Senior Graphic Designer (Employer Branding)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer (Employer Branding)

Company: Surfshark

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Employer Branding / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 2 remote days per week, with possibility to work from anywhere under WFA policy)

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the primary visual storyteller for Surfshark's employer brand, translating company culture and values into compelling visual narratives.

• Design a comprehensive range of employer branding assets, encompassing internal communications, external recruitment materials, event branding, conference decks, social media content, and internal newsletters.

• Own the end-to-end creative execution of employer branding initiatives, from initial concept development through to final pixel-perfect delivery, managing feedback and project timelines efficiently.

• Collaborate closely with the Employer Brand team and other cross-functional departments to conceptualize and execute high-quality visual content that reinforces company culture and attracts top talent.

• Continuously explore innovative methods for showcasing company life and pitching new creative ideas to stakeholders, fostering a culture of creative exploration and continuous improvement in employer branding efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the creative operations and employer branding function, requiring a blend of design expertise and strategic understanding of how visual identity impacts talent acquisition and employee engagement. The emphasis on "systems" in the portfolio requirement suggests a need for candidates who can develop and maintain a consistent visual language across all employer-related touchpoints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide spectrum of employer branding collateral, including but not limited to: event graphics, presentation decks, social media visuals, internal communication materials, and recruitment campaign assets.

• Develop and maintain a cohesive and compelling visual identity for Surfshark as an employer, ensuring consistency across all internal and external platforms and communications.

• Partner with the Employer Brand team and HR to visually communicate company culture, values, and employee experiences, translating abstract concepts into engaging designs.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and effectively incorporating feedback from various stakeholders.

• Proactively research and propose new design trends, tools, and methodologies to enhance the employer brand's visual appeal and effectiveness.

• Ensure all creative output aligns with Surfshark's overarching brand guidelines while adapting them for specific employer branding contexts.

• Contribute to the strategic development of employer branding campaigns through creative input and visual execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic design function rather than pure execution. The candidate is expected to not only create visuals but also contribute to the "why" behind them, aligning with employer branding objectives and company culture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or a related field is often preferred in similar roles. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio can substitute formal education.

Experience: 5-10 years of proven professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on branding, marketing collateral, and visual storytelling. Experience specifically within employer branding or talent acquisition marketing is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Advanced proficiency in creating compelling visual assets for diverse applications.

• Employer Branding Acumen: Demonstrated understanding of how design influences perception in talent attraction and employee engagement.

• Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate complex ideas and company culture into engaging visual narratives.

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: In-depth knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other relevant design software.

• Brand System Thinking: Ability to design and maintain cohesive brand identities and style guides, demonstrating a "systems" approach to design.

• Marketing Visuals: Experience creating effective visuals for marketing and recruitment campaigns.

• Detail Orientation: Exceptional attention to detail for polished, error-free deliverables.

• Creative Execution: Proven ability to manage projects from concept to completion, handling feedback and revisions effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Photo Editing & Compositing: Experience in advanced photo manipulation to enhance visual storytelling.

• AI Tools Integration: Familiarity and experience using AI tools to augment design workflows and explore creative avenues.

• Motion Graphics/Animation: Basic understanding or experience in creating simple animations or motion graphics for digital assets.

• Web Design Principles: Understanding of web design best practices and how graphics translate to digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level (5-10 years) suggests a senior role requiring not just technical skill but also strategic thinking and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy in developing and executing employer branding creative. The emphasis on "systems" in the portfolio is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Systems-Based Design: Showcase a portfolio that demonstrates a strong ability to create and maintain cohesive visual systems across multiple touchpoints, not just isolated designs. This should include examples of how a consistent brand identity was applied to different employer branding initiatives.

• Employer Branding Focus: Include case studies or examples specifically related to employer branding, talent acquisition campaigns, or internal communications that highlight your understanding of this niche.

• Creative Process Documentation: Present your design process clearly, illustrating how you move from brief to concept to final execution, including how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs.

• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Examples that implicitly or explicitly demonstrate your expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you manage your design workflow, prioritize tasks, and optimize processes for efficiency, especially when handling multiple projects and stakeholder feedback.

• System Implementation: Describe how you've implemented and maintained visual systems for brands or specific campaigns, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Measurement & Analysis (Implicit): While not explicitly stated, a strong candidate will be able to articulate how their designs contribute to employer branding goals, demonstrating an understanding of performance metrics and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that "thinks in 'systems'" is paramount. Candidates should curate their portfolios to highlight their ability to develop and manage comprehensive visual identities for employer branding efforts, showcasing consistency and strategic application across various mediums.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 3000 - 4200 Eur/month (Gross). This range is based on the provided information and is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific skills and experience.

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Dedicated time for learning, access to conferences, online learning platforms, and books.

• Health and Wellness: Online workouts, physical coach, comprehensive health insurance, and regular mental health checks.

• Tools of Choice: Freedom to select the technical equipment and tools needed for optimal work performance.

• Community and Celebrations: Participation in company traditions like yearly workations, Friday get-togethers, team-building events, and company celebrations.

• Work-Life Balance: Encouragement of office-based work with flexibility for up to two remote days per week; Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy allowing work from most global locations.

