SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: NEXCOM

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time (35+ hours)

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead creative content development for multi-channel marketing campaigns, driving customer engagement through compelling visuals and design.

• Lead and mentor junior design staff, fostering a collaborative environment for creative problem-solving and project execution.

• Drive brand consistency and elevate user experience across all digital and print marketing assets, adhering to strict brand standards.

• Manage creative projects from concept to completion, coordinating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve business objectives.

• Expand design capabilities into digital, multimedia, and emerging formats, staying at the forefront of design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer with significant leadership and project management responsibilities, rather than a pure operations role. However, the description emphasizes the operational aspects of creative content delivery, brand management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are crucial for Marketing Operations. The 18-month project scope suggests a focused initiative within the broader marketing operations framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Originate creative and engaging content from various assets for delivery across NEXCOM's digital channels, including web, email, social media, paid search, blogs, and print media.

• Lead creative marketing projects, guiding project teams and integrating input from leadership and stakeholders while upholding brand standards and delivering effective creative solutions.

• Mentor and train junior graphic designers on daily responsibilities in close collaboration with marketing leadership, fostering skill development and team growth.

• Expand creative capabilities beyond traditional print into digital, multimedia, and other advanced design formats to enhance campaign reach and impact.

• Supervise photography shoots, ensuring brand consistency and creative direction align with marketing objectives, and collaborate on developing comprehensive creative briefs.

• Develop sophisticated design layouts and animations for email marketing, social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and Google Ads campaigns.

• Code and slice emails using Salesforce Marketing Cloud to ensure optimal rendering and user experience across various email clients.

• Create compelling web advertising assets, including weekly static and animated panels, brand shops, and gift guides, collaborating with web production teams to enhance site experience.

• Conceptualize and execute design layouts through effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and by synthesizing multiple input sources into cohesive visual narratives.

• Ensure a strong user experience by collaborating closely with NEXCOM associates and fellow designers to refine design aesthetics and functionality.

• Develop multiple design concepts per project to maintain brand consistency, meet diverse business goals, and continuously improve customer experience.

• Maintain and rigorously enforce NEXCOM branding standards across all media, ensuring a unified brand identity.

• Review input data for accuracy in layout, sequencing, and execution, verifying that all media versions are correct and complete before deployment.

• Utilize merchandising direction, promotional schedules, intent documents, and product details to craft engaging and effective content.

• Develop page, email, website, and social media layouts using Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring consistent branding and thematic alignment across all platforms.

• Collaborate with Content Management Specialists to develop copy specifications, headlines, pricing, and supporting content, ensuring synergy between visuals and text.

• Coordinate with photographers to ensure styling, models, backgrounds, and merchandise accuracy meet brand standards and creative vision.

• Direct lifestyle photography to build emotional customer engagement and brand storytelling.

• Estimate photography shoot costs and manage projects to ensure completion within budget constraints.

• Review photography for color accuracy, balance, and merchandise presentation, ensuring high-quality visual output.

• Review proofs for clarity, consistency, and accuracy, implementing necessary revisions before final delivery.

• Prepare and deliver advertising materials punctually according to project timelines and campaign schedules.

• Ensure compliance with prepress requirements, including color correction, photo manipulation, and digital formatting standards, for seamless production.

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, HTML/HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, Oracle Endeca, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud to support diverse project needs.

• Identify and implement process improvements within the creative workflow with a focus on measurable outcomes and efficiency gains.

• Contribute as a highly energized, visionary, and results-oriented member of the creative team, driving innovation and impact.

• May supervise 2-3 junior Graphic Designers based on organizational needs and project scope.

• Work under the general supervision of the Creative Manager or higher-level marketing staff, escalating complex issues as needed.

• Work is reviewed for adherence to timelines and objectives under a management-by-objectives program.

