Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: Arista Non-DVM

Location: Oak Lawn - Home Office, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Drive creative strategy and execution for Arista Advanced Pet Care and CityVet brands across all marketing touchpoints.

Serve as a primary brand steward, ensuring visual consistency and evolving brand systems for a multi-location, consumer-facing organization.

Lead the design and production of high-impact creative assets for new clinic openings, digital campaigns, social media, and print collateral.

Collaborate closely with marketing, operations, and clinic teams to translate business objectives into compelling visual solutions.

Develop and refine design systems, templates, and resources to enhance team efficiency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input describes a "Senior Graphic Designer," the output has been framed within an "Operations" context by focusing on how design directly supports GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies, brand consistency across multiple locations (an operational challenge), and efficiency improvements through design systems. This role is crucial for the operational success of marketing initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize, design, and execute creative projects from initial brief to final production across digital, social media, paid advertising, email, web, presentations, and print channels.

Act as a guardian of the CityVet and Arista Advanced Pet Care brand identities, ensuring cohesive visual representation and developing scalable brand systems, templates, and campaign frameworks.

Spearhead the creative development for new clinic and hospital launches, including local marketing materials, signage design, digital assets, and supporting collateral.

Partner effectively with marketing, digital, operations, and clinic leadership to deeply understand business needs and translate them into impactful creative solutions.

Produce high-quality multimedia assets, including motion graphics, short-form video, and simple animations to enhance engagement and storytelling.

Leverage campaign performance data and channel best practices to inform creative decisions, optimize designs, and improve overall engagement metrics.

Prepare production-ready files with meticulous attention to detail, upholding high standards of craft, accuracy, and brand consistency for all digital and print deliverables.

Contribute to the improvement of design systems, templates, and asset libraries, thereby increasing the efficiency and output of the broader marketing team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been elaborated to emphasize the "operations" aspect of design, such as "scalable brand systems," "production-ready files," and "improving design systems... to make the broader marketing team more efficient." This highlights the role's contribution to operational efficiency and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role.

Experience: 5–7+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for roles within an in-house marketing team, agency, multi-location brand, or a fast-paced consumer-facing environment.

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Exceptional command of typography, layout, visual hierarchy, color theory, composition, and sophisticated visual storytelling techniques.

Demonstrated ability to design within established brand systems while possessing the judgment to evolve them strategically.

Proven capacity to balance high-level creative concepting with meticulous, detailed production work.

Strong project management instincts and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple concurrent requests in a dynamic environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with comfort in presenting creative concepts, receiving constructive feedback, and collaborating across diverse functional teams.

Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering polished, accurate, and high-quality creative output.
Preferred Skills:

Experience with motion graphics and video editing software such as Premiere Pro, After Effects, or CapCut.

Familiarity with collaborative design tools like Figma.

Experience working with multi-location brands, particularly within the healthcare, veterinary, retail, hospitality, or other consumer-facing industries.

A genuine passion for pets and an understanding of how kindness and empathy can shape meaningful brand experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are framed to highlight the operational demands of a senior role in a multi-location company, emphasizing the need for efficiency, scalability, and brand consistency. Preferred skills are also linked to potential operational advantages, such as familiarity with veterinary or consumer-facing brands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive portfolio showcasing sophisticated and diverse work across brand identity, digital marketing, social media campaigns, integrated campaigns, and print design.

Evidence of experience in maintaining and evolving brand systems for multi-location or franchise operations.

Case studies demonstrating the ability to translate business needs into effective creative solutions, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.

Examples of work that adheres to production-ready file standards for both digital and print outputs, showcasing attention to detail and accuracy.

Visualizations of how design contributes to operational efficiency, such as well-designed templates or scalable asset frameworks.
Process Documentation:

Documentation of a structured design process, from brief intake and concept development to final asset delivery and production file preparation.

Examples of how campaign performance data and channel best practices were integrated into the design process to refine creative outcomes.

Demonstrations of workflow efficiency improvements implemented through design systems, templates, or collaborative tools.

Evidence of managing the creative lifecycle for multiple concurrent initiatives, illustrating strong project management and prioritization skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the operational aspects of a designer's work, focusing on process, systems, and the practical application of design skills in a corporate environment. The portfolio is framed as a demonstration of operational readiness and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-7+ years of experience in the Oak Lawn, Illinois area, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $75,000 and $95,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Chicago metropolitan area and the specialized skills required for a role supporting a growing multi-location brand.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

Disability and Life Insurance coverage.

Competitive 401k Retirement Plan with potential company match.

Health Savings Account (HSA) options.

Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support.

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Floating Holidays.

Specialized Personal Pet-Care Program.

Parental Pay benefits.

Flexible Work Schedules to support work-life balance.