• Additional Vacation: Increased vacation days based on tenure with the company.

• Premium Surfshark Accounts: Access to premium accounts for personal use, family, and friends.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work model encouraging office presence (3 days in office, up to 2 days remote) and a Work From Anywhere policy offering significant flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as gross per month. The hybrid model with a strong WFA policy indicates a modern, flexible work environment. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a notable emphasis on employee well-being and continuous learning, which is attractive for creative professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy. Surfshark operates in a dynamic and rapidly evolving tech sector, providing VPN services, antivirus software, and other privacy-focused tools. This industry often attracts innovative, forward-thinking individuals.

Company Size: The provided data doesn't specify exact size, but given it's a growing tech company with a global presence and a dedicated employer branding function, it's likely a medium to large organization (e.g., 200-1000+ employees). This size typically offers a balance of structured processes and opportunities for impact.

Founded: Surfshark was founded in 2018. Its relatively recent founding suggests a modern, agile, and potentially fast-paced company culture, focused on innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• Employer Branding Team: This role will be part of or closely collaborate with the Employer Brand team, which is responsible for shaping and communicating Surfshark's identity as an employer.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close partnership with Marketing, HR, Recruitment, and potentially other departments to ensure consistent messaging and visual representation of the company culture.

• Creative Department: Likely integrated within a broader creative or marketing department, allowing for synergy with other design and content professionals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Visuals: While the role is creative, there's an implied need to understand how visuals contribute to employer branding metrics and talent acquisition goals, suggesting a data-informed approach to creative strategy.

• Agile Development: Given the tech industry and company age, expect agile methodologies for project management and creative development, emphasizing quick iteration and adaptability.

• Innovation & Experimentation: The company culture encourages exploring new ideas, including the use of AI tools, suggesting an environment that values creative risk-taking and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://surfshark.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Surfshark's focus on cybersecurity and its founding date point to a company that is likely tech-savvy, innovative, and potentially values a strong, modern brand identity. The employer branding function is crucial for attracting talent in a competitive tech landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Graphic Designer. This level indicates significant experience and autonomy. The role is expected to lead creative execution for employer branding, mentor junior designers if applicable, and contribute strategically to visual identity development. It's a key individual contributor role with significant responsibility for shaping perceptions.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to an Employer Branding Manager, Head of Employer Branding, or a Creative Director within the Marketing or HR department. The role involves close collaboration with various teams.

Operations Impact: The visual output of this role directly impacts Surfshark's ability to attract and retain top talent. High-quality employer branding visuals can improve candidate experience, enhance employer reputation, and contribute to a stronger internal culture by reinforcing company values and employee pride.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in employer branding design, becoming a go-to specialist in visual talent attraction strategies.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead Designer role, managing visual aspects of employer branding or even leading a small creative team dedicated to this function.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to expand into broader marketing design, brand strategy, or even UX/UI design if interested, leveraging the foundational skills.

• Learning & Development: Access to dedicated learning time, conferences, and online platforms provides structured pathways for acquiring new skills and staying current with design trends and technologies, including AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Senior Designer role offers a clear path for impact within a critical function (employer branding) of a growing tech company. The emphasis on learning and development suggests a commitment to employee growth, making it an attractive position for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. While encouraging office presence (3 days/week), Surfshark offers significant flexibility with up to two remote days and a Work From Anywhere (WFA) policy, indicating a modern, trust-based culture.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Vilnius, Lithuania. The WFA policy means that while based in Vilnius, the candidate has the freedom to work from many other locations, offering unparalleled geographical flexibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on office days suggest opportunities for in-person collaboration, team building, and spontaneous idea sharing with colleagues.

• Tools & Technology: Employees are encouraged to choose their own technical equipment and tools, ensuring they have the optimal setup for their creative work. This indicates a focus on empowering employees with the best resources.

• Team Interaction: Regular team get-togethers, company celebrations, and team-building events foster a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (40 hours/week) are expected, but the hybrid and WFA policies provide flexibility in how and where those hours are best utilized to maintain work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Surfshark appears to be highly flexible and employee-centric, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the advantages of remote and global work. This is particularly appealing for creative roles where inspiration can strike anywhere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Expect to present your portfolio, highlighting your "systems-thinking" approach, employer branding experience, and proficiency in Figma/Adobe Suite. Be prepared to walk through specific projects and explain your design decisions and process.

• Technical Assessment: May involve a design challenge or a practical exercise to evaluate your skills in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and your ability to translate briefs into visual concepts under time constraints.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and potential team members to assess your problem-solving skills, communication style, ability to collaborate, and alignment with Surfshark's values and culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for "Systems": Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to create and maintain cohesive visual identities across multiple applications. Group projects by brand or campaign to demonstrate this.

• Highlight Employer Branding: Prioritize examples that directly relate to employer branding, talent acquisition, or internal communications. If direct experience is limited, showcase transferable skills from marketing or brand design.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for 2-3 key projects. Use slides or annotations to explain your thinking, challenges, and solutions.

• Detail Technical Proficiency: Ensure your work demonstrates mastery of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Mention specific features or techniques used.

