Graphic Designer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Department: Marketing & Comm.

Location: Trent

Reports to: Marketing Director

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date Revised: April 2025

UGM considers every position one of ministry and a vital and valued part of our team. Therefore, it is essential that all employees of UGM have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and subscribe to our Statement of Faith and Core Values. Additionally, employees must be willing to lead and/or participate in Bible study, prayer, devotions and sharing the Gospel.

Position Description:

The lead graphic designer works under the instruction of the marketing director to represent UGM’s visual identity, conceptualize designs, and create visual communications across all platforms – online marketing, print ads, direct mail, publications, events, and UGM’s various physical locations. Utilizing a variety of design programs as well as an awareness of best practices, the visual communications designer works with other team members on a daily basis to utilize messaging and graphics to achieve strong communication materials and uphold the UGM brand.

Essential Job Functions

Key Result Area #1: Marketing Strategy 

• Collaborate and brainstorm with the team to develop marketing plans and fundraising strategies for the organization, particularly with regard to visual representation of the brand in marketing efforts.
• Assist team in a unified understanding of the target audience, personas, and key organizational relationships. 
• Refine and advocate for the organization’s brand integrity and communication standards
• Draft creative briefs with the team to determine the overall scope of projects.
• Generate/Identify brand messages and their strategic implementation in order to expand UGM’s donor base and increase the quality of our existing donors’ experience.
• Cultivate relationships throughout the ministry to develop meaningful, effective communications and bridge the connection between the organization and our audiences.

Key Result Area #2: Graphic Design 

• Conceptualize and create visual communications for multi-level campaigns, events, print media, video and online platforms. 
• Take direction from the marketing director in regard to design and brand tonality.
• Create and present mock-ups as needed for team members or leadership to confirm final concepts.
• Collaborate with the team to design a strong user experience across all platforms.
• Work with printers and outside vendors to determine production goals and limitations.
• Coordinate and prepare designs for print production, ensuring high-quality printed materials.
• Maintain knowledge of current industry best practices, trends, and software developments.
• Recruit volunteers, train, and coordinate participation in graphic design, production, organization, and photography.
• Assist other team members as needed and seek opportunities for cross-training. 

Key Result Area #3: Photography 

• Take photos as needed for designs and media, maintaining a brand-consistent editing style
• Determine photographic direction and implementation based on team’s communication strategies
• Coordinate photo shoots to be executed by other staff members or volunteer photographers as needed, providing shot lists and direction.
• Maintain systems for editing, storing photos and equipment usage.
• Assist and collaborate with multimedia producer in video production and coordinating visuals
• Maintain knowledge of current industry best practices and technology developments.

 SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS 

• Committed Christian, interested in being part of a ministry for the poor, homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill. Grounded in the Christian faith as a mature, active member of the body of Christ. In accordance with Union Gospel Mission Statement of Purpose, Statement of Vision and Statement of Faith.
• Experience in graphic design, fundraising, and marketing and communications, preferably in an office environment.
• Proficiency in design software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.
• Strong understanding of design principles: Typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Strong communication skills - verbal, written, photography and visual arts.
• Strong Interpersonal skills - exercise compassion and discernment while modeling the teachings of Jesus Christ.
• Knowledge of print production process and details related to file preparation, proofing, and quality control.
• A strong eye for detail to ensure designs are clean, accurate, and professional.
• Able and willing to honor the leadership, chain of command, standards and ministry objectives of Union Gospel Mission.
• Computer literate (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe design software, web CMS, CRM software); able to design for web and print, complete documents, and accurately record information. Willing to continue education as needed or required.
• Must have a teachable spirit and the ability to multi-task, listen, and make sound decisions in alignment with UGM’s purpose. 
• Minimum four years of sobriety, if in recovery.
• Insightful, trustworthy, honest, reliable, model appropriate boundaries, and strong work ethic.
• Criminal background check clearance – required.

 WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:

Occasionally = 1%-33%; Frequently = 34%-66%; Continuously = 67%-100%

• Work is primarily indoors and may require sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and going from building to building - Continuously. 
• Requires a sustained level of high energy, stamina, and the ability to move about all of the facilities on a regular and ongoing basis – frequently.
• Requires the ability to hear, see, and speak clearly – continuously.

 EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED:

• Macintosh Computer, Adobe Creative Software (primarily InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom and XD), MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Office 365, Virtuous CRM, UKG HR software.
• DSLR Camera and lighting equipment
• Projector and AV equipment
• HubSpot

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• AA or Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or related field and 3 years related experience. 

Requirement:

Union Gospel Mission is a privately funded 501 (c)3 non-profit, evangelical Christian ministry.  Our designated purpose is religious, and we are a Christ-centered ministry which is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping the homeless and impoverished.  We consider every position to be essential in the fulfillment of our ministry and Statement of Purpose.  As such, each employee must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.  All employees must:

• Be able and willing to share the Gospel and participate in all of the ministry activities of Union Gospel Mission.
• Subscribe to Union Gospel Mission Statement of Faith and Qualifications for Employment upon hire and continuously while employed.
• Adhere to Union Gospel Mission Employee Handbook.