Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual brand evolution and creative direction for The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

• Develop and execute impactful visual systems across digital, experiential, and organizational touchpoints, ensuring brand consistency and cohesion for campaigns, initiatives, and events.

• Serve as a senior creative thought partner, translating complex ideas into compelling visual narratives that resonate with diverse communities and advance TAAF's mission of belonging and prosperity.

• Lead the design and execution of integrated marketing assets for various channels, including social media, email, websites, reports, and fundraising materials, while also supporting flagship events with environmental graphics and collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior contributor, implying a need for strategic thinking, leadership in creative execution, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers, even if not explicitly stated as a management role. The focus on "creative thought partner" and "shaping the visual direction" suggests a high degree of autonomy and influence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate TAAF’s established brand identity into cohesive, impactful visual systems for all digital, experiential, and organizational touchpoints.

• Own, update, and maintain TAAF’s core brand assets, including comprehensive brand guidelines, marketing collateral, and design systems to ensure adherence and consistency.

• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Brand & Creative and cross-functional teams to develop and implement creative strategies that align with and support organizational priorities, campaigns, programs, and events.

• Lead the creative development for new initiatives, including research reports, events, campaigns, and programs, by establishing distinct visual identities, including logos, typography, graphic elements, and supporting brand assets.

• Occasionally present creative concepts and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders, effectively incorporating feedback while upholding design integrity and brand standards.

• Design and produce integrated marketing assets for both digital and print channels, encompassing social media graphics, email marketing templates, website elements, detailed research reports, presentations, one-pagers, and essential fundraising materials.

• Take a lead role in the visual design and brand expression for TAAF's major events, such as the TAAF Summit (1,000+ attendees), donor events, convenings, and community activations, covering environmental graphics, stage design, event collateral, signage, and attendee-facing materials.

• Develop compelling visual communications and assets specifically tailored for TAAF's core programs, including TALA, AAPI History Hub, TAAF Cities, and other strategic initiatives, ensuring distinct yet aligned branding.

• Create dynamic visual content, including motion graphics and animations, to enhance storytelling, improve audience engagement, and bring TAAF's mission to life visually.

• Uphold the highest standards of creative excellence and consistency across all brand touchpoints, with a keen focus on typography, information hierarchy, layout principles, accessibility, and user experience (UX).

• Manage and direct external creative partners, freelancers, and production vendors on a project-by-project basis, ensuring quality and adherence to timelines and brand standards.

• Actively support and refine creative operations by improving project workflows, implementing robust asset management systems, maintaining version control, optimizing production timelines, and streamlining approval processes.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in nonprofit marketing to continuously elevate TAAF's creative output and strategic impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic brand stewardship and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "leading creative development," "visual design for flagship events," and "managing external partners" indicates a senior-level role requiring project leadership and vendor management skills. The inclusion of "accessibility considerations" and "user experience" points to a modern design approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: 6 - 8+ years of progressive experience in graphic design, brand design, or visual communications, ideally within an in-house creative team, agency, nonprofit, or a mission-driven organization. Proven experience leading creative projects from initial concept through to final execution and production is essential.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating a wide range of design assets.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design tasks.

• Strong understanding of brand systems and visual identity development, with demonstrated experience building and applying design standards across diverse channels.

• Deep knowledge of digital and print production best practices, including meticulous file preparation, effective vendor management, crucial accessibility considerations, and platform-specific optimization techniques.

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a breadth of work in brand identity development, integrated campaign design, marketing communications, event branding, and multi-channel creative execution.

• Strong conceptual thinking abilities, with a proven capacity to translate complex organizational ideas and narratives into compelling and digestible visual stories.

• Proven experience presenting creative work and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders, with the ability to effectively incorporate feedback while maintaining design integrity.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and consistently high-quality execution.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills, essential for working effectively within a cross-functional team and with external partners.

• Strong command of typography, information hierarchy, and editorial layout principles for clear and impactful visual communication. Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of or experience working with nonprofit, advocacy, cultural, or mission-driven organizations, to better grasp the unique communication needs and sensitivities.