• Quantify Impact (If possible): While difficult for design, try to link your work to outcomes. For example, "This campaign contributed to a X% increase in qualified applications" or "This internal communication design improved employee engagement with X initiative."

• AI Tool Integration: If you have used AI tools, be ready to discuss how you integrated them into your workflow to enhance creativity or efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge brief. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate not just technical skill but also strategic thinking. How does your design solve the problem or meet the objective?

• Time Management: Practice designing within a set timeframe. Be prepared to present your work even if it's not fully polished.

• Articulate Your Choices: Be ready to clearly explain the rationale behind your design decisions, including typography, color, layout, and imagery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "systems" portfolio and the inclusion of AI tools in preferred skills suggests that candidates should tailor their applications to demonstrate strategic design thinking and adaptability to new technologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Expected to be used extensively for creating and managing employer branding assets.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop (image editing, manipulation, digital art), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and potentially InDesign (layout for print/digital documents).

• AI Design Tools: Preferred but not mandatory. Tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, or Adobe Firefly might be used for ideation, asset generation, or enhancing existing designs.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary tool for a designer, understanding how design impacts metrics is key. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) to understand content performance would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly used by the designer, but understanding how employer branding materials are deployed through recruitment platforms or marketing automation tools could be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-thinking company that values designers who embrace technological advancements to improve creative output and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to explore new ideas, experiment with design approaches, and push creative boundaries, especially with the openness to AI tools.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working closely with diverse teams, sharing ideas openly, and providing constructive feedback to achieve shared goals.

• Impact & Ownership: Taking pride in the work, owning projects from start to finish, and understanding how design contributes to business objectives like talent acquisition.

• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced tech environment, adapting to changing priorities, and continuously learning new skills.

• Work-Life Balance: A culture that respects personal time and offers flexibility to ensure employees can perform at their best without burnout.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engaging with HR, Marketing, and Recruitment to ensure employer branding visuals are aligned with strategic goals and brand messaging.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: Openness to constructive criticism and a willingness to iterate on designs based on stakeholder input and performance data.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture where design insights, best practices, and learnings (especially from new tools like AI) are shared amongst the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value creativity, collaboration, and a results-oriented approach, balanced with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and flexibility. This is ideal for a senior creative role where autonomy and strategic input are expected.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Employer Brand Needs: Ensuring employer branding visuals align with the core Surfshark brand while also having a distinct identity that appeals to potential hires.

• Translating Abstract Culture into Visuals: The inherent challenge of visually representing intangible aspects like company culture, values, and employee experience in a compelling and authentic way.

• Keeping Up with Design Trends & Technology: The rapid evolution of design tools (especially AI) and visual trends requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Collaborating with multiple departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences, requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Employer Branding Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses focused specifically on employer branding design strategies.

• New Tool Adoption: Hands-on experience and training with emerging AI design tools and other cutting-edge creative technologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning about recruitment marketing, HR strategies, and broader company objectives to better inform design decisions.

• Mentorship & Peer Learning: Opportunities to learn from senior team members and share knowledge with peers, fostering a continuous learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth by tackling complex visual challenges in a dynamic industry. The company's commitment to learning ensures that employees can stay at the forefront of design innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a visual system for our employer brand that differentiates Surfshark in the competitive cybersecurity industry?" (Focus on systems thinking, brand alignment, and target audience).

• "Describe a time you had to translate a company's core values or culture into a visual campaign. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Showcase process, storytelling, and impact).

• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies, particularly in areas like AI-assisted design? Can you give an example of how you've incorporated a new tool or trend into your work?" (Demonstrate proactivity and adaptability). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about Surfshark, what do you think are the key visual elements that would resonate with potential employees?" (Show research and understanding of the company's identity and target talent).

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders when working on a design project?" (Assess collaboration and communication skills).

• "What does 'work-life balance' mean to you, and how do you ensure it while working in a hybrid or remote environment?" (Understand alignment with company values and flexibility policies). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: Structure your presentation around stories. For each project, explain the problem, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.

• Emphasize "Systems": Clearly demonstrate how your work forms a cohesive visual system. Use visual examples of brand guides or style sheets if applicable.

• Highlight Employer Branding: Dedicate significant time to employer branding projects. If you lack direct experience, frame marketing or brand projects through an employer branding lens.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to briefly discuss your proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, perhaps by showing a complex manipulation or a Figma component system.

• Discuss AI Integration: If you have relevant experience, be prepared to talk about how you've used AI tools to enhance your workflow or creativity.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice your delivery to be clear, confident, and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic design thinking, a systems-based approach, and adaptability, particularly concerning new technologies like AI and the nuances of employer branding.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer (Employer Branding) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest projects, specifically highlighting those that demonstrate a "systems" approach to design and any employer branding or talent acquisition-related work. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases your proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your years of experience, key skills (graphic design, employer branding, Figma, Adobe Suite, visual storytelling), and any experience with AI tools or photo editing. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to articulate how you'd approach employer branding at Surfshark.

• Research Surfshark: Understand their current employer branding efforts (if visible), their company culture, and their position in the cybersecurity market. 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.

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