Senior Graphic Designer

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Full-time•Wisconsin Dells, United States

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-06-11T15:23:16

Experience Level: 5-10 years professional experience

Remote Status: On-site

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and execute high-impact advertising and marketing materials for a diverse portfolio of hospitality and convention assets, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and other departments to translate strategic objectives into compelling visual narratives across print, digital, and social media channels.

  • Elevate the creative standard of a nationally recognized hospitality brand by contributing to brand development, campaign ideation, and innovative design solutions.

  • Take ownership of design projects, manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and mentor junior designers to foster a culture of creative excellence.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining and advancing the visual identity of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, a prominent player in the hospitality and entertainment sector. The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping guest perception and supporting business objectives through impactful design.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce a wide range of marketing collateral, including digital ads, social media graphics, print advertisements, brochures, event materials, and internal communications, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Collaborate closely with the Corporate Design Director and marketing teams to conceptualize and develop creative strategies for various campaigns and initiatives across the Kalahari portfolio.

  • Manage project timelines, workflows, and feedback loops to ensure timely delivery of high-quality design assets that meet stakeholder requirements.

  • Provide creative direction and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their development and ensuring consistent quality across the design team's output.

  • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design technologies, and best practices in graphic design, particularly within the hospitality and tourism sectors, to inform creative approaches.

  • Work with photography and image selection, ensuring visual assets align with brand messaging and aesthetic standards.

  • Liaise with print vendors and production teams to ensure accurate and high-quality execution of print collateral, understanding production processes and specifications.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "transforming ideas into compelling visual stories across a wide variety of mediums" indicates a need for a designer who can not only execute but also innovate and strategize visually. The responsibility for "creative projects for other Kalahari-owned or managed assets" suggests potential exposure to diverse branding challenges.

šŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role, often supplemented by a strong portfolio.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience in a corporate, hospitality, tourism, agency, or similar creative environment.

Required Skills:

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

  • Strong typography, layout, branding, and visual communication skills.

  • Demonstrated experience developing creative assets for both print and digital channels.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing polished, accurate work.

  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience collaborating with stakeholders from multiple departments and levels of leadership.

  • Familiarity with photography, image selection, and print production processes.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Premiere Pro and After Effects for motion graphics and video editing.

  • Experience mentoring junior designers, providing creative direction, or leading design projects.

  • Hospitality, tourism, resort, entertainment, destination marketing, or lifestyle brand experience.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced proficiency" in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications, coupled with a minimum of 5 years of experience, positions this role as a mid-to-senior level opportunity. The preference for experience in hospitality and leadership suggests the company is looking for someone who can hit the ground running and potentially grow into a leadership capacity.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A digital portfolio (link or PDF) is mandatory for all applicants.

  • The portfolio must showcase a diverse range of both print and digital design work.

  • Each featured project should include a brief summary detailing the applicant's role and specific contributions.

  • Applicants must highlight one project they are most proud of, explaining the reasons behind their pride.

  • Applicants must also present one project that presented a significant challenge, detailing the problem-solving approach taken. Process Documentation:

  • While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from concept to final output.

  • The ability to articulate the process behind challenging projects implies an understanding of problem identification, solution development, and execution within a design context.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are very specific and are crucial for screening. The emphasis on explaining challenges and contributions indicates a need for designers who can articulate their thought process and demonstrate problem-solving skills beyond just aesthetic execution. This is standard for senior creative roles where strategic thinking is valued.

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Senior Graphic Designer title, 5+ years of experience, and the Wisconsin Dells, WI location, a competitive salary range for this role would typically fall between $65,000 and $90,000 annually. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for senior creative roles in the hospitality sector and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

  • Career growth opportunities with a focus on promotion from within.

  • 401(k) matching program.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday compensation.

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates.

  • Employee appreciation events and exclusive discounts at all Kalahari resorts.

  • Education assistance programs designed to support career advancement.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, the fast-paced environment may necessitate occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for similar roles and locations. The benefits package is comprehensive and highlights the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which are attractive factors for experienced professionals.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality & Entertainment, with a focus on large-scale resorts featuring indoor waterparks, conventions, dining, and entertainment. This industry demands creativity, exceptional guest experience, and strong brand management.

Company Size: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions operates multiple large-scale resorts, indicating a significant organizational size with a substantial number of employees across various departments. This suggests a structured environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions was founded in 2000. This history provides a foundation of experience and growth, suggesting a stable company with a clear vision for expansion and brand development.

Team Structure:

  • The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Corporate Design Director, indicating a clear reporting line within a dedicated design team.

  • This role will collaborate extensively with the Corporate Marketing Department and potentially other departments across the resort portfolio.

  • The emphasis on "taking ownership of projects, collaborate across departments" points to a team structure that values initiative and interdepartmental synergy. Methodology:

  • The company's focus on "crafting unforgettable experiences" and "delivering the Kalahari Experience" suggests a guest-centric approach that informs all creative output.

