Social Media Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Social Media Graphic Designer

Company: Public Health Solutions (for NYC DOHMH)

Location: Long Island City, NY, US

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (Grant-Funded until November 2027)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute visually compelling graphics and digital assets for social media campaigns, ensuring alignment with public health messaging and agency brand guidelines.

• Translate complex health data, statistics, and information into easily understandable and engaging infographics, illustrations, charts, and graphs for diverse audiences.

• Collaborate closely with the Digital Communications and Design teams to maintain the visual identity of the Health Department's social media presence.

• Provide rapid-response design support for urgent public health situations and emergencies, often under tight deadlines and outside standard business hours.

• Contribute to the overall creative output of the Bureau of Communications, potentially assisting with print, web, and video design as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designed for a graphic designer with a strong digital and social media focus, operating within a public health context. The temporary nature of the position, tied to a grant ending in November 2027, is a critical factor for candidates to consider. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for self-management and strong remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design original social media graphics, ensuring adherence to typography, composition, and message hierarchy principles to maximize impact.

• Transform raw health data and research findings into accessible and informative visual content, including infographics, illustrations, charts, and graphs.

• Uphold and enforce agency brand guidelines across all social media visual assets, ensuring consistency and professional design excellence.

• Partner with the Digital Communications and Social Media teams to effectively translate messaging strategies into impactful visual campaigns.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with other Communications teams (Marketing, Press Office, Executive Communications) to support integrated campaigns and initiatives.

• Be available to work non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends) for rapid-response design needs during public health emergencies or urgent situations.

• Assist the Director of Design in managing the overall visual aesthetic and brand experience across social media platforms.

• Design for various social media channels, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Threads, YouTube, and LinkedIn, adapting content to platform best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "rapid response design for emergencies and urgent situations" and the requirement to "work in a 24/7 fast-paced media environment" indicates that flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure are key expectations for this role. The need to translate "health data into easy-to-understand and compelling content" highlights the importance of data visualization skills beyond basic graphic design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Photojournalism, Film, Art, Graphic Design, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on digital and social media content creation.

• Demonstrated experience in translating complex information or data into visually compelling graphics.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert-level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential. Experience with Premiere Pro, After Effects, Rush, and Adobe Express is highly preferred.

• Graphic Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Data Visualization: Ability to analyze and transform health data into clear, compelling infographics, charts, and illustrations.

• Social Media Platform Knowledge: Familiarity with design trends and best practices for major social media channels (e.g., X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn).

• Brand Adherence: Skill in applying and maintaining brand guidelines consistently across all visual assets.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• 2D Animation: Experience creating 2D animations for social media channels.

• Video Editing: Proficiency in video editing software for social media content.

• Accessibility Design: Knowledge and application of accessibility standards in design (e.g., WCAG).

• Project Management: Experience in managing design projects from concept to completion.

• Public Health/Government Experience: Familiarity with the specific communication needs and audiences within public health, government, or non-profit sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, is paramount. The preference for After Effects and Adobe Express, along with 2D animation skills, suggests a need for dynamic and engaging social media content. The requirement for "accessibility design" is crucial for a public health agency aiming to reach all New Yorkers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 high-quality social media graphic design projects.

• Demonstration of ability to create visually engaging content for diverse platforms, highlighting adaptability in style and format.

• Specific examples of infographics, data visualizations, or illustrations that effectively communicate complex information or data.

• Inclusion of projects that adhere to brand guidelines or demonstrate how brand elements were adapted for specific campaigns.

• Evidence of rapid-response design capabilities, if possible, or clear explanations of how time-sensitive projects were managed. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate a clear design process, from understanding project briefs and research to concept development, execution, and final delivery.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for creating social media assets, including how they incorporate feedback and collaborate with teams.

• Ability to articulate the rationale behind design choices, linking them to project objectives and audience engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, a strong visual portfolio is non-negotiable. The emphasis should be on demonstrating the candidate's ability to translate complex public health information into accessible and engaging social media content. Candidates should be ready to discuss their design process, creative problem-solving, and how they manage feedback and revisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary is $90,000 USD per year. This is a competitive salary for a Social Media Graphic Designer role with 2-5 years of experience in the New York City metropolitan area, especially within a public health or government-adjacent organization. Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Offers flexibility between remote and in-office work.

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays: Standard provisions for vacation, sick leave, and federal/public holidays.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Financial Wellness: Features Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Commuter Benefits, and a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer matching and discretionary contributions.

• Security: Company-paid Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.

• Future Planning: College Savings Plan.

• Professional Growth: Ongoing training and continuous opportunities for professional development.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, 35 hours per week, typically Monday-Friday.

• Note: The role requires availability for non-business hours during emergencies, indicating a need for flexibility and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is fixed at $90,000. The benefits package is robust, typical for a nonprofit organization supporting a public agency, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance (hybrid schedule, PTO) and long-term financial security (retirement, college savings). The caveat about emergency work hours is crucial for managing expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Health / Government Services / Non-profit (Public Health Solutions operates as the fiscal and administrative manager for the NYC DOHMH grant).

Company Size: Public Health Solutions manages a $2.3 billion budget and employs over 7,000 people across the five boroughs of New York City through the NYC DOHMH. Public Health Solutions itself is a significant nonprofit organization.

Founded: The NYC DOHMH has a long history, with Public Health Solutions functioning to support its initiatives. The grant funding for this specific position ends in November 2027.

Team Structure:

• The Social Media Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Design within the Bureau of Communications.

• They will collaborate closely with the Digital Communications and Social Media teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with other members of the Communications team, including Marketing, Language Services, Press Office, and Executive Communications.

• This role is part of a larger initiative to modernize DOHMH's capabilities and data infrastructure. Methodology:

• The Bureau of Communications focuses on developing culturally responsive marketing campaigns and informative materials.

• Emphasis is placed on ensuring accessibility for all New Yorkers.

• The Design team within Creative Communications handles art direction, design, and layout for print and digital media.

• Data is analyzed and transformed into understandable content for public health campaigns and emergency responses.

Company Website: https://www.healthsolutions.org/ (for Public Health Solutions) and https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/index.page (for NYC DOHMH)

📝 Enhancement Note: The organizational structure is a bit complex, with Public Health Solutions acting as an intermediary for grant funding. The candidate will work day-to-day under NYC DOHMH supervision. The culture is likely mission-driven, focused on public service, and values collaboration and adaptability, especially given the public health context and emergency response needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer role focused on digital and social media. It offers a specialized path within communications for designers who excel in fast-paced, data-driven visual storytelling.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Design, working closely with Digital Communications and Social Media leads. This position offers visibility into how design impacts public health messaging and outreach.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts public health outcomes by making critical health information accessible and engaging to a broad, diverse audience through social media. Effective design can drive awareness, promote healthy behaviors, and ensure timely dissemination of vital information during crises.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in data visualization, social media design trends, and 2D animation for digital platforms.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain experience working with various communications disciplines (marketing, PR, executive comms) within a large public health agency.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with impactful public health campaigns and emergency response graphics, valuable for future roles in government, non-profit, or agency settings.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development, potentially in emerging digital design tools or techniques.

• Leadership Potential: While not a management role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for senior designer positions or project lead roles on specific campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the position is temporary (ending Nov 2027), the experience gained will be highly valuable. The growth is primarily in specialized design skills and experience within a critical public service sector. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to significantly enhance their portfolio and expertise in a high-impact area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration. The specific days in office may vary based on team needs and project demands.

Office Location(s): Long Island City, NY (Queens County). This location is accessible within the NYC metropolitan area. The role also requires residence in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The role requires close collaboration with design, digital communications, social media, and broader communications teams. Expect regular meetings, feedback sessions, and team projects.

• Tool-Rich: Access to Adobe Creative Cloud and other relevant design and communication software will be provided or expected.

• Dynamic: The work environment is described as "fast-paced" and includes "rapid response" for emergencies, indicating a need for agility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

• Public Service Mission: The work is centered around public health, fostering a mission-driven atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with flexibility for non-business hours during emergencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a need for strong self-discipline and communication skills when working remotely. The Long Island City location is strategic for access to NYC DOHMH operations. The inherent demands of public health communications, especially during crises, mean the "fast-paced" environment is not just an idiom but a functional reality.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capability.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design exercise tailored to public health communication or data visualization.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews may occur, including discussions with the Director of Design, members of the Digital Communications/Social Media teams, and potentially HR representatives from Public Health Solutions. Focus will be on design skills, collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural fit.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, technical skills, creative vision, and ability to meet the demands of the role, including emergency response.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your social media design, data visualization, and infographic creation skills. Prioritize work that demonstrates clarity, impact, and adherence to brand/message hierarchy.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to articulate the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable impact (if available). Explain how your design choices supported the communication goals.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples across different social media platforms and demonstrate your ability to adapt your style while maintaining design excellence.

• Highlight Public Health Relevance: If you have prior experience in public health, healthcare, or government communications, ensure these projects are prominent. If not, clearly explain how your transferable skills apply.

• Prepare for Data Visualization: Be ready to discuss your approach to translating complex data into understandable visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with NYC DOHMH: Research current public health campaigns, social media presence, and key communication priorities of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

• Practice Data Interpretation: Work on exercises that involve taking sample data (e.g., health statistics) and visualizing it in clear, impactful ways suitable for social media.

