GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Full-time
Mid
Description
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Chicago Bears
Location: Lake Forest, IL, US
Job Type: Exempt-Non Contract Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: November 19, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)
Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 2 days remote per week, role dependent)
🚀 Role Summary
• This role is pivotal in driving the visual identity and creative expression of the Chicago Bears brand across all platforms.
• The Graphic Designer will develop compelling creative concepts, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and enhancing storytelling for consumer engagement.
• Responsibilities include collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality visual content and proactively identifying opportunities for creative innovation.
• The position requires a strong portfolio demonstrating versatile design skills, brand system understanding, and a passion for the sports industry.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided job description is for a Graphic Designer, not a Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role. The enhancement focuses on translating the existing Graphic Designer information into the requested format, while acknowledging the disconnect from the user's specified operational focus. If the intent was for an operations role, significant structural and content changes would be required.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
• Consistently develop and produce top-tier creative concepts for multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining speed, quality, and working effectively under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Translate brand strategy and guidelines into cohesive visual expressions that enhance storytelling and drive consumer engagement across digital and physical touchpoints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, digital, and content departments, to understand design requirements and deliver high-quality visual content that exceeds project goals and expectations.
• Proactively identify design opportunities and propose creative solutions, taking initiative without prompting to contribute to the brand's evolution.
• Ensure all graphic outputs, including brand campaigns, promotional materials, social media assets, publications, logos, ads, and environmental installations, align with brand identity and tone.
• Contribute to creative brainstorming sessions, helping to shape the visual direction of campaigns and initiatives by offering creative ideas and perspectives.
• Support and foster a positive, collaborative, and excellence-driven brand creative culture, encouraging creative problem-solving across the organization.
• Manage and monitor projects through all stages of production, proactively identifying issues and ensuring work moves smoothly toward completion, while meeting all deliverables and deadlines.
• Serve as a production assistant during photo shoots, contributing to the seamless execution of visual content creation.
• Manage the internal and external use of logos and brand assets to ensure brand integrity and consistency.
• Represent the Brand Creative team with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a clear vision, fostering collaboration and respect across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Brand Creative department's objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the creative process, cross-functional collaboration, project management, and brand stewardship aspects inherent in a graphic design role within a major sports organization. Emphasis is placed on proactive contribution and maintaining brand integrity across diverse media.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a relevant certification combined with 4+ years of equivalent professional experience will be considered.
Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years of professional full-time design experience, with a demonstrated history of working on a wide range of creative projects, encompassing both print and digital media.
• Prior experience working within the sports and/or entertainment industry is strongly preferred.
Required Skills:
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in current versions of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating and delivering high-quality visual assets.
• Digital Design Tools: Demonstrated proficiency with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for internal communication, project tracking, and presentation development.
• Typography & Layout: Strong conceptual thinking, exceptional typography skills, and a keen eye for layout and composition across various media.
• Brand Systems Understanding: Ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines consistently to maintain visual identity and tone across all creative outputs.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Capacity to manage multiple competing projects, meet daily deadlines, and ensure deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Professional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport, build relationships, and collaborate effectively with diverse personalities.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Dependability, willingness to take initiative, and the ability to adapt to a variety of situations and evolving project needs.
Preferred Skills:
• Animation/Motion Graphics: Skills in creating animated assets for social media, web, or video content are a significant plus.
• Web Design Fundamentals: Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, and web design principles.
• Photography: Basic photography experience, including an understanding of file formats, image correction, compression, and optimization.
• Pre-press/Pre-flight: Understanding of pre-press processes and file preparation for print production.
• Conceptual Thinking: Ability to develop original and impactful creative concepts that align with strategic objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section has been structured to clearly delineate between required and preferred skills. Specific software proficiency, industry experience, and soft skills critical for a creative role within a dynamic organization like the Chicago Bears have been highlighted. The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred from the "4+ years equivalent experience" and "2 years professional experience" requirements, placing it at a mid-level.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
• Comprehensive Showcase: A diverse portfolio demonstrating a wide range of creative projects, including both digital and print collateral.
• Brand Application: Examples that clearly illustrate the ability to apply brand guidelines consistently and effectively, showcasing an understanding of visual storytelling and brand systems.
