work constructively with internal stakeholders and external partners. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with video production workflows and content editing software.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Knowledge of web design principles and UI/UX best practices.

• Understanding of marketing automation platforms and their design implications.

• Experience with accessibility design standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Knowledge and Skills" section is well-defined. The requirement for 5-7 years of experience, coupled with a Bachelor's degree, positions this as a mid-to-senior level role. The preference for financial industry experience is a significant differentiator that candidates should highlight if they possess it. The "Abilities" section further reinforces the need for adaptability, independence, and strong judgment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating extensive expertise in graphic design across both print and digital mediums.

• Specific case studies showcasing successful brand development or rebranding initiatives, highlighting strategic thinking and visual execution.

• Examples of marketing collateral designed to support strategic business objectives, such as product launches, member acquisition campaigns, or community engagement programs.

• Projects that illustrate a strong understanding of typography, color theory, and layout principles applied to solve specific communication challenges.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in preparing production-ready files for both print and digital channels, including examples of technical specifications management. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly or explicitly detail the design process undertaken, including initial concept development, stakeholder feedback integration, and iterative refinements.

• Showcase examples where design decisions were driven by specific marketing objectives, target audience considerations, or brand guidelines.

• Include examples of how brand consistency was maintained across multiple projects and platforms within the portfolio.

• Highlight any projects where regulatory compliance or accessibility considerations were a key factor in the design process and outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the job description heavily implies the need for a strong portfolio. The "Essential Functions" and "Knowledge and Skills" sections point to the types of projects and skills that should be showcased. Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly articulates their design process, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver high-quality, compliant creative assets for a financial institution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,063.03 - $96,094.54 annually. This range reflects the Senior Graphic Designer role's experience requirements and the typical compensation for skilled creative professionals in the Lowell, MA area, considering the financial industry context.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: As explicitly stated, offering a strong salary range commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

• Outstanding Benefits Package: This typically includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k with company match), paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays), life insurance, and potentially disability insurance.

• Career Development: Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization, supported by a team environment.

• Supportive Team Environment: A workplace culture that values collaboration and employee well-being.

• Community Impact: The chance to contribute to a mission-driven organization that serves its community.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time role. While not explicitly stated, typical office hours in a professional environment like a credit union would be Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or event needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range from ADP is used directly. The benefits are extrapolated from the "competitive pay, outstanding benefits" statement and typical offerings for full-time employees in a financial institution. The working hours are inferred from the "full-time" employment type. The Lowell, MA location suggests that the salary range is competitive for that metropolitan area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Credit Union). Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union operates within the credit union sector, which is member-owned and community-focused, differentiating it from traditional banks. This often translates to a culture emphasizing member service, financial well-being, and community involvement.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the ADP job posting indicates a company size that requires a dedicated marketing team and a Senior Graphic Designer role, suggesting it is a medium to large organization within the credit union landscape. This implies a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union was founded in 1912, indicating a long history and deep roots in the community. This longevity suggests stability, a strong member base, and a commitment to its mission over time.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer is a key member of the Marketing team, suggesting a collaborative unit focused on driving brand awareness and member engagement.

• This role has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide creative guidance and project leadership, indicating a hierarchical structure where senior members mentor others.

• Expect close collaboration with Marketing leadership, internal stakeholders across various departments (e.g., product development, member services, IT), and external vendors. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and measurable results, typical for marketing roles aiming to support business growth.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially given the need to manage multiple projects and ensure brand consistency.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely valued, particularly in managing digital assets and streamlining production processes.

Company Website: https://www.jdcu.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company details are derived from the job description and general knowledge of credit union structures. The historical founding date suggests a stable, established organization with a strong community focus. The marketing team's role in supporting "strategic marketing initiatives" and "member experience" implies a proactive, results-oriented approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires 5-7 years of experience and involves leading creative development, managing projects, and potentially mentoring others, signifying a step beyond junior design roles and towards creative leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports to Marketing leadership, likely a Marketing Manager or Director. While not a direct supervisory role, the Senior Designer is expected to provide creative direction and project leadership to team members and external partners as assigned.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the Credit Union's brand perception, member engagement, and ultimately, business growth. By creating compelling visual communications that support marketing initiatives, they help attract new members, retain existing ones, and promote financial products and services effectively. Their role is crucial in translating business objectives into tangible visual assets that drive desired member actions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of graphic design, such as motion graphics, UX/UI design for web, or advanced digital advertising creative.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Creative Lead or Art Director role, managing a team of designers and overseeing larger creative projects.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business acumen by collaborating with various departments, understanding their operational needs and how design supports them.

• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in financial marketing, regulatory compliance in design, and credit union-specific member engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are inferred based on the "Senior" title and the nature of the responsibilities. The role offers a clear path for advancement within creative leadership or broader marketing management roles, especially within a stable financial institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union's facilities in Lowell, MA. The environment is expected to be a professional office setting typical of a financial institution.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Lowell, MA. This area offers access to public transportation and local amenities, making it a convenient location for employees residing in the surrounding region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Marketing team and other internal stakeholders, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to foster teamwork and communication.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud), hardware, and potentially digital asset management systems will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for brainstorming, design reviews, and project discussions with colleagues, contributing to a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically aligning with standard business hours (e.g., 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday). While the role is on-site, the nature of design work may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines or support specific events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is inferred to be a standard professional office setting for a financial institution, emphasizing collaboration and the provision of necessary tools for design work. The on-site requirement is explicit.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes to assess qualifications against the job requirements, with a particular focus on experience and educational background.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This is a critical step to evaluate creative skills, technical proficiency, and strategic thinking.

