Graphic Design Manager

C2's client, a mission-driven organization that provides marketing, operations, and customer experience support for a national industry association. Known for its fast-paced, purpose-driven, and genuinely engaging culture, the organization has been recognized as #25 on The Wall Street Journal list, featured in Newsweek (2023 & 2024), and named to the Inc. 5000 for 14 consecutive years.

Most importantly, the work of these organizations has a real impact. They help Americans protect themselves, their families, and their freedoms every day.

They seek an innovative and visionary Graphic Design Manager who can lead a high-performing creative team, elevate visual storytelling, and deliver consistent, high-impact brand experiences, blending strong creative leadership with expertise in modern design systems and emerging technologies, including AI-assisted design tools.

The ideal candidate aligns philosophically with the organizations' missions. This role works closely with partners like gun manufacturers and shooting ranges, and supports members through targeted campaign outreach and community building. Candidates who are personally comfortable with and supportive of responsible firearm ownership will thrive in this role.

Start Date:

ASAP

Duration:

Direct Hire

Location:

West Bend, WI (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)

Compensation:

Competitive base salary + bonus eligibility

Benefits:

23 days PTO + 8 company holidays + volunteer day. Robust Insurance Coverage Options: Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability.

Technology:

TBD

Job Description
The Graphic Design Manager will lead and evolve the in-house creative team while shaping the visual expression of the organization’s brands across digital, print, and emerging media. This role requires a forward-thinking design leader who can merge creativity with technology while maintaining consistency across all brand touchpoints.

You will guide a team of designers to produce compelling visual storytelling that enhances member experiences, strengthens brand identity, and supports strategic marketing initiatives. This role also plays a key part in defining design standards, implementing scalable systems, and introducing modern creative workflows, including AI-powered tools.

Success in this position requires a balance of hands‑on creative direction, team leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration with marketing, product, and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Implement and manage the visual evolution of the client's brands across marketing, digital platforms, and member experiences

Provide art and creative input for major campaigns, product launches, and brand initiatives

Ensure consistent and compelling brand expression across all channels including web, video, social media, advertising, and print

Translate strategic business goals into powerful visual storytelling and design solutions

Champion modern design practices, incorporating emerging technologies such as AI-powered design tools, generative imagery, and automated creative workflows

Lead the development of scalable digital design systems and brand standards to ensure efficiency and consistency

Identify opportunities to innovate in visual communication, user experience, and creative production processes

Stay ahead of industry trends in digital design, creative technology, brand design, and visual storytelling

Digital & Experience Design

Guide the design of high-performing digital marketing assets, website experiences, and digital products

Collaborate with product, marketing, and engineering teams to improve user experience, conversion, and engagement across digital channels

Ensure design solutions are optimized for modern platforms including web, mobile, social, and video‑first environments

Manage, mentor, and develop a team of designers and graphic artists

Provide clear creative direction, constructive feedback, and growth opportunities for team members

Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance creative culture

Champion professional development in areas such as AI design tools, motion graphics, digital design, and art direction

Creative Operations & Project Management

Oversee design project prioritization, workflow management, and resource allocation

Ensure projects are delivered on time, on brand, and aligned with strategic objectives

Continuously improve creative production processes to increase speed, quality, and scalability

Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external partners including photographers, printers, and creative vendors

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with marketing, brand, product, and executive leadership to align creative strategy with business objectives

Present creative concepts, design strategies, and improvement opportunities to senior leadership

Influence cross-functional teams through strong communication, storytelling, and visual thinking

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Philosophical alignment with the organizations' missions and target audience; comfort working with partners like gun manufacturers and shooting ranges

5+ years of professional design experience across brand, digital, and marketing

2+ years of experience managing or mentoring creative teams

Strong portfolio showcasing brand design, digital work, and campaign execution

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and digital design tools (e.g., Figma)

Familiarity with AI-powered creative tools, generative design technologies, and modern creative workflows

Strong understanding of digital marketing, UX principles, and visual storytelling

Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic thinking skills

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of design innovation

All candidates must be located and authorized to work in the United States. C2 does not sponsor work visas. No C2C.

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