• Travel may be required for specific projects or team needs.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities section is extensive and covers both strategic creative leadership and tactical execution. For an operations professional, understanding the emphasis on process improvement, adherence to timelines, budget management, and system proficiency (Salesforce Marketing Cloud, HTML/CSS, JavaScript) is key. The leadership and mentoring aspects highlight potential for team development within a structured project environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or a related field is preferred, aligning with the substitution of education for experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in technical or creative design work, including photography retouching and Macintosh computer production. This experience should demonstrate knowledge of techniques and methods for developing advertising, promotions, and marketing materials.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Strong conceptual ability and expertise in developing layouts, designs, and production management for multi-layer marketing campaigns.

• Proven ability to maintain brand aesthetic and work within corporate and retailer style guides.

• Demonstrated leadership experience within a design team, showcasing self-initiative and motivation to manage areas of responsibility.

• Highly organized with excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Experience with Macintosh graphics and design computer systems.

• Skills in development and implementation of various types of advertising, promotional, and marketing media, both electronic and print.

• Experience with user experience (UX) principles and their application in design.

• Ability to code and slice emails in Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Oracle Endeca.

• Experience directing lifestyle photography and managing photo shoots.

• Knowledge of prepress requirements, including color correction, photo manipulation, and digital formatting standards.

• Experience in developing designs for social media platforms and Google Ads.

• Project management skills for leading creative initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly delineate between general experience and specialized experience. For operations candidates, the emphasis on technical skills like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, along with the ability to manage projects and implement process improvements, are critical operational competencies. The "management-by-objectives" review process highlights a performance-driven environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite across print and digital media.

• Include examples of multi-layer marketing campaigns with explanations of your role in layout design, production management, and achieving campaign objectives.

• Present case studies highlighting how you maintained brand consistency and adhered to style guides for different clients or projects.

• Demonstrate experience in developing digital content for web, email, and social media, including examples of animations or interactive elements.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have identified and implemented process improvements within a creative workflow, ideally with documented measurable outcomes.

• Illustrate your approach to managing project timelines, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery of advertising materials.

• Showcase your understanding of prepress requirements and digital formatting standards through project examples.

• Include examples of how you have used merchandising direction, promotional schedules, or product details to inform creative content development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the job description's emphasis on demonstrating skills through past work (e.g., "proven leadership," "experience creating layouts") necessitates a strong portfolio. For operations professionals, the portfolio should emphasize process optimization, project management, and successful implementation of creative strategies that align with business goals and brand standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 3+ years of specialized experience in a mid-sized market like Virginia Beach, the estimated annual salary range is between $70,000 and $95,000. This estimate considers the required technical proficiencies (Adobe Suite, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Salesforce Marketing Cloud) and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Benefit eligible position, suggesting comprehensive benefits typically including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Robust coverage options for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to enhance design and operational skills.

• Employee Discount Programs: Common for retail organizations like NEXCOM.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard protection plans.

Working Hours: 35+ hours per week, indicating a standard full-time work schedule with potential for project-driven overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Senior Graphic Designer role in the US with the specified experience and skill set, adjusted for location and industry. NEXCOM is a retail organization, so employee discounts are a highly probable benefit. The "benefit eligible" status is a key indicator of a comprehensive benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail / E-commerce / Government & Military Services (NEXCOM operates under the Navy Exchange Service Command, serving the military community). This unique industry context means the creative output will likely cater to a specific demographic with established brand expectations and operational requirements.

Company Size: NEXCOM is a large, non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the U.S. Department of Defense. This implies a stable, structured, and large organization with established processes and a significant operational footprint. For operations professionals, this means potential for clear career paths, robust HR systems, and a focus on efficiency and compliance.

Founded: NEXCOM was established in 1946. This long history suggests a well-established brand, deep operational experience, and a culture that values tradition alongside innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Creative Department.

• They will report to a Creative Manager or higher-level marketing staff, with potential to supervise 2-3 junior designers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven creative development, using merchandising direction, promotional schedules, and product details to inform design.

• Management-by-objectives program for performance review, emphasizing measurable outcomes and adherence to timelines.

• Focus on brand consistency and user experience as core drivers for creative output.

• Collaborative approach to project execution, integrating feedback from leadership and stakeholders.