  • The "Lead with Love" philosophy emphasizes a culture of care, respect, and community engagement, which likely influences internal communications and brand messaging.

  • The commitment to charity: water highlights a corporate social responsibility ethos.

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

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions positions itself as more than just a resort; it emphasizes creating experiences and fostering a culture of care. This "Lead with Love" ethos, combined with significant growth and expansion, suggests a dynamic environment where creative professionals can make a tangible impact.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a level beyond entry-level or mid-level. It requires a minimum of 5 years of experience and suggests an expectation of independent work, project ownership, and potentially mentorship of junior staff.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Corporate Design Director, placing them within a structured creative hierarchy. This offers clear guidance and oversight while allowing for significant autonomy in project execution.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the visual communication and branding efforts that drive guest engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue for the resorts and conventions. By creating "high-impact advertising and marketing materials," the designer contributes to the success of campaigns, brand awareness, and sales enablement for convention services.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Expanded Creative Leadership: The company explicitly mentions significant long-term growth potential, including opportunities to take on expanded creative leadership responsibilities. This could lead to roles like Lead Designer or Art Director.

  • Skill Development: The preference for Premiere Pro and After Effects, along with the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio, allows for continuous skill enhancement in motion graphics, video, and various design applications.

  • Strategic Contribution: As the organization grows, the Senior Graphic Designer will have opportunities to contribute to the future direction of the design team and brand strategy, moving beyond execution to more strategic input.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "significant long-term growth potential" and "expanded creative leadership responsibilities" is a strong signal for ambitious designers looking to advance their careers within a growing organization. This role is positioned as a stepping stone to higher levels of creative influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an "in-office position" based in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, meaning it is an on-site role with no remote work option available. The environment is likely a corporate office setting within the resort complex, designed to support the marketing and design departments.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is 1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, 53965. This location is within the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions property.

Workspace Context:

  • The role requires collaboration across departments, suggesting a dynamic office environment where interaction with marketing, sales, and potentially other operational teams is common.

  • Access to industry-standard design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office) is expected, facilitating efficient workflow and creative output.

  • The fast-paced environment implies a need for a workspace that supports focus while also accommodating collaborative brainstorming and feedback sessions.

Work Schedule: As a full-time position, the standard work schedule is expected to be around 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of marketing campaigns and the hospitality industry, there might be occasional requirements for flexibility to meet critical deadlines or support special events.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "in-office" nature of this role is clearly stated, which is important for candidates who prefer or require a physical workspace. The collaborative aspect suggests an environment where teamwork is valued, and opportunities to interact with various business units are present.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Applications will likely be screened based on the resume and, most critically, the submitted digital portfolio.

  • Portfolio Review: The core of the initial evaluation will be the portfolio submission, assessing the quality, diversity, and relevance of the design work, as well as the clarity of the applicant's role and problem-solving approach.

  • Interviews: Candidates who pass the portfolio review will likely undergo interviews with the Corporate Design Director and potentially other members of the marketing or leadership team. These interviews will assess technical skills, creative thinking, project management abilities, cultural fit, and experience.

  • Case Study/Challenge: It's common for senior design roles to include a practical exercise or case study, either pre-interview or during the interview process, to evaluate problem-solving skills and design process in real-time.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select your strongest and most relevant work that aligns with hospitality, tourism, and branding. Ensure a good mix of print and digital examples.

  • Showcase Your Role: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, contributions, and the impact of your design. Use the requested summary format.

  • Highlight Problem-Solving: The "most proud" and "significant challenge" projects are key. Be prepared to discuss your thought process, design decisions, and how you overcame obstacles. Quantify results if possible.

  • Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio link is active and your PDF is well-organized and visually appealing. Proofread all text meticulously.

  • Adhere to Instructions: Follow the subject line format precisely for your email submission to employment@kalahariresorts.com.

Challenge Preparation:

  • If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

  • Prioritize and manage your time effectively, allocating sufficient time for conceptualization, design, and presentation.

  • Be prepared to articulate your design rationale, showing how your solutions meet the objectives and align with brand principles.

  • Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about your process and decisions.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process places a heavy emphasis on the portfolio. Candidates must treat the portfolio submission not just as a collection of work but as a direct demonstration of their skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand strategy within a professional context. The specific instructions for the portfolio email are critical.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory, specifically including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Bridge, and Acrobat. These are the core tools for graphic design, illustration, photo editing, page layout, and file management.

  • Adobe Premiere Pro & After Effects: Experience is preferred, indicating a need or desire for skills in video editing, motion graphics, and animation to create dynamic digital content.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design assets perform digitally (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) would be beneficial, implying a need for familiarity with basic analytics concepts or tools used by the marketing team. CRM & Automation:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required, which are essential for communication, project management, and general office productivity within a corporate setting.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is standard for graphic designers. The preference for Premiere Pro and After Effects suggests the company is moving towards more dynamic, video-driven content marketing, which is a growing trend in the hospitality industry.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Guest-Centricity: The core value of "delivering the Kalahari Experience" and "crafting unforgettable experiences" means design work should always consider the guest perspective and aim to enhance their journey.

  • Love & Care: The "Lead with Love" philosophy suggests a culture that values empathy, respect, and positive relationships among team members and with guests. Design work should reflect this positive and welcoming tone.

  • Excellence & Quality: The emphasis on "high-impact," "memorable," and "polished, accurate work" highlights a commitment to producing top-tier creative output.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: The requirement to "collaborate across departments" and the potential for mentoring junior designers indicate that teamwork and effective communication are highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The Senior Graphic Designer will work closely with marketing, sales, and potentially operations teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into visual solutions.

  • Feedback-Oriented: Thriving in a "fast-paced environment" and embracing "feedback" suggests a culture where constructive criticism is welcomed and used for continuous improvement.

  • Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: The preference for experience in mentoring junior designers implies a culture that supports learning and development within the team, encouraging the sharing of best practices.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "Lead with Love," are central to its identity. This suggests that candidates who can demonstrate empathy, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative spirit will be well-suited for the team culture.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: The role requires creating materials for multiple Kalahari assets and potentially managed properties, demanding a strong understanding of core brand guidelines while adapting them to specific contexts.

  • Fast-Paced Environment & Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects simultaneously for different campaigns and departments requires exceptional time management, prioritization, and the ability to maintain high quality under pressure.

  • Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying current with digital design trends, social media platform changes, and new advertising technologies to ensure creative assets remain effective and engaging.

  • Translating Strategic Objectives into Visuals: Effectively interpreting marketing and business goals into compelling visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Software Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and gain proficiency in motion graphics tools (Premiere Pro, After Effects).

  • Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a leadership role, managing projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to strategic creative direction.

  • Industry Exposure: Working within the dynamic hospitality and entertainment sector provides exposure to diverse marketing challenges and creative solutions in a high-visibility industry.

  • Cross-Departmental Learning: Collaborating with marketing, sales, and other departments offers insights into broader business operations and strategic planning.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a large, dynamic organization. The growth opportunities are clearly linked to the company's expansion and its stated commitment to internal development, offering a clear path for career advancement.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for developing a creative campaign from brief to final execution. How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple touchpoints?" (Assesses process, strategic thinking, and brand management.)

  • "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you navigate the situation and arrive at a successful design solution?" (Tests collaboration, problem-solving, and stakeholder management.)

  • "How do you approach designing for different channels (print vs. digital vs. social media)? What are the key considerations for each?" (Evaluates technical understanding and channel-specific design expertise.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Kalahari Resorts & Conventions and our brand? How do you see your design skills contributing to our 'Lead with Love' philosophy?" (Assesses research, brand understanding, and cultural alignment.)

  • "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you incorporate them into our hospitality brand while maintaining our established identity?" (Gauges industry awareness and creative judgment.)

  • "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or leading creative projects. What is your approach to providing constructive feedback?" (Evaluates leadership potential and team collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, craft a narrative that explains the challenge, your role, your creative process, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved.

  • Highlight Impact: Focus on how your design contributed to business objectives (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch, improved brand perception). Use metrics where possible.

  • Showcase Versatility: Be prepared to discuss examples of both print and digital work, and if applicable, motion graphics.

  • Address Challenges: Clearly articulate the "significant challenge" project, detailing the problem, your analytical approach, and the innovative solutions you developed.

  • Professionalism: Maintain a confident and articulate demeanor. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices and technical skills.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a clear understanding of how design impacts business objectives, especially within the hospitality context. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided URL on ADP.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 5-7 projects that showcase both print and digital design expertise, particularly any relevant to hospitality, tourism, or lifestyle brands. Ensure each project includes a brief summary of your role and contribution.

  • Prepare Your Case Studies: Identify one project you are most proud of and one that presented a significant challenge. Be ready to articulate your thought process, problem-solving approach, and the outcomes for each.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of professional experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, project management skills, and any experience with motion graphics or mentoring. Ensure keywords from the job description are naturally integrated.

  • Email Your Portfolio: Send your digital portfolio (link or PDF) to employment@kalahariresorts.com with the subject line: Subject: {Your Name} | Senior Graphic Designer Portfolio. Failure to follow this instruction may result in disqualification.

  • Research Kalahari: Familiarize yourself with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, their brand identity, their "Lead with Love" philosophy, and their various properties. Understand their market position and target audience.

āš ļø 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience and advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates must submit a digital portfolio demonstrating both print and digital work to be considered.