• Experience with motion design, animation, Adobe After Effects, video editing, or other multimedia storytelling tools to enhance engagement and narrative impact.

• Ability to transform complex organizational narratives into simple, digestible, and inspirational messages that resonate with target audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Skills" section suggests that while direct experience in the nonprofit sector is advantageous, strong foundational design skills and a willingness to learn are highly valued. The emphasis on Figma alongside Adobe Creative Suite indicates a modern design workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record in brand identity development, including logo design, brand guidelines, and system application across various mediums.

• Demonstrated experience in designing integrated marketing campaigns, highlighting concept development, execution across multiple channels (digital and print), and measurable impact.

• Case studies illustrating the design and execution of branding for events, including environmental graphics, collateral, and digital assets, with an emphasis on creating cohesive experiences.

• Examples of designing and producing complex print collateral such as reports, one-pagers, and fundraising materials, with clear evidence of production knowledge and attention to detail.

• Visuals demonstrating proficiency in creating digital assets for social media, email marketing, and web, showcasing an understanding of platform-specific best practices.

• A section dedicated to motion graphics or animation work, if applicable, to showcase dynamic storytelling capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of leading design projects from initial concept through to final production, detailing workflow stages and decision-making processes.

• Examples of how you have maintained and updated brand guidelines and design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrations of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into visual designs.

• Documentation or case studies that highlight your approach to managing external creative partners and production vendors, including project timelines and quality control.

• Examples of how you have incorporated accessibility and user experience best practices into your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, requiring not just aesthetic appeal but also demonstrated strategic thinking, process management, and production readiness. Applicants should prepare to discuss their role in each project, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved, with a focus on how their design decisions supported organizational goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $89,000 – $101,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee health and well-being.

• A competitive 401(k) match program, with TAAF matching 100% on the first 5% of your salary, to support long-term financial planning.

• Competitive pay, carefully benchmarked against the market to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is explicit and benchmarked. The benefits package is standard for a full-time role in a mission-driven organization, with a notable 401(k) match. The note about potential adjustments if the candidate is more or less experienced than anticipated is important for managing expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Social Services / Advocacy. TAAF operates within a sector focused on social impact, community development, and advocacy for underserved populations, specifically the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. This context implies a culture that values mission alignment, collaboration, and a commitment to social justice.

Company Size: The description doesn't explicitly state company size, but the mention of "TAAF continues to grow" and "flagship events, including the 1,000+ attendee TAAF Summit" suggests a medium to large-sized organization with significant reach and program scope. This implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact.

Founded: Launched in 2021, TAAF is a relatively new but rapidly growing foundation established in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address long-standing underinvestment in AAPI communities. This recent founding suggests an organization that is agile, innovative, and in a formative stage, with evolving processes and a strong sense of purpose.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Deputy Director of Brand & Creative, indicating a structured creative department within a larger Communications & Marketing team.

• This role is highly collaborative, partnering across the Communications & Marketing team and with teams throughout the organization, suggesting a matrixed or project-based collaboration model.

• The team likely consists of individuals with diverse skills in communications, marketing, and creative services, all working towards TAAF's overarching mission. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: TAAF conducts research to inform its communities and programs, suggesting an emphasis on data-backed strategies and communications.

• Storytelling & Awareness: The organization believes in the power of storytelling and conversation to advance its mission, indicating a focus on narrative-driven communications and campaigns.

• Cross-Sector Partnerships: TAAF engages in partnerships across sectors, suggesting a strategic and collaborative approach to achieving its goals.

Company Website: www.taaf.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and recent founding are key cultural drivers. The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping the visual identity of a rapidly evolving organization committed to significant social impact. Expect a fast-paced, mission-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is designated as "Senior Graphic Designer," indicating a position that requires advanced skills, experience, and the ability to lead creative projects independently. It suggests a level of expertise beyond entry-level or mid-level design roles, with a focus on strategic contribution and execution excellence.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Deputy Director of Brand & Creative. This hierarchical structure places the Senior Graphic Designer within a creative leadership framework, with opportunities to influence creative direction and collaborate with senior management.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work will have a direct and significant impact on TAAF's ability to communicate its mission, engage its target audiences, and advance its programmatic goals. By shaping the visual brand, this role will influence public perception, donor engagement, community outreach, and the overall effectiveness of TAAF's initiatives in promoting safety, belonging, and prosperity for the AAPI community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Art Director role as the organization expands its creative team and needs.