• Emphasis on process improvement and identifying measurable outcomes for efficiency gains.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding NEXCOM's mission as a military retailer is crucial. Creative output will serve military members and their families, influencing brand messaging and design choices. The large organizational size suggests robust internal systems and established operational procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: The "Senior Graphic Designer" title, combined with potential supervisory duties and project leadership, places this role at a mid-to-senior level within the creative function. It bridges individual contributor expertise with early-stage team management and strategic project oversight, fitting within a broader GTM or Marketing Operations structure.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Creative Manager or higher-level marketing staff. May supervise 2-3 junior Graphic Designers, indicating a step towards leadership within the creative workflow.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts customer engagement, brand perception, and sales conversion through the creation of compelling marketing materials across all channels. By ensuring brand consistency and optimizing user experience, the designer contributes to the overall effectiveness of marketing operations and the achievement of business goals. The role's focus on process improvement also contributes to operational efficiency within the creative department.

Growth Opportunities:

• Team Leadership: Progression to a Creative Lead or Art Director role, managing larger teams and more complex projects.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in digital marketing design, animation, or specific platforms like Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into broader marketing operations, project management, or digital content strategy roles within NEXCOM.

• Process Improvement Expertise: Developing a reputation for driving efficiency and measurable outcomes in creative operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here leans towards creative leadership but also offers avenues into operational efficiency and project management within a large retail/government entity. The supervisory aspect is a key indicator of potential career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This suggests a traditional office setting expected to foster collaboration and direct team interaction.

Office Location(s): Virginia Beach, Virginia. This location may offer specific advantages for employees, depending on local amenities and cost of living.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative office environment where designers work closely with marketing leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Access to necessary software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite, Macintosh systems) for creative production.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with peers, managers, and project stakeholders to facilitate clear communication and efficient workflow.

• Potential for a dynamic work environment, especially given the 18-month project scope and fast-paced nature of retail marketing.

Work Schedule: Full-Time (35+ hours per week). While standard, the "35+" implies flexibility may exist, or that project demands could occasionally require more focused work periods. The focus on "adherence to timelines" suggests a results-oriented approach to managing the schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant. For operations professionals, this can mean better integration with teams and easier access to resources, but also less flexibility than remote roles. The collaborative aspect is key for design and marketing operations alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience, technical skills (Adobe Suite, HTML/CSS, JavaScript), and demonstrated creative leadership.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their role, design choices, and outcomes. A practical design challenge or case study related to retail marketing or brand consistency may be administered.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with the Creative Manager and potentially other marketing or design team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and problem-solving abilities.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior marketing leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with NEXCOM's mission and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of projects demonstrating expertise in print, digital (web, email, social media), and potentially animation.

• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Include projects where you led a team or mentored junior designers, explaining your approach and the results.

• Detail Your Process: For key projects, walk through your design process, from brief interpretation and concept development to execution and final delivery.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, adherence to budget).

• Emphasize Operational Skills: Include examples of how you managed project timelines, collaborated with cross-functional teams, or implemented process improvements.

• Brand Adherence: Clearly articulate how you maintained brand standards and style guides for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for conceptualizing designs based on marketing objectives and target audiences.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and how they align with business goals and brand identity.

• Familiarize yourself with retail marketing trends, e-commerce design best practices, and current social media design standards.

• Review NEXCOM's current marketing materials to understand their brand aesthetic and messaging, and be ready to discuss how you would contribute.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript in the context of email and web design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Operations candidates should frame their experience in terms of process, efficiency, and measurable outcomes, even within a creative context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required, including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Adobe Photoshop for all design and production tasks.

• Macintosh Computers: The primary operating system for design work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud: Required for coding and slicing emails, indicating a need for familiarity with its email marketing capabilities and potentially its analytics.

• Oracle Endeca: Mentioned as a tool a candidate should have knowledge of, suggesting it's used for web content management or e-commerce platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: General knowledge is listed, implying familiarity with CRM principles or potentially using Salesforce for campaign tracking or data integration.

• HTML/HTML5, CSS, JavaScript: Crucial for web advertising, email development, and potentially interactive elements on the NEXCOM website.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is a blend of creative tools and operational marketing technology. Proficiency in Salesforce Marketing Cloud and web development languages (HTML/CSS/JS) are key operational skills for this role, bridging creative execution with functional marketing delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enforcing NEXCOM's branding standards across all media is a paramount value, ensuring a consistent and professional image.

