Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 3+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as a senior creative leader, responsible for high-quality design production and the oversight of major design projects from concept through completion.

• Approximately 65-75% of the role's focus is on hands-on design execution, with the remaining time dedicated to strategic input and project leadership.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will act as the primary design expert, ensuring all visual output aligns with and elevates the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's brand standards and strategic objectives.

• This position requires a strong partnership with the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to ensure design initiatives directly support organizational goals and enhance visual storytelling across all platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is "Graphic Designer," the "Senior" designation and responsibilities like "creative leader," "overseeing major projects," and "providing creative direction" indicate a role with significant autonomy and strategic input, often found in more senior operations-adjacent creative functions. The emphasis on aligning design with marketing and organizational goals suggests a connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) enablement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design and production of the Frank Lloyd Wright Quarterly magazine, focusing on exceptional visual storytelling and editorial design.

• Execute hands-on design work for a variety of assets, including print collateral, digital media, environmental graphics, and multimedia content, comprising 65-75% of the role's duties.

• Function as the principal design authority, offering expert creative direction and ensuring rigorous adherence to established brand guidelines and visual identity.

• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of significant design projects, proactively coordinating timelines, prioritizing tasks, and optimizing workflows in close collaboration with the marketing team.

• Forge a strategic partnership with the CMO to ensure all design outputs are tightly aligned with overarching marketing strategies and the Foundation's broader organizational objectives.

• Take on a leading design role for high-impact Foundation initiatives, skillfully balancing direct design contributions with overarching project leadership and strategic oversight.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal departments, including the Taliesin Institute, Public Engagement and Learning, and Advancement, to translate their strategic requirements into compelling and effective visual solutions.

• Conduct thorough reviews and refinements of creative assets to guarantee technical accuracy, brand consistency, and overall design excellence.

• Contribute to the active management of the design project pipeline, effectively prioritizing incoming design requests and coordinating efficiently with external vendors and freelance creatives.

• Maintain, organize, and optimize the Foundation’s digital asset management (DAM) system, ensuring brand materials are easily accessible, well-cataloged, and consistently up-to-date.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior designers or freelance collaborators, offering constructive feedback and fostering professional development within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize end-to-end project ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic alignment with marketing goals, which are critical in GTM operations. The mention of managing vendors and digital asset libraries also points to operational efficiency within the creative function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of progressive professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record demonstrated through a robust portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in graphic design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex design projects simultaneously, from ideation through final delivery.

• Strong understanding of brand stewardship, maintaining visual consistency across all touchpoints.

• Exceptional visual storytelling capabilities, able to translate complex ideas into engaging visual narratives.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale effectively.

• Proven experience collaborating effectively with internal marketing teams, leadership, and other cross-functional departments.

• Experience in publication design, particularly with magazines or similar long-form print collateral. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Familiarity with environmental graphics or exhibit design.

• Basic understanding of multimedia asset creation or video editing principles.

• Experience mentoring junior designers or managing freelance creative resources.

• Knowledge of print production processes and vendor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio featuring "publications and multi-channel campaigns" and "cross-functional collaboration" directly aligns with GTM enablement and marketing operations needs, where visual assets must support broader campaigns and sales enablement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on publication design (e.g., magazines, reports) and multi-channel campaign assets.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage projects from initial concept to final execution, highlighting their role in the process.

• Evidence of strong brand stewardship and ability to maintain visual consistency across diverse platforms and projects.

• Examples that illustrate effective visual storytelling and the ability to translate strategic objectives into compelling design solutions.

• Case studies or project breakdowns that detail the design process, challenges overcome, and final outcomes, preferably with measurable results or impact. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how design projects were managed, including workflow planning, prioritization, and timeline adherence.

• Demonstrate understanding of brand guidelines and processes for ensuring their consistent application across all design outputs.

• Provide insights into how creative assets were reviewed and refined, illustrating quality control mechanisms.

• Illustrate experience in collaborating with internal teams and external vendors, detailing communication and coordination processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates project management, brand stewardship, and collaboration is crucial for roles that support GTM strategies. This indicates a need for designers who understand the operational aspects of creative production and its impact on marketing and sales efforts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $62,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Paid time off (PTO) package.

• Health insurance: The Foundation covers up to 90% of monthly health-care premiums for employees.

• Life insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee.

• Short-term disability insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee.

• Long-term disability insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee.

