Graphic Designer
2 days ago
Sacramento
We’re looking for a Graphic Designer I to join our Communications Team. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Sacramento, CA (with 1–2 onsite days each week). This role is for a designer who’s plugged into culture: someone with strong design fundamentals, creative instincts, and a feel for how visuals show up in real life and online. You’ll help shape how Midtown Church communicates by creating work across social, digital, and print that feels current, thoughtful, and true to who we are. In a noisy world, we’re committed to creating work that resonates; design that cuts through, connects with people where they are, and draws them toward Christ in creative, meaningful ways. We’re looking for someone who understands social-first content, keeps an eye on what’s trending (and what’s tired), and knows how to turn ideas into visuals that actually reach people. This isn’t about chasing trends for the sake of it. It’s about serving God and spreading the Gospel with creativity, purpose, clarity, and heart. DESIGN & CULTURAL FLUENCY (KEY EXPECTATION) • Demonstrates strong awareness of the Midtown Church audience, and current design trends, particularly in digital, social, and short-form content, • Understands how visual content performs across platforms such as Instagram, Reels, TikTok, and YouTube, • Designs with an understanding of today’s cultural language, pacing, and visual standards, • Actively explores new creative styles, formats, and tools to keep content relevant and engaging, • Brings a contemporary design sensibility while remaining aligned with Midtown Church’s mission and audience CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Design & Content Creation • Execute high-quality graphic designs for digital, print, and social media platforms, • Create visual assets for weekend services including slides, bulletins, stage graphics, online broadcast visuals, and signage, • Design engaging social media graphics for Midtown Church platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Stories, Reels, YouTube thumbnails, etc.), • Design campaigns for holidays, sermon series, events, outreach initiatives, and church-wide communications Brand Stewardship • Apply Midtown Church’s brand standards consistently across all materials, • Use typography, color, hierarchy, and layout thoughtfully and accurately, • Contribute creative ideas while respecting ministry context and audience Canva Template Management • Design, update, and maintain branded Canva templates, • Ensure templates are clear, accessible, and easy for staff and ministries to use, • Provide basic support and guidance to staff using Canva, under direction Collaboration & Project Execution • Partner with communications staff and ministry leaders to execute assigned design requests, • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines, • Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas, • Incorporate feedback and revisions in a timely and professional manner Film & Broadcast Support • Design lower-thirds, title slides, and simple motion graphics for video and broadcast projects, • Collaborate with the film team to maintain visual consistency General • Stay informed on current design and social media trends relevant to churches, • Perform other duties as assigned EMBODIED MINISTRY & TEAM PRESENCE Design at Midtown Church is not only created on a screen; it is lived out in community. This role occasionally requires being physically present in ministry environments to support the work of the church. This may include: • Being onsite during weekend services, events, or community outreach initiatives, • Assisting with event setup, teardown, and creative installs, • Measuring and assessing physical spaces for signage, displays, or design placement, • Supporting print production, preparation, photocopying, and material distribution, • Collaborating in real time with staff, volunteers, and ministry teams This position is well-suited for someone who values hands-on involvement, flexibility, and showing up where the work and people are. While much of the role is design-focused, we believe creative ministry is strengthened through presence, participation, and shared ownership of the mission. PORTFOLIO EXPECTATIONS (REQUIRED) Applicants must submit a portfolio that demonstrates: • Strong fundamentals in graphic design (typography, hierarchy, layout, color, and composition), • Thoughtful execution across digital, print, and social formats, • Originality, creativity, and a clear visual point of view, • Work that feels current, relevant, and well-crafted, • The ability to design for real-world audiences and platforms, not just concept work AREAS TO GROW INTO • Teaching and supporting volunteers or interns, • Increased ownership of campaign-level design, • Motion design and animation REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field, • 1–3 years of professional or ministry-related design experience, • Portfolio demonstrating strong design fundamentals and creative originality, • Proficiency in Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), • Strong understanding of current digital design and social media trends, • Experience designing for short-form and social-first environments, • Clear communication and collaboration skills, • Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment, • Coachable, adaptable, and open to feedback, • Alignment with Midtown Church’s mission and values BONUS POINTS • Experience designing for a church or nonprofit, • Working knowledge of motion design (After Effects), • Copywriting or general marketing experience TIME COMMITMENT • Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday), • Occasional evenings or weekends as needed for major events, • Week of Christmas & Easter are blackout dates; all staff are expected to work at Christmas & Easter services. Exceptions only provided by direct supervisor in unique situations. In return for this understanding, we provide a paid week off with all offices & operations closed for one week after Christmas services. HYBRID WORK REQUIREMENTS: This is a hybrid role that includes both onsite and remote work. For remote workdays, the Graphic Designer I must have the following to ensure effective collaboration, communication, and timely delivery of work. • A designated, professional workspace suitable for focused work and virtual meetings, • Reliable, high-speed internet capable of supporting video conferencing and uploading/downloading large design files, • The ability to participate fully in virtual meetings during scheduled work hours MISSION CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS • Proactively support Midtown Church’s mission, vision, and values, • Maintain consistent communication with supervisor and team, • Actively participate in Midtown Church life (services, community group, culture), • Demonstrate warmth, professionalism, flexibility, and initiative, • Work independently while collaborating effectively with others COMPENSATION & BENEFITS • $24-$30 Hourly, non-exempt position, • Competitive hourly wage based on experience, • Vacation and sick pay, • Medical, dental, and vision benefits