• Conceptual Strength: Work that highlights strong conceptual thinking, innovative problem-solving, and the ability to translate strategy into compelling visual design.
• Technical Proficiency: Evidence of technical skill in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma).
• Accessibility: A working link to an online portfolio that is easily accessible and viewable without restrictions, as explicitly required by the application instructions.
Process Documentation:
• Workflow Visualization: While not explicitly a documentation requirement, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from concept development to final production.
• Project Management: Examples within the portfolio should hint at the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver final assets efficiently.
• Brand Integrity: Showcase how brand assets and logos were managed and applied to ensure consistency and adherence to guidelines.
📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are critical for design roles. This section emphasizes what the Chicago Bears are looking for in a candidate's visual work, directly addressing the "working link to an online portfolio" requirement and inferring the need to showcase conceptual strength, technical skill, and brand application.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
• The estimated salary range for this position is $63,000 - $68,000 per year.
• This is a SALARY (exempt) position.
• Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and other job-related considerations.
Benefits:
• Core Coverage: 100% paid premiums for healthcare and dental coverage, affordable vision options, 100% paid premiums for disability and employee life insurance.
• Paid Leave: FMLA (including paid paternity leave), minimum of 10 paid vacation days, 5 paid sick/mental health days, 4 paid floating holidays, 2 paid volunteer days, and 10 paid holidays.
• Retirement & Investment: Employer-paid pension plan and 401K with employer matching.
• Wellness: Complimentary breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks; access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit; complimentary Calm app access.
• Employee Perks: Yearly Bears gear package, 50% discount at the Bears Pro Shop, complimentary home game tickets and parking (with options to purchase away game/event tickets).
• Professional Development: Complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, leadership programming, guest speakers, and mentorship opportunities.
• Other: Social events for staff and families, Employee Resource Groups, Service Milestones.
Working Hours:
• This is a full-time position.
• Candidates must be open to working non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to support team and project demands.
• The role is primarily based in Lake Forest, IL, with potential for up to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on specific role needs and team agreements.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the input data has been directly incorporated. The extensive list of benefits has been categorized for clarity and relevance to a full-time employee. Working hours emphasize the flexibility and potential for non-standard schedules common in sports and creative industries. The hybrid work arrangement is noted based on the "Flexible Work Location" benefit.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Professional Sports (NFL Football)
Company Size: Large organization (Chicago Bears is a well-established NFL franchise with a significant number of employees across various departments).
Founded: 1920 (As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, the Chicago Bears have a long and storied history).
Team Structure:
• Department: Brand Creative, reporting to the Manager of Brand Creative.
• Reporting: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Manager of Brand Creative.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate closely with various departments including Marketing, Digital Media, Content Creation, Communications, and potentially others to ensure cohesive brand messaging and visual execution across all initiatives.
Methodology:
• Brand-Centric Approach: All creative work is guided by the established brand strategy and visual identity of the Chicago Bears, ensuring consistency and strength across all touchpoints.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While the role is creative, understanding consumer engagement and campaign performance can inform design decisions and iterations.
• Agile Project Execution: The need to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously suggests an agile approach to creative production and workflow management.
Company Website: https://www.chicagobears.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the input data and general knowledge of the NFL. The "founding franchise" status implies a rich history and established brand. The team structure and collaborative nature are inferred from the role's responsibilities and reporting lines.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Creative Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of professional experience. It offers a solid foundation for developing expertise within the sports entertainment industry.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Manager of Brand Creative, providing direct guidance and oversight. This structure allows for mentorship and clear direction on creative projects.
Creative Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative of the Chicago Bears, directly impacting brand perception, fan engagement, and the overall aesthetic of the organization's communications and marketing efforts. Their work is visible across digital platforms, publications, and potentially stadium environments.
Growth Opportunities:
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, digital advertising design, or environmental graphics based on project involvement and personal development.
• Industry Expertise: Develop a niche understanding of sports branding and marketing, which can be highly valuable within the sports and entertainment sector.