• Customer Engagement: A driving force for all creative output, aiming to create compelling content that resonates with the military community and drives interaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: High energy, broad vision, and results orientation are expected, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and projects are executed collectively.

• Efficiency & Process Improvement: Identifying and implementing process improvements with measurable outcomes is a key expectation, reflecting a commitment to operational excellence.

• Quality & Accuracy: Rigorous review of input data, proofs, and final deliverables ensures high standards of clarity, consistency, and accuracy in all creative work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with Content Management Specialists, web production, merchandising, and other marketing staff is essential for cohesive campaign development.

• Mentorship & Guidance: A willingness to mentor and train junior designers, sharing knowledge and best practices within the team.

• Feedback Incorporation: Ability to effectively integrate input from leadership and stakeholders while maintaining creative vision and brand integrity.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining strong oral and communication skills to ensure clear articulation of ideas, project updates, and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and operational rigor. For operations professionals, the focus on process, efficiency, and measurable outcomes, combined with strong collaboration skills, will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating marketing objectives and brand guidelines into innovative designs that meet strict corporate standards.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Stakeholders: Juggling diverse creative requests from various teams, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder satisfaction simultaneously.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Platforms: Staying current with fast-changing digital design trends, social media best practices, and email marketing technologies.

• Process Optimization in a Large Organization: Identifying and implementing efficiency improvements within established workflows in a large, structured entity like NEXCOM.

• Mentoring and Developing Junior Talent: Effectively guiding and inspiring junior designers while maintaining high standards for creative output and project delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software & Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, animation, or multimedia design.

• Digital Marketing Technology: Expanding knowledge in platforms like Salesforce Marketing Cloud, web analytics, and e-commerce integration tools.

• Project Management & Leadership: Developing skills in leading creative teams, managing project lifecycles, and overseeing budgets.

• Retail Marketing Strategy: Gaining deeper insight into the unique marketing challenges and strategies for the military retail sector.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing certifications relevant to digital design, marketing automation, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior creative roles but also touch upon operational aspects like process management and stakeholder alignment. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for both creative and operational skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses brand adherence and creative problem-solving)

• "Walk us through a multi-layer marketing campaign where you played a leadership role. What were the objectives, your specific contributions, and the measurable results?" (Evaluates project leadership, campaign execution, and impact)

• "How have you used data or merchandising direction to inform your design choices for a specific project? Provide an example." (Tests understanding of data-driven creativity and operational alignment)

• "Describe your process for identifying and implementing improvements within a creative workflow. What kind of measurable outcomes did you achieve?" (Focuses on process optimization and impact)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about NEXCOM's mission and customer base? How would you tailor designs for this specific audience?" (Tests research and audience understanding)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various digital and print channels?" (Evaluates understanding of brand management)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you work with cross-functional teams?" (Assesses teamwork and communication style)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved.

• Quantify Success: Use metrics whenever possible (e.g., engagement rates, click-through rates, conversion improvements, budget adherence).

• Highlight Operational Skills: Emphasize your project management, collaboration, and process improvement contributions within your creative work.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud in your projects.

• Tailor to NEXCOM: Select projects that best showcase your ability to work within brand guidelines and create engaging content for a retail or service-oriented audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational acumen – process thinking, leadership, and measurable impact. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies and results clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the NEXCOM Taleo career portal link provided.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Macintosh systems, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Emphasize any project leadership, team mentoring, or process improvement initiatives.

• Curate your portfolio: Select projects that showcase versatility across print and digital media, brand adherence, and ideally, demonstrate your impact with quantifiable results. Ensure it includes examples of leadership or mentorship if applicable.

• Prepare for case studies: Be ready to discuss how you would approach design challenges relevant to retail marketing, e-commerce, or brand consistency for NEXCOM. Practice articulating your creative process and problem-solving methods.

• Research NEXCOM: Understand their mission, target audience, and current marketing efforts. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their needs and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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