• Understand Accessibility: Review principles of accessible design and how they apply to graphics and digital content.

• Scenario Planning: Consider how you would approach designing graphics for a hypothetical public health emergency or a new campaign launch under tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be ready to defend their design choices and demonstrate a clear understanding of how design serves communication objectives, especially in a public health context. The interview process will likely test not only technical skills but also problem-solving abilities and adaptability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • Must-Haves: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign.
  • Highly Preferred: Adobe After Effects (for animation), Adobe Premiere Pro (for video editing), Adobe Rush, Adobe Express.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project management.

• File Sharing/Storage: Experience with cloud-based storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) for asset management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, familiarity with how social media graphics perform and how to interpret basic engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) on platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, etc., is beneficial.

• Understanding how to create graphics that are optimized for these platforms' analytics. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how content management systems (CMS) or social media scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) function can be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and Illustrator, is the core technical requirement. The preference for After Effects and Premiere Pro indicates a move towards more dynamic visual content, including short animations and videos, for social media.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service Mission: A strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

• Data-Driven Communication: Using data and insights to inform and guide communication strategies and visual design.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Ensuring all communications are culturally responsive and accessible to diverse populations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments and with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality design and embracing new approaches to communication.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to respond effectively to urgent public health situations and changing priorities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with digital communicators, social media managers, content writers, and other design team members.

• Feedback Loop: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged to refine designs and ensure alignment with messaging goals.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication, especially when working under tight deadlines or during emergencies.

• Shared Ownership: A collective responsibility for the effectiveness of public health messaging across all channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be fast-paced, mission-oriented, and highly collaborative. Candidates who are comfortable working in a public service environment, value diversity and accessibility, and can thrive under pressure will be a good fit. The emphasis on adapting to emergencies highlights a need for resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Tight Turnarounds: Designing for urgent public health situations often requires immediate action and minimal time for revisions.

• Translating Complexity: Effectively simplifying complex health data and scientific information into easily digestible and engaging visuals for a broad audience.

• Diverse Audiences: Creating content that resonates with New York City's highly diverse population, considering cultural nuances and language accessibility.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent and professional brand identity across numerous social media platforms while also being responsive to immediate needs.

• Temporary Role: The grant-funded nature means the position has a defined end date (November 2027), requiring candidates to be comfortable with this temporary commitment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Public Health Communication Expertise: Gain deep insight into the nuances of communicating public health information effectively.

• Data Visualization Specialization: Enhance skills in creating impactful infographics and data-driven visuals for critical topics.

• Social Media Design Trends: Stay current with the latest design trends and platform best practices for social media engagement.

• Emergency Communications Experience: Develop valuable experience in rapid-response design within a high-stakes environment.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Work with various communication functions, broadening understanding of integrated campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is balancing high-quality, data-driven design with the need for speed and adaptability, especially in crisis situations. The temporary nature of the role is a significant factor, but it presents a unique opportunity to gain specialized experience in public health communications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a social media graphic, from receiving a brief to final delivery. How do you approach translating complex data into visuals?"

• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to design under a very tight deadline or for an urgent situation. How did you manage it, and what was the outcome?"

• Audience Adaptation: "How would you approach designing a campaign graphic for a health topic that needs to reach multiple distinct demographic groups within NYC?"

• Brand Management: "How do you ensure brand consistency across different social media platforms while also maintaining creative integrity?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Public Health Solutions?"

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to public health outcomes in New York City?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or fast-paced environment. How do you manage your time and stay organized?"

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project type or by showcasing your strongest, most relevant work first. Aim for 5-7 key projects.

• Highlight Key Skills: For each project, explicitly point out how it demonstrates your proficiency in social media design, data visualization, typography, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Explain Your "Why": For each design, articulate the objective, your creative rationale, the tools used, and the impact or intended impact.

• Data Visualization Focus: If presenting infographics or data visualizations, explain the data sources, your interpretation, and how you made complex information accessible.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and how your work aligns with public health communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to rigorously defend their design choices, demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking about communication goals, audience engagement, and data interpretation. Researching NYC DOHMH's current campaigns and communication style is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Social Media Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and cover letter (if applicable) highlight your relevant design skills, especially in social media, data visualization, and Adobe Creative Suite. Tailor your portfolio to emphasize projects that align with public health communication needs and demonstrate your ability to translate complex information visually.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud software and any experience with animation, video editing, or accessibility design. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed graphics that increased engagement by X%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, presenting your portfolio, and answering strategy questions related to public health communication and data visualization. Be ready to discuss your experience in fast-paced environments and with hybrid work models.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's mission, recent campaigns, and social media presence. Understand the role of Public Health Solutions and the context of grant-funded initiatives.

⚠️ 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.