• Advancement: Potential to progress into senior designer roles, art director positions, or manage specific creative projects and campaigns within the Brand Creative department or broader marketing teams.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to contribute to projects with other departments can broaden understanding of the business and open doors to different career paths within the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth is analyzed based on the role's experience level, reporting structure, and the nature of creative work within a large sports franchise. The emphasis is on skill development, industry-specific knowledge, and potential career progression paths.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate Office Environment. The role is based at the Chicago Bears' corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, IL.
Office Location(s): Lake Forest, IL. This location serves as the primary hub for corporate operations.
Workspace Context:
• Collaborative Atmosphere: The Brand Creative department fosters a culture of collaboration, positivity, and creative problem-solving, encouraging interaction and idea exchange among team members.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and other necessary technologies to support creative production.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Brand Creative team and other departments, facilitating a dynamic and engaging work environment.
Work Schedule:
• This is a full-time position.
• Candidates must be flexible and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by the demands of the NFL season, game schedules, and campaign launches.
• The role is primarily on-site in Lake Forest, IL, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for up to 2 remote workdays per week, subject to role requirements and team agreement.
📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the provided location, company type, and the nature of the role. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative and dynamic aspects typical of creative teams in the sports industry, along with the flexible but demanding work schedule.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
• Application Submission: Candidates must apply via www.chicagobears.com/jobs and include a mandatory, accessible link to their online portfolio.
• Initial Screening: Resumes and portfolios will be reviewed by the hiring team to assess qualifications, design skills, and brand alignment.
• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo a more in-depth portfolio review and may be presented with a creative challenge or assignment designed to evaluate their conceptual thinking, design execution, and problem-solving abilities under a deadline.
• Interviews: Candidates will participate in interviews with the Manager of Brand Creative and potentially other key stakeholders from the Brand Creative department and related teams. These interviews will assess cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role.
• Final Evaluation: The process will culminate in a final decision based on the candidate's overall qualifications, portfolio, performance in any creative assessments, and interview feedback.
Portfolio Review Tips:
• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work that showcases versatility across digital and print, with a clear emphasis on brand application and conceptual strength.
• Highlight Process: For key projects, consider providing brief explanations of your creative process, the problem you were solving, and the impact of your design.
• Ensure Accessibility: Double-check that your portfolio link works flawlessly and is unrestricted, as this is a critical application requirement.
• Tailor to Sports: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of sports branding or a passion for the industry.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your online portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.
Challenge Preparation:
• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand all requirements of any creative challenge or assignment.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely to ensure you can deliver a well-thought-out and polished response.
• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate not just design skill but also strategic thinking behind your creative choices. Explain why you made certain decisions.
• Brand Alignment: Ensure any work produced for a challenge aligns with the Chicago Bears' brand identity and tone.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is detailed based on standard industry practices for creative roles, with specific emphasis on the mandatory portfolio requirement and the potential for a creative challenge. Tips are tailored for the candidate to present their best work and prepare effectively.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Software:
• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Figma: Proficiency required for collaborative design, prototyping, and asset handoff.
Productivity & Collaboration:
• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools used for tracking projects, deadlines, and team tasks (specific tools not listed, but essential for managing multiple projects).
Web & Digital Technologies (Preferred):
• HTML/CSS: Basic knowledge is a plus for understanding web design principles.
• Web Design Principles: Understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for digital assets.
Other Relevant Tools:
• Animation/Motion Graphics Software: (e.g., Adobe After Effects) - A plus for candidates with motion design skills.
• Photography Editing Software: Basic experience with photo correction and optimization tools.
📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly extracted from the "Qualifications" section and categorized for clarity. Emphasis is placed on the core design software required for the role.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values: (Interpreted as Creative Department Values)
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing top-tier creative work that upholds the highest standards of quality and visual appeal.
• Brand Integrity: A dedication to ensuring all creative outputs consistently represent and strengthen the Chicago Bears brand identity and tone.
• Collaboration & Positivity: Fostering a supportive and energetic team environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and teamwork is paramount.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, pushing creative boundaries, and proactively seeking innovative solutions to design challenges.
• Perseverance & Adaptability: Demonstrating resilience in a fast-paced environment, adapting to evolving project needs, and maintaining a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Collaboration Style:
• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with various departments, requiring clear communication and a partnership-oriented approach to project execution.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to feedback and a continuous drive to learn and evolve as a designer and team member are highly valued.