• Long-term care insurance policies: Provided at no cost to the employee.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary provided is a fixed annual figure. For a Senior Graphic Designer role with an on-site requirement in Scottsdale, Arizona, this salary is at the lower end of the market range, especially considering the high percentage of hands-on work and project leadership. A typical range for a Senior Graphic Designer in this market could be $70,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on specific experience and portfolio strength. The benefits package is robust, particularly the employer-paid premiums for health insurance and the inclusion of disability and long-term care policies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit, Cultural Heritage, Education, Architecture. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation preserves and promotes the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright, fostering an appreciation for architecture, design, and sustainable living through its historic sites, educational programs, and archives.

Company Size: Medium-sized organization (specific employee count not provided by input, but typically such foundations range from 50-200 employees). This size offers a balance of established processes with opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was established in 1940. This long history signifies a stable organization with a deep-rooted mission and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Communications department, potentially with a dedicated creative team or working closely with marketing specialists.

• Direct reporting line to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), indicating a strategic and high-visibility position within the marketing function.

• Close collaboration with various departments such as the Taliesin Institute (education), Public Engagement and Learning, and Advancement (fundraising/development), requiring strong cross-functional operational alignment. Methodology:

• Emphasis on brand stewardship and visual storytelling, indicating a structured approach to maintaining brand integrity and communicating the Foundation's mission.

• Project management methodologies will be crucial for overseeing design initiatives from concept to completion, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.

• Collaborative approach to design problem-solving, encouraging input from various stakeholders to achieve optimal visual solutions.

• Focus on asset management and organization to ensure efficient access to and use of brand materials.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Foundation's mission-driven nature suggests a culture that values dedication, creativity, and impact. The size and history imply a need for operational efficiency within creative services, directly supporting the organization's outreach and educational goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" Graphic Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the creative function. It requires not only strong design execution but also leadership in project management, creative direction, and strategic alignment with marketing objectives. This level suggests a transition from pure execution to a more strategic and guiding role.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This high-level reporting structure underscores the strategic importance of the role and its direct influence on the Foundation's brand perception and marketing effectiveness.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer plays a vital role in shaping the visual narrative of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Their work directly impacts how the organization communicates its mission, engages its audience, and supports its fundraising and educational initiatives. Effective design is crucial for brand recognition, audience engagement, and ultimately, achieving the Foundation's operational and strategic goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in creative direction and project leadership, potentially leading to a Creative Director or Art Director role within the Foundation or a similar organization.

• Specialization in Publication/Brand Design: Chance to become a subject matter expert in high-quality publication design and long-term brand stewardship for a renowned cultural institution.

• Cross-Functional Project Management: Development of advanced skills in managing complex, cross-departmental projects, enhancing capabilities in operational workflow optimization and stakeholder management.

• Mentorship and Team Building: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, contributing to team development and fostering a collaborative creative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting structure to the CMO and the blend of hands-on work with leadership responsibilities suggest a role with significant potential for career advancement, particularly in areas requiring strategic creative operations and brand management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site position at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's location in Scottsdale, Arizona. This implies working within a unique architectural setting that can be inspirational and conducive to creative work.

Office Location(s): 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. This location is within the iconic Taliesin West campus, offering a stimulating and historically rich work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Inspiring Environment: The workspace is situated within a world-renowned architectural landmark, offering a unique and visually stimulating atmosphere that can foster creativity and passion for design.

• Collaborative Hub: The role requires close interaction with marketing teams and other departments, suggesting a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and idea exchange.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard professional design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially digital asset management tools within a professional office setting.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week). While primarily on-site, the nature of design projects might occasionally require some flexibility to meet deadlines, though the core operations are expected to adhere to standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at Taliesin West is a significant draw for this role, offering a unique cultural and professional environment. The "moderate noise level" and "weather and desert environmental conditions" are standard for an office setting in Arizona.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and impact. This is an opportunity to demonstrate visual storytelling and project management skills.

• Skills-Based Interview: Questions focusing on technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, brand stewardship, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess alignment with the Foundation's mission, values, and collaborative work environment. Interactions with the CMO and potentially other team members.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher leadership, focusing on strategic thinking and long-term vision for design within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills: publication design, multi-channel campaigns, brand consistency, and project management.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., engagement metrics, successful campaign reach).

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase instances where you worked effectively with marketing teams, stakeholders, or external partners.

• Demonstrate Brand Stewardship: Include examples where you successfully applied or evolved brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and any specific techniques used.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential take-home design challenge or an in-person exercise focused on creating assets for a specific Foundation initiative or adapting existing materials.

• Brand Application: Practice applying the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's brand guidelines to hypothetical scenarios.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common design challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or translating complex information into visual formats.