Significant Growth Opportunities for career advancement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The role offers flexible scheduling, allowing for some adaptability to manage project deadlines and personal needs, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and engagement in a creative role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Senior Graphic Designer in the specified location and experience level, reflecting an operations-centric approach to compensation benchmarking. Benefits are detailed to highlight their value to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: The company operates in the Pet Care industry, specifically focusing on advanced veterinary services through its Arista Advanced Pet Care and CityVet brands. This industry demands a high level of trust, empathy, and professionalism, influencing brand messaging and visual communication.

Company Size: Arista Advanced Pet Care is a growing organization, likely transitioning from a startup phase to a more established multi-location entity. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where agility and adaptability are key operational strengths.

Founded: While specific founding dates for "Arista Non-DVM" are not provided, the context of "revolutionizing advanced pet care" and "seamless navigation and support" suggests a relatively modern company focused on innovation within the veterinary space. The integration with CityVet points to a strategic growth phase.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing department, potentially reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.

This role requires close collaboration with digital marketing specialists, content creators, operations managers, and clinic staff.

The structure is likely to be relatively flat and collaborative, typical of a growing company where cross-functional teamwork is essential for operational efficiency.
Methodology:

Data-Driven Design: The role is expected to use campaign performance and channel best practices to inform creative decisions, reflecting a data-informed operational approach.

Agile Creative Development: The emphasis on managing competing priorities and working in a high-output environment suggests an agile methodology for creative project management.

Brand System Optimization: A key operational focus is on developing and maintaining scalable brand systems and templates to ensure consistency and efficiency across numerous locations.

Company Website: https://aristapetcare.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is interpreted through an operational lens, considering how the industry, size, and growth stage impact the daily work and strategic importance of the Senior Graphic Designer role, particularly concerning brand consistency and operational efficiency across multiple locations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Senior level position, indicating a significant degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. The role is expected to not only execute but also to strategically influence creative direction and contribute to the development of design systems that support broader operational goals.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, but will also work closely with and receive direction from various stakeholders across marketing, operations, and clinic leadership. This matrixed reporting structure is common in growing organizations and requires strong communication and prioritization skills.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer plays a critical role in shaping the visual identity and communication of Arista and CityVet. Their work directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, and the operational efficiency of marketing efforts by providing consistent, high-quality assets that support GTM strategies and new location launches.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership in Design Systems: Potential to lead the development and ongoing management of comprehensive design systems, becoming a subject matter expert and driving design consistency across the organization.

Specialization in Multimedia: Opportunity to deepen expertise in motion graphics, video production, and animation, expanding the creative toolkit and contributing to more dynamic marketing campaigns.

Brand Strategy Contribution: As the company grows, there will be opportunities to contribute more significantly to brand strategy and evolution, moving beyond execution to strategic planning.

Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or provide creative guidance to cross-functional teams as the organization scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on how the Senior Graphic Designer role contributes to operational excellence and offers pathways for growth within a scaling organization, emphasizing strategic impact and leadership potential within the operations of the marketing function.

🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in an "Oak Lawn - Home Office," suggesting a primary physical workspace within the company's headquarters or a significant operational hub. This on-site requirement facilitates direct collaboration and hands-on creative work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Oak Lawn, Illinois. As Arista is a multi-location brand, this Home Office likely serves as the central point for marketing and operational strategy.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on partnering with various teams (marketing, digital, operations, clinic) indicates a highly collaborative workspace where open communication and idea-sharing are encouraged.

Creative Hub: The office is expected to be equipped with the necessary tools and technology for graphic design, including high-performance computers and access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

Team Interaction: Regular interaction with marketing colleagues and other departments will be a key aspect of the workday, fostering a sense of shared purpose and operational alignment.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the mention of "Flexible Schedules" suggests a degree of autonomy in managing work hours. This flexibility is beneficial for creative professionals to optimize their workflow, manage project timelines effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for sustained operational performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description focuses on how the physical and collaborative setting supports operational efficiency and creative output, highlighting the integration of design work within the company's broader operational structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills.

Portfolio Review & Creative Discussion: A deeper dive into your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you've managed projects in a fast-paced or multi-location setting. Be prepared to discuss your creative judgment and strategic thinking.

Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, operations, and potentially clinic leadership to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of business needs.

Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or case study related to brand consistency, campaign development, or adapting creative for different channels, simulating real-world operational tasks.

Final Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in brand stewardship, multi-channel campaign execution, and your ability to adapt creative for different audiences and platforms. Include examples relevant to a multi-location or consumer-facing business.

Highlight Process: For each selected project, clearly articulate your design process, the business problem you were solving, your role, the challenges you faced, and the quantifiable results or impact of your work. Emphasize efficiency gains or operational improvements achieved through your design solutions.

Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines while also showing instances where you've successfully evolved or applied brand systems in new contexts.

Demonstrate Production Readiness: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of polished, production-ready files, highlighting your attention to detail and understanding of technical requirements for both digital and print.

Video/Motion Assets: If you have them, prominently feature any motion graphics or video editing work, as this is a valued skill for this role.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Arista Advanced Pet Care and CityVet, focusing on their mission, values, target audience, and existing marketing materials.

Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any hypothetical creative solutions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and articulating the strategic rationale behind your design choices.

Anticipate Operational Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach launching creative for a new clinic opening or how you'd ensure brand consistency across dozens of locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a graphic design role within an operations-focused context, emphasizing how to present work that demonstrates operational efficiency, brand management capabilities, and strategic thinking relevant to a growing multi-location company.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for all core design tasks.

Adobe Premiere Pro / After Effects / CapCut: Experience or strong willingness to learn for creating multimedia assets, motion graphics, and short-form video content.

Figma (Preferred): Familiarity with collaborative design and prototyping tools for streamlined workflow and teamwork.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary design tool, an understanding of how design impacts campaign performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement rates) is crucial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards that report on creative performance would be beneficial.
CRM & Automation:

No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as primary requirements for this design role, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or integrated into CRM-driven campaigns can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is focused on the core design software essential for the role, with an emphasis on how these tools support operational efficiency in content creation and brand management. The inclusion of video/motion tools highlights a key area of growth and operational impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:

Kindness: Central to Arista's approach, this value should be reflected in communication, collaboration, and the empathetic tone of creative work, especially within the pet care sector.

Inclusivity: A focus on valuing individual abilities and accomplishments, fostering a diverse and welcoming environment for both team members and clients.

Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality output, accuracy, and polished professional work, essential for maintaining brand integrity and trust.

Growth & Empowerment: Encouraging professional development and providing team members with the resources and opportunities to thrive, aligning with operational goals for team capability enhancement.

Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and working together to achieve shared objectives, vital for efficient operations in a multi-disciplinary marketing team.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing specialists, operations managers, and clinic teams, requiring clear communication and a shared understanding of objectives.

Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open culture where feedback is encouraged for both creative work and process improvements, contributing to continuous operational refinement.

Knowledge Sharing: A collaborative environment where best practices, design trends, and efficient workflows are shared among team members to elevate the collective output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the company's stated values into actionable operational principles for a designer, emphasizing how these values influence daily work, collaboration, and the overall effectiveness of the marketing operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:

Balancing Brand Consistency with Evolving Needs: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across numerous locations and diverse marketing channels while also adapting to new campaign requirements and creative trends.

High-Output Environment: Managing a high volume of projects with competing deadlines, requiring exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.

Translating Complex Veterinary Concepts: Communicating advanced pet care services and benefits in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner through visual design.

Rapid Growth and Scalability: Adapting design systems and workflows to support the company's rapid expansion, ensuring that creative output scales efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Multimedia Skills: Opportunity to master motion graphics, video editing, and animation, expanding capabilities in digital content creation.

Brand System Leadership: Potential to take on a leading role in defining, implementing, and managing the company's design systems, impacting brand consistency and operational efficiency at scale.

Industry Exposure: Gaining deep understanding of the veterinary industry and consumer-facing brand strategies within a growing healthcare sector.

Cross-Functional Acumen: Developing a stronger understanding of marketing, operations, and clinic-level business needs, enhancing strategic value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed in terms of operational hurdles that a designer might face in a growing, multi-location company, with growth opportunities linked to enhancing operational capabilities and strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you managed multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses project management and operational efficiency.)

"How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across different channels and locations for a multi-location brand?" (Focuses on brand stewardship and operational scalability.)

"Walk us through your process for developing creative assets for a new product launch or service offering." (Evaluates end-to-end creative process and strategic thinking.)
Company & Culture Questions:

"What is your understanding of Arista's mission and values, and how would you translate that into your design work?" (Tests cultural fit and brand alignment.)

"How do you collaborate with non-design stakeholders, such as marketing or operations teams, to achieve project goals?" (Assesses communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.)

"How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work while respecting brand guidelines?" (Evaluates continuous learning and adaptability.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by demonstrating progression through your design process (brief, concept, execution, result).

Storytelling: For each key project, narrate the challenge, your solution, your specific contributions, and the impact (e.g., improved engagement, successful launch, increased efficiency). Quantify results whenever possible.

Operational Focus: Emphasize how your designs contribute to operational goals, such as scalability of brand assets, efficiency gains through templates, or clear communication of complex services.

Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your technical skills, software proficiency, and creative decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the candidate's operational capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to function effectively within a growing, multi-location company, aligning with the specific demands of a Senior Graphic Designer role in this context.

📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating brand consistency, multi-channel campaign execution, and experience with multi-location or consumer-facing brands. Showcase your process for creating scalable design systems and production-ready assets.

Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-7+ years of experience, advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, and specific achievements related to project management, brand stewardship, and creative problem-solving. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, articulating your design process, and demonstrating how your work supports operational efficiency and business objectives. Prepare to discuss your experience with video/motion graphics.

Company Research: Thoroughly review Arista Advanced Pet Care and CityVet's websites, social media, and any available marketing materials to understand their brand, values, and operational context within the pet care industry.

⚠️ 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.