Junior Graphic Designer

The Country Music Association is looking for a Junior Graphic Designer to join our creative and content team in the Marketing Department. This position will design and execute digital content and printed materials across CMA platforms, events and initiatives; assist in creating compelling visual assets for social platforms, websites and app, playlists, presentations and other digital media; and maintain brand identity and style for multiple brands under the CMA umbrella, including broadcast television specials, live and virtual events, charitable initiatives, membership, industry honors and more.

IS THIS YOU?

• You are proactive. Creative ideas don’t come to you, you seek them out and invite them over for tea and finger sandwiches.
• You live in Adobe. Illustrator is your kitchen table, InDesign tucks you in bed at night, and Photoshop is that chair you watch TV in that has a perfect indentation and smells a little weird.
• You can let go of your ego. You believe in your designs and absorb positive and negative feedback like a sponge, then make beautiful sponge art like you did in first grade.
• You can talk to a wall. Not just talk to it but explain in detail why you painted it that color, why you chose that font for the “live, laugh, love” wall art, and what furniture looks best next to it.
• You are flexible. You can go from working on templatized social graphics to logo development like a double-jointed yoga instructor and maintain the same level of passion across all projects.
• You’re thirsty for knowledge. You belly up to the bar of design trends, hacks, and best practices and throw them back with reckless abandon while your friends chant “Chug! Chug! Chug!”

OK, you’ve now shouted “That’s totally me!” several times at slightly higher volumes each time, so let’s skip to the good part:

MAIN JOB DUTIES:

• Assist as in-house designer for all CMA departments, including Marketing, Partnerships, International, Membership, Events, TV Production, Executive, Strategic Initiatives, Communications, CMA EDU and CMA Foundation
• Create motion and static graphics for social media, websites, app, event screens, and more
• Collaborate with marketing team to create social media, playlist promotion, and email marketing content and ensure all comply with brand identity and voice (includes copywriting as needed)
• Design large-format print projects for events, including red carpet backdrops, signage, trade shows, and other creative
• Provide creative input and recommendations on CMA brand properties and industry initiatives as needed
• Collaborate with television network and production partners in development of on-air and off-air key art graphics
• Assist Sr. Designer with creating and maintaining brand style guides
• Collaborate with creative team to develop content themes for special events including Triple Play Awards, Touring Awards, anniversaries, etc.
• Design print materials and digital presentations to support promotions and sales efforts for CMA marketing, partnerships, research, executive and more
• Work with Sr. Manager, Content Operations to track tasks through project management software
• Assist in routing creative assets for approval and maintain proper workflow
• Provide design input on merchandise and promotional items
• Design presentation materials for CMA departments and outside vendors as needed
• Consult with other departments on internal and external presentations to ensure brand consistency
• Assign tasks to interns and supervise asset output

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design or equivalent
• At least 2 years of experience in digital, print, illustration and motion graphics design
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, primarily Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Working knowledge and experience with HTML and CSS. Basic understanding of UX/UI/IA design.
• Knowledge and experience with social media and strong understanding of platforms, best practices, engagement and data analytics
• Experience working with consumer research and how to apply data to concepts and design
• Experience in project management, including ability to plan, organize and execute projects, often in a team environment
• Must be able to work under pressure and tight deadlines, manage multiple projects at once, and be flexible enough to change direction at any given moment
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Desire and ability to collaborate with others and educate others on design best practices in a clear and effective manner
• Working knowledge of marketing concepts, terms and general practices, along with ability to execute basic components of a marketing plan
• Working knowledge and experience with following and maintaining brand style guidelines
• Knowledge and interest in Country Music, CMA and the music entertainment industry in general
• Diverse online portfolio of demonstrated work is required for consideration

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and with tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate on ideas and execute independently
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changes and pivot when needed
• Adhere to budgets in all projects and recommendations; identify opportunities to cost control

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Typically sitting at a desk or table
• Occasional lifting of light objects (less than 24 pounds)
• Need to distinguish between shades of color
• Work is typically performed in an office

Still reading? If this sounds like a good fit for you, apply at the provided link with your resume, link to portfolio, and intro letter telling us why you are awesome and what television character you most identify with (your own words, not the internet’s).

This position is based in Nashville, TN and requires a minimum of 3 days of in-person work per week. 

CMA believes in and expects all staff to act in alignment with its core values of collaboration: exhibiting a team-oriented focus, practicing active listening, demonstrating empathy; being solution-minded: proactively identifying problems and potential solutions; and commitment: exhibiting tenacity, engagement, and passion.

CMA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, genetic trait, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Commitment to Inclusivity

CMA is committed to creating lasting change by nurturing an inclusive and equitable culture. By fostering these practices in all areas of our business, we will ensure the future of our industry. We celebrate the dedication of our staff, our membership and the industry in moving Country Music forward and are committed to offering education and resources to help ensure an equitable pipeline of opportunity that continues for years to come.