• Articulate Strategy: Be ready to explain the strategic thinking behind your design choices and how they support broader organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role, while the reporting structure to the CMO suggests that strategic thinking and alignment with organizational goals will also be heavily evaluated.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in InDesign (for publications), Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, icons), and Photoshop (for image editing, digital assets).

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Experience with organizing, cataloging, and retrieving digital assets is preferred. Specific system not mentioned, but general understanding is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a designer, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website analytics, social media engagement, campaign performance) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic reporting dashboards for marketing performance would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to core design tasks, but understanding how marketing automation platforms or CRM systems are used to distribute content can inform design choices for digital channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with DAM systems is noted as a preference, indicating the operational aspect of managing creative assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Alignment: A strong commitment to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's mission of preserving and promoting architecture, design, and sustainable living. Operations in this context means supporting this mission through impactful creative work.

• Excellence in Craft: Dedication to producing high-quality, aesthetically refined, and technically sound design outputs that reflect the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, actively listening to needs and contributing collaboratively to achieve shared objectives.

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and commitment to upholding the Foundation's brand standards and visual identity across all communications.

• Efficiency & Organization: Maintaining organized digital assets and managing project workflows efficiently to ensure timely and effective delivery of creative materials.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with marketing, education, advancement, and potentially curatorial or archival departments. The expectation is to be an active participant in cross-departmental projects.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on creative work to elevate the quality and effectiveness of designs.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, potential challenges, and creative recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative passion, operational discipline (brand integrity, efficiency), and collaborative spirit, crucial for a non-profit environment supporting a significant cultural legacy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Hands-on Design with Leadership: Effectively managing the split between 65-75% hands-on design work and the remaining time dedicated to project leadership, creative direction, and strategic input.

• Translating Diverse Needs: Collaborating with various departments (Taliesin Institute, Advancement, etc.) with potentially different strategic goals and translating these into cohesive visual solutions that align with the overarching brand.

• Upholding a Prestigious Brand: Consistently meeting the high aesthetic and quality standards associated with the Frank Lloyd Wright name and legacy across all design outputs.

• Managing Workflow and Priorities: Effectively prioritizing and managing a steady stream of design requests from multiple internal stakeholders while maintaining project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Brand Expertise: Become an unparalleled expert in the Frank Lloyd Wright brand identity and its application across various media.

• Advanced Publication Design: Opportunity to hone skills in complex editorial design and print production through the ongoing production of the Frank Lloyd Wright Quarterly.

• Strategic Creative Leadership: Gain experience in providing creative direction and influencing marketing strategy through direct partnership with the CMO.

• Cross-Disciplinary Project Exposure: Exposure to diverse projects across education, public engagement, and advancement, broadening understanding of organizational operations and marketing support needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong time management, communication, and adaptability. Growth opportunities are geared towards strategic creative development and leadership within a unique organizational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading a major design project from concept to completion, focusing on how you manage timelines and stakeholder input." (Focus on project management, workflow, and communication).

• "How would you ensure that all design assets created for the Foundation effectively communicate our mission and uphold our brand standards?" (Focus on brand stewardship, visual storytelling, and strategic alignment).

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance hands-on design work with project leadership responsibilities. How did you manage your time and priorities?" (Focus on time management, delegation, and prioritizing tasks). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's mission and legacy, and how do you see your design skills contributing to it?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

• "Describe your experience collaborating with marketing leadership or other departments on strategic initiatives. What makes for effective cross-functional partnerships?" (Highlight collaboration skills and understanding of organizational dynamics).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends while ensuring your work remains timeless and aligned with a strong brand identity?" (Showcase adaptability and brand awareness). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Use bullet points for clarity on your process and contributions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, reach, positive feedback).

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to work across different media (print, digital, environmental) and for different purposes (marketing campaigns, publications, internal communications).

• Emphasize Leadership: Point out projects where you took a lead role, managed timelines, or mentored others.

• Be Ready for Live Critiques: Prepare for potential questions about specific design choices or how you might adapt a piece for a different context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strong design execution, project management capabilities, brand understanding, and strategic alignment with the Foundation's mission, reflecting the blend of creative and operational responsibilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Craft a targeted resume: Highlight your 3+ years of professional design experience, emphasizing publication design, multi-channel campaigns, and project management. Use keywords from the job description such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "brand stewardship," and "visual storytelling."

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in publication design, campaign execution, brand consistency, and project leadership. Prepare to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes for each.

• Prepare for interview questions: Familiarize yourself with common interview questions related to design process, project management, brand alignment, and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss your interest in the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's mission.

• Research the Foundation: Thoroughly review the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's website, mission, and recent initiatives to understand their brand, audience, and strategic objectives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

---