Graphic Designer

Summary:

Under the strategic direction of the Director, Internal Communications, the Graphic Designer is responsible for independently conceptualizing, designing, and executing high-quality visual communications that support Southwest Transplant Alliance’s brand, mission, programs, and organizational priorities. This role serves as a creative resource for the organization, translating communication objectives and complex information into compelling, accessible, and brand-aligned visual solutions across digital and print platforms.

The Graphic Designer manages assigned creative projects from concept through final production, exercises independent judgment in determining appropriate design approaches, and partners directly with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and develop effective creative solutions. The role is responsible for maintaining and applying STA’s visual brand standards across organizational communications and coordinating with external vendors and creative resources when needed.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Communication

• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to understand communication objectives, audience needs, and project requirements and translates them into effective visual solutions.
• Communicates creative concepts, design recommendations, project expectations, and deliverables clearly with stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Develops compelling visual communications that effectively represent STA’s mission, programs, initiatives, and organizational priorities across digital and print platforms.
• Maintains consistency with STA’s brand identity, messaging, and visual standards across all creative materials.
• Coordinates directly with external vendors and creative resources regarding project specifications, production requirements, proofs, and final deliverables.

• Time Management

• Independently manages multiple creative projects from initial concept through final production while meeting established timelines and deadlines.
• Prioritizes competing projects and adjusts workflow based on organizational needs, project complexity, and changing priorities.
• Establishes and communicates realistic project timelines and proactively identifies potential delays or resource needs.
• Coordinates production schedules and vendor timelines to ensure materials are completed accurately and on time.

• Attention to Detail

• Produces high-quality, polished visual materials for digital and print platforms, including campaigns, presentations, social media, websites, internal and external communications, educational materials, event collateral, and other organizational needs.
• Ensures accuracy, consistency, and adherence to STA brand standards across all creative deliverables.
• Reviews designs, layouts, typography, formatting, imagery, and production specifications prior to final delivery.
• Prepares production-ready files and reviews proofs and final materials to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Maintains organized design files, templates, visual assets, and brand resources to support consistency and efficient access.

• Problem-Solving

• Independently evaluates communication needs and develops creative design solutions that effectively address project objectives and audience needs.
• Exercises sound creative judgment when determining design approaches, visual hierarchy, layout, and presentation of complex information.
• Identifies creative or production challenges and recommends practical solutions while maintaining project scope, quality, timelines, and brand standards.
• Adapts existing concepts or develops new approaches when project requirements, stakeholder needs, or organizational priorities change.
• Stays current on graphic design trends, tools, techniques, accessibility considerations, and industry best practices and recommends opportunities to strengthen STA’s visual communications.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned that are consistent with the purpose of the role.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, event planning, community relations, or a related field preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, creative services, advertising, marketing, or a related field required.

• 3–5 years of progressive professional graphic design experience required, with demonstrated ability to independently manage design projects from concept through completion.

• Strong professional portfolio required demonstrating advanced capabilities in branding, layout, typography, digital and print design, visual storytelling, and development of creative solutions for varied audiences.

• Demonstrated experience interpreting stakeholder needs and communication objectives and translating them into effective visual solutions.

• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, required.

• Proficiency with Canva and Microsoft Office Suite required. Experience with Squarespace, Microsoft SharePoint, or similar digital content platforms preferred.

• Knowledge of print production processes, file preparation, vendor specifications, and digital design standards preferred.

• Current Driver’s License is required and maintained with an acceptable driving record as defined by STA policy.

Compliance:

• This position is classified as OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Category 3. The incumbent in this position has no potential for occupation exposure.
• Employees will receive mandatory training on bloodborne pathogens, safe work practices, and proper PPE usage. Employees must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies.
• This role requires compliance with HIPAA and all confidentiality standards related to patient, donor, employee, and organizational information. Employees must safeguard all confidential information and disclose it only as permitted by law and organizational policy.

Other:

Southwest Transplant Alliance maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by statute.  In addition to federal law requirements, STA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the STA has staff.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed.  It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Job duties may change at any time with or without notice.  Nothing in this description constitutes a contract of employment, and employment remains at-will.