• Proactive Contribution: Team members are encouraged to take initiative, raise their hand for opportunities, and contribute ideas that elevate the overall brand experience.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section interprets the company's stated values and the role's collaborative requirements through the lens of a creative department within a sports organization. Focus is on creativity, brand consistency, and teamwork.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous competing projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and meeting tight deadlines is a primary challenge.
• Brand Evolution: Staying ahead of design trends while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines requires a balance of creativity and discipline.
• Fast-Paced Environment: The dynamic nature of the sports industry demands rapid turnaround times and adaptability to changing priorities, especially during peak seasons.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring creative concepts resonate with diverse stakeholder needs and objectives across various departments can be complex.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in specialized areas like motion graphics, digital design, or UX/UI through project work and potential training.
• Sports Industry Insight: Gaining deep knowledge of sports marketing, fan engagement strategies, and the unique demands of branding within the NFL.
• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into roles with more creative oversight, project management responsibilities, and mentorship opportunities.
• Industry Networking: Exposure to industry events, trends, and professionals through work with a high-profile sports franchise.
📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are identified based on the role's demands, the industry, and typical career progression in creative fields. The focus is on skill enhancement, industry-specific knowledge, and career advancement within the sports and entertainment sector.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
• Creative Process & Problem Solving: "Describe a challenging design project where you had to balance tight deadlines with creative demands. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare to walk through your thought process, problem-solving steps, and final design choices.)
• Brand Application: "How would you approach designing assets for a new Chicago Bears campaign to ensure it aligns with our brand identity while also feeling fresh and engaging?" (Prepare to discuss your understanding of brand consistency and creative interpretation.)
• Collaboration & Teamwork: "Tell me about a time you collaborated with a non-design team to achieve a creative goal. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure effective communication?" (Prepare examples of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.)
Company & Culture Questions:
• Passion for the Brand: "What excites you about the Chicago Bears organization and our brand?" (Research recent team news, campaigns, and the team's values.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs, and how do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Reflect on your collaborative style and openness to constructive criticism.)
• Industry Trends: "What are some current design trends you find compelling, and how might they be relevant to a sports brand like the Bears?" (Show awareness of the design landscape and its application.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final solution, highlighting the impact or objective achieved.
• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work demonstrating proficiency in different design mediums (digital, print, motion, etc.).
• Highlight Brand Understanding: If you have sports-related work, emphasize how you applied brand guidelines and captured the essence of the team or league.
• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used in your projects.
• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, respecting the interviewer's time.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the graphic design role, focusing on creative problem-solving, brand understanding, collaboration, and portfolio presentation. Questions are designed to probe the candidate's skills, fit, and strategic thinking.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
• Visit the Chicago Bears careers page at www.chicagobears.com/jobs and submit your application.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best and most relevant work, and is easily accessible via a direct link in your application. Tailor your selection to highlight experience with brand identity, digital and print design, and ideally, sports-related projects if available.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 2+ years of professional design experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any relevant industry experience (sports/entertainment). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X assets for Y campaigns").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, discussing your portfolio projects with confidence, and preparing thoughtful answers to common interview questions related to design strategy, collaboration, and brand understanding.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Chicago Bears' brand, recent marketing campaigns, team values, and the broader NFL landscape. Understand their visual identity and target audience.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Chicago Bears
Location: Lake Forest, IL, US
Job Type: Exempt-Non Contract Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: November 19, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)
Remote Status: Hybrid (Up to 2 days remote per week, role dependent)
🚀 Role Summary
• This role is pivotal in driving the visual identity and creative expression of the Chicago Bears brand across all platforms.
• The Graphic Designer will develop compelling creative concepts, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and enhancing storytelling for consumer engagement.
• Responsibilities include collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality visual content and proactively identifying opportunities for creative innovation.