• Brand Strategy Influence: Opportunity to play a pivotal role in defining and evolving TAAF's visual identity, contributing to long-term brand strategy.

• Programmatic Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for specific programmatic areas like research, advocacy, and community events, becoming a go-to designer for critical initiatives.

• Skill Expansion: Possibility to develop skills in areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or even creative operations management, depending on organizational needs and personal development goals.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers or interns, fostering leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and reporting structure suggest a clear path for impact and potential growth within TAAF, especially given its recent founding and expansion. The emphasis on "creative thought partner" and shaping visual direction points to significant influence and learning opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The job is listed as "TELECOMMUTE" with a location in New York, and the description mentions TAAF as an "Equal Opportunity Employer." This suggests a hybrid model where some in-office presence is expected, likely for collaborative meetings and team synergy, while also offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. This is the primary location mentioned.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes close partnership with the Deputy Director of Brand & Creative and cross-functional teams, indicating a highly collaborative workspace where communication and teamwork are paramount.

• Mission-Driven Atmosphere: Working within a foundation dedicated to social impact means the environment will likely be passionate, purpose-driven, and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for the AAPI community.

• Dynamic & Evolving: As a recently founded organization, TAAF is likely to have an energetic and adaptable work environment where new ideas are encouraged and processes are continually refined.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While the role is hybrid, specific in-office days or requirements would typically be clarified during the interview process. The focus on project management and campaign execution may necessitate flexibility during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature allows for a balance between focused individual work and in-person collaboration. Candidates should inquire about the expected balance between remote and in-office days and how team collaboration is facilitated in this model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with TAAF's mission and visual brand needs.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their role, creative process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their design work. Be prepared to articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices.

• Skills-Based Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or case study to evaluate practical skills, conceptual thinking, and ability to translate briefs into visual solutions under timed conditions. Focus on how you approach a problem and develop creative options.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Deputy Director of Brand & Creative, other members of the Communications & Marketing team, and potentially representatives from other departments to assess collaboration style, cultural fit, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and alignment with TAAF's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this Senior Graphic Designer role. Prioritize work that demonstrates brand identity development, campaign design, event branding, and multi-channel execution.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the design process (ideation, concept development, execution), challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Use visual aids like sketches, mood boards, and mockups to illustrate your journey.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful event execution, brand consistency improvements). For a non-profit, emphasize how your design supported the mission and resonated with target audiences.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. If you have motion graphics or animation work, include a dedicated section.

• Address Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporate accessibility considerations into your design work.

• Tailor to TAAF: If possible, include a speculative piece or adapt a past project to show how you would approach designing for TAAF's mission and brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly and asking clarifying questions.

• Prioritize conceptual strength and strategic thinking over minor aesthetic details in the initial stages.

• Clearly articulate your design choices and rationale, linking them back to the brief's objectives.

• For a mission-driven organization like TAAF, consider how your design would authentically represent the AAPI community and TAAF's values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should meticulously prepare their portfolio to showcase not only design talent but also strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and a deep understanding of brand systems and their application across diverse platforms.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), InDesign (layout, print collateral, reports), and Photoshop (image editing, digital assets).

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for collaborative design, prototyping, UI/UX elements, and potentially design system management.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as a direct responsibility for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media engagement, website click-through rates) will be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) can help inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing automation tools (e.g., for email campaigns) are used can help in designing effective assets for those platforms.

Additional Tools Mentioned:

• Adobe After Effects: Preferred for motion graphics and animation.

• Video Editing Software: Preferred for multimedia storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable. Experience with motion graphics tools like After Effects is a significant plus, indicating a desire for dynamic visual content creation. Understanding the broader marketing tech stack can inform how design assets are integrated and utilized.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Alignment: A deep commitment to TAAF's mission of promoting safety, belonging, and prosperity for the AAPI community. This is likely the primary driver for all team members.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality creative output and embracing new design trends and technologies to elevate the brand.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Working effectively across diverse teams and with external partners, fostering an inclusive environment that respects different perspectives.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on how design can create tangible positive outcomes and advance TAAF's goals, rather than just aesthetic appeal.

• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding professional standards, ethical practices, and transparent communication in all interactions and design decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with communications, marketing, program teams, and potentially leadership. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate diverse needs into cohesive visual solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: The role involves presenting creative concepts and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, suggesting a culture that values constructive critique and iterative design processes.

• Partnership Approach: Working with external creative partners and freelancers necessitates a collaborative and management-oriented approach to ensure project success and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is deeply rooted in TAAF's mission. Successful candidates will be passionate about the cause, collaborative, and capable of delivering high-quality creative work that aligns with the organization's values and strategic objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Initiative-Specific Needs: Ensuring that distinct visual identities for programs and events remain cohesive with the overarching TAAF brand.

• Translating Complex Issues into Accessible Visuals: Effectively communicating sensitive and complex topics related to the AAPI community, discrimination, and social justice through design.

• Managing Multiple High-Profile Projects: Juggling design responsibilities for campaigns, reports, flagship events, and ongoing programs simultaneously, requiring strong prioritization and time management.

• Adapting to a Growing Organization: Navigating evolving processes, workflows, and brand evolution as TAAF scales its operations and impact.

• Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively gathering input and managing expectations from a wide range of individuals with different perspectives and needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Brand Strategy: Gaining extensive experience in brand stewardship, visual identity development, and applying design systems at a large scale for a mission-driven organization.

• Expanding Creative Skillset: Opportunity to develop expertise in motion graphics, animation, and potentially UX/UI design through project work and continuous learning.

• Event Design Expertise: Gaining significant experience in designing for large-scale events, including environmental graphics and comprehensive event collateral.

• Nonprofit Sector Insights: Developing a nuanced understanding of communications and design challenges within the nonprofit and advocacy space.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the creative function within TAAF.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges within a meaningful context. The ability to adapt, learn, and contribute strategically will be key to success and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual identity for a new program or initiative, ensuring it aligns with a larger organizational brand." (Focus on methodology, research, stakeholder input, and iterative design).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of touchpoints, from social media graphics to print reports and event signage?" (Highlight brand guidelines, design systems, and quality control processes).

• "Walk us through a complex design project from concept to completion. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio).

• "How would you approach designing visuals for a major event like the TAAF Summit, considering environmental graphics, attendee materials, and stage design?" (Discuss your event branding process and creative considerations). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about TAAF's mission, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our goals?" (Research TAAF's work, recent campaigns, and values, and articulate your passion and alignment).

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you balance incorporating new styles with maintaining brand integrity?" (Discuss your learning habits and your approach to strategic trend adoption).

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a creative project. How did you navigate it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding solutions that uphold brand strategy). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially if you worked on a team or with external partners.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Final Output: Include sketches, mood boards, and early concepts to demonstrate your thinking.

• Emphasize Strategy: Explain the "why" behind your design choices – how they served the brief and TAAF's mission.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and production knowledge.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a lecture. Ask clarifying questions and be open to discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not only your design skills but also your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of how design serves organizational goals, particularly within the context of a mission-driven non-profit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of brand identity development, integrated campaign design, event branding, and multi-channel execution, tailored to showcase relevance to TAAF's mission and target audience.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 6-8+ years of experience, expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any relevant nonprofit or mission-driven organization experience. Use keywords from the job description, such as "brand systems," "visual communication," "print production," and "motion graphics."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss how your skills align with TAAF's needs and values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), its mission, current campaigns, and recent initiatives. Understand their target audience and the communities they serve to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural understanding.

⚠️ 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.