• First Interview: Typically with the Hiring Manager (e.g., Marketing Manager) to discuss experience, skills, portfolio highlights, and cultural fit. This may include behavioral questions.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, such as a small design task or a case study presentation related to a specific marketing challenge, to assess problem-solving abilities and design approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management or cross-functional stakeholders to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant work, focusing on projects that align with the financial industry and marketing objectives.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process, the challenges, and the outcome (quantifiable results are a plus).

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain and evolve brand standards across various media.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud and your ability to prepare files for print and digital.

• Address Financial Industry Nuances: If possible, include examples that show an understanding of financial marketing, regulatory considerations, and member communication.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Credit Union Context: Research Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union's mission, values, target audience, and current marketing efforts.

• Anticipate Design Briefs: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that requires you to create a piece of marketing collateral based on a given brief, focusing on clarity, brand adherence, and effectiveness.

• Practice Articulating Your Process: Be ready to walk through your design decisions, explaining your rationale, chosen tools, and how you addressed project requirements.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team, the role, current projects, and company culture to demonstrate engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are standard for a Senior Graphic Designer role, with specific emphasis added for the financial industry context and the importance of demonstrating strategic thinking alongside creative execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite, including InDesign (layout, print), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Acrobat (PDF creation and editing), and Lightroom (photo management). Proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: While not explicitly named, such systems are common in organizations managing extensive brand assets, and familiarity is a plus.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be used for workflow tracking and task management; familiarity is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): Understanding how design impacts website performance and user engagement is valuable, though not a primary requirement for the designer.

• Social Media Analytics: Awareness of performance metrics for social media graphics to inform design choices.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Mailchimp): Understanding how designs integrate into email marketing campaigns and automated workflows.

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics): While not directly used for design, understanding how marketing materials support CRM-driven campaigns can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required tools are directly listed in the job description (Adobe Creative Cloud). Other tools are inferred based on industry best practices for design and marketing operations in a professional environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member-Centricity: A core value for credit unions, meaning all communications and designs should prioritize member needs and financial well-being.

• Community Focus: Emphasis on giving back and supporting local initiatives, which should be reflected in the visual messaging.

• Integrity and Trust: Essential in the financial sector; design work must be accurate, compliant, and uphold the institution's reputation.

• Efficiency and Quality: Balancing the need for timely delivery with high-quality, polished creative output.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will work closely with various departments, requiring clear communication and an understanding of diverse business needs.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs to refine creative solutions and ensure alignment with objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing design best practices, new techniques, and project learnings within the marketing team and potentially across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values are inferred from the nature of a credit union and the stated emphasis on member service and community. The collaborative style is derived from the cross-functional responsibilities outlined.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining strict brand guidelines while also creating fresh, engaging designs that capture attention in a competitive financial market.

• Meeting Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Translating varied requests and objectives from different departments into cohesive visual solutions.

• Navigating Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all creative materials adhere to complex financial regulations and accessibility standards, which can be restrictive.

• Managing High Volume of Projects: Effectively prioritizing and executing a continuous stream of design requests in a fast-paced environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Financial Marketing Specialization: Deepening expertise in the nuances of marketing within the financial services industry, including regulatory requirements and member psychology.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and implement new design software features, emerging visual trends, or specialized design disciplines like motion graphics.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insights into how design supports other business functions (e.g., product development, member experience, compliance).

• Mentorship and Leadership: Developing leadership skills through project guidance and potential mentorship of junior team members or external designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are extrapolated based on the role's responsibilities, industry, and seniority level. The emphasis on regulatory compliance and financial marketing is a key differentiator.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a campaign to promote a new savings account for young adults, ensuring it's both engaging and compliant with financial regulations?" (Tests strategic thinking, target audience understanding, and regulatory awareness.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it while maintaining the integrity of the design and project goals?" (Assesses collaboration, conflict resolution, and project management skills.)

• "Imagine our Credit Union is launching a new financial literacy program. What visual elements would you consider to make this program accessible and appealing to a broad audience, including those with limited financial knowledge?" (Evaluates problem-solving, accessibility considerations, and strategic communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union's core brand values, and how would you visually represent them in your design work?" (Demonstrates research capability and understanding of brand alignment.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate to incorporate into a conservative industry like financial services?" (Assesses industry awareness and judgment.)

• "Our mission is to help members achieve their financial goals. How do you see your role as a Senior Graphic Designer contributing to this mission?" (Connects role to company purpose and impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, campaign, or skill.

Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Tell the Story Behind Each Project: For each selected piece, clearly articulate:

  • The client/project objective.
  • Your specific role and contributions.
  • The design process and rationale behind your creative decisions.
  • Any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.
  • The outcome or impact of the design (use metrics if possible).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, branding, typography, layout, and print/digital production.

• Address Financial Industry Context: If possible, show how your designs considered target audiences, brand consistency, and regulatory aspects relevant to financial services.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, process, and how your work aligns with the Credit Union's needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to assess the specific skills, experience, and cultural fit required for a Senior Graphic Designer in a credit union setting, emphasizing strategic thinking, regulatory awareness, and brand stewardship.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form through the provided ADP link. Ensure all fields are accurately filled.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the 5-7 years of experience, Bachelor's degree, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Increased engagement by X% through redesigned social media graphics").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your best print, digital, and branding work. Select projects that demonstrate your strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and ability to adhere to brand guidelines, ideally with examples relevant to the financial industry.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union's mission, values, and recent marketing efforts. Anticipate questions about your design process, how you handle feedback, and your experience with financial marketing. Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly.

• Understand the Role's Impact: Be ready to discuss how your design contributions will support the Credit Union's goals of member engagement, brand strengthening, and business growth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union before making application decisions.