• The position requires a strong portfolio demonstrating versatile design skills, brand system understanding, and a passion for the sports industry.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided job description is for a Graphic Designer, not a Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role. The enhancement focuses on translating the existing Graphic Designer information into the requested format, while acknowledging the disconnect from the user's specified operational focus. If the intent was for an operations role, significant structural and content changes would be required.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
• Consistently develop and produce top-tier creative concepts for multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining speed, quality, and working effectively under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Translate brand strategy and guidelines into cohesive visual expressions that enhance storytelling and drive consumer engagement across digital and physical touchpoints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, digital, and content departments, to understand design requirements and deliver high-quality visual content that exceeds project goals and expectations.
• Proactively identify design opportunities and propose creative solutions, taking initiative without prompting to contribute to the brand's evolution.
• Ensure all graphic outputs, including brand campaigns, promotional materials, social media assets, publications, logos, ads, and environmental installations, align with brand identity and tone.
• Contribute to creative brainstorming sessions, helping to shape the visual direction of campaigns and initiatives by offering creative ideas and perspectives.
• Support and foster a positive, collaborative, and excellence-driven brand creative culture, encouraging creative problem-solving across the organization.
• Manage and monitor projects through all stages of production, proactively identifying issues and ensuring work moves smoothly toward completion, while meeting all deliverables and deadlines.
• Serve as a production assistant during photo shoots, contributing to the seamless execution of visual content creation.
• Manage the internal and external use of logos and brand assets to ensure brand integrity and consistency.
• Represent the Brand Creative team with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a clear vision, fostering collaboration and respect across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Brand Creative department's objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the creative process, cross-functional collaboration, project management, and brand stewardship aspects inherent in a graphic design role within a major sports organization. Emphasis is placed on proactive contribution and maintaining brand integrity across diverse media.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a relevant certification combined with 4+ years of equivalent professional experience will be considered.
Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years of professional full-time design experience, with a demonstrated history of working on a wide range of creative projects, encompassing both print and digital media.
• Prior experience working within the sports and/or entertainment industry is strongly preferred.
Required Skills:
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in current versions of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating and delivering high-quality visual assets.
• Digital Design Tools: Demonstrated proficiency with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for internal communication, project tracking, and presentation development.
• Typography & Layout: Strong conceptual thinking, exceptional typography skills, and a keen eye for layout and composition across various media.
• Brand Systems Understanding: Ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines consistently to maintain visual identity and tone across all creative outputs.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Capacity to manage multiple competing projects, meet daily deadlines, and ensure deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Professional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport, build relationships, and collaborate effectively with diverse personalities.
• Adaptability & Initiative: Dependability, willingness to take initiative, and the ability to adapt to a variety of situations and evolving project needs.
Preferred Skills:
• Animation/Motion Graphics: Skills in creating animated assets for social media, web, or video content are a significant plus.
• Web Design Fundamentals: Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, and web design principles.
• Photography: Basic photography experience, including an understanding of file formats, image correction, compression, and optimization.
• Pre-press/Pre-flight: Understanding of pre-press processes and file preparation for print production.
• Conceptual Thinking: Ability to develop original and impactful creative concepts that align with strategic objectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section has been structured to clearly delineate between required and preferred skills. Specific software proficiency, industry experience, and soft skills critical for a creative role within a dynamic organization like the Chicago Bears have been highlighted. The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred from the "4+ years equivalent experience" and "2 years professional experience" requirements, placing it at a mid-level.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
• Comprehensive Showcase: A diverse portfolio demonstrating a wide range of creative projects, including both digital and print collateral.
• Brand Application: Examples that clearly illustrate the ability to apply brand guidelines consistently and effectively, showcasing an understanding of visual storytelling and brand systems.
• Conceptual Strength: Work that highlights strong conceptual thinking, innovative problem-solving, and the ability to translate strategy into compelling visual design.
• Technical Proficiency: Evidence of technical skill in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma).
• Accessibility: A working link to an online portfolio that is easily accessible and viewable without restrictions, as explicitly required by the application instructions.
Process Documentation:
• Workflow Visualization: While not explicitly a documentation requirement, the portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from concept development to final production.
• Project Management: Examples within the portfolio should hint at the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver final assets efficiently.
• Brand Integrity: Showcase how brand assets and logos were managed and applied to ensure consistency and adherence to guidelines.
📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are critical for design roles. This section emphasizes what the Chicago Bears are looking for in a candidate's visual work, directly addressing the "working link to an online portfolio" requirement and inferring the need to showcase conceptual strength, technical skill, and brand application.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
• The estimated salary range for this position is $63,000 - $68,000 per year.
• This is a SALARY (exempt) position.
• Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and other job-related considerations.
Benefits:
• Core Coverage: 100% paid premiums for healthcare and dental coverage, affordable vision options, 100% paid premiums for disability and employee life insurance.
• Paid Leave: FMLA (including paid paternity leave), minimum of 10 paid vacation days, 5 paid sick/mental health days, 4 paid floating holidays, 2 paid volunteer days, and 10 paid holidays.
• Retirement & Investment: Employer-paid pension plan and 401K with employer matching.
• Wellness: Complimentary breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks; access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit; complimentary Calm app access.
• Employee Perks: Yearly Bears gear package, 50% discount at the Bears Pro Shop, complimentary home game tickets and parking (with options to purchase away game/event tickets).
• Professional Development: Complimentary LinkedIn Learning access, leadership programming, guest speakers, and mentorship opportunities.
• Other: Social events for staff and families, Employee Resource Groups, Service Milestones.
Working Hours:
• This is a full-time position.
• Candidates must be open to working non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to support team and project demands.
• The role is primarily based in Lake Forest, IL, with potential for up to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on specific role needs and team agreements.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the input data has been directly incorporated. The extensive list of benefits has been categorized for clarity and relevance to a full-time employee. Working hours emphasize the flexibility and potential for non-standard schedules common in sports and creative industries. The hybrid work arrangement is noted based on the "Flexible Work Location" benefit.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Professional Sports (NFL Football)
Company Size: Large organization (Chicago Bears is a well-established NFL franchise with a significant number of employees across various departments).
Founded: 1920 (As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, the Chicago Bears have a long and storied history).
Team Structure:
• Department: Brand Creative, reporting to the Manager of Brand Creative.
• Reporting: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Manager of Brand Creative.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expected to collaborate closely with various departments including Marketing, Digital Media, Content Creation, Communications, and potentially others to ensure cohesive brand messaging and visual execution across all initiatives.
Methodology:
• Brand-Centric Approach: All creative work is guided by the established brand strategy and visual identity of the Chicago Bears, ensuring consistency and strength across all touchpoints.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While the role is creative, understanding consumer engagement and campaign performance can inform design decisions and iterations.
• Agile Project Execution: The need to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously suggests an agile approach to creative production and workflow management.
Company Website: https://www.chicagobears.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the input data and general knowledge of the NFL. The "founding franchise" status implies a rich history and established brand. The team structure and collaborative nature are inferred from the role's responsibilities and reporting lines.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Creative Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Graphic Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of professional experience. It offers a solid foundation for developing expertise within the sports entertainment industry.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Manager of Brand Creative, providing direct guidance and oversight. This structure allows for mentorship and clear direction on creative projects.
Creative Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative of the Chicago Bears, directly impacting brand perception, fan engagement, and the overall aesthetic of the organization's communications and marketing efforts. Their work is visible across digital platforms, publications, and potentially stadium environments.
Growth Opportunities:
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, digital advertising design, or environmental graphics based on project involvement and personal development.
• Industry Expertise: Develop a niche understanding of sports branding and marketing, which can be highly valuable within the sports and entertainment sector.
• Advancement: Potential to progress into senior designer roles, art director positions, or manage specific creative projects and campaigns within the Brand Creative department or broader marketing teams.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to contribute to projects with other departments can broaden understanding of the business and open doors to different career paths within the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth is analyzed based on the role's experience level, reporting structure, and the nature of creative work within a large sports franchise. The emphasis is on skill development, industry-specific knowledge, and potential career progression paths.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate Office Environment. The role is based at the Chicago Bears' corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, IL.
Office Location(s): Lake Forest, IL. This location serves as the primary hub for corporate operations.
Workspace Context:
• Collaborative Atmosphere: The Brand Creative department fosters a culture of collaboration, positivity, and creative problem-solving, encouraging interaction and idea exchange among team members.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and other necessary technologies to support creative production.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Brand Creative team and other departments, facilitating a dynamic and engaging work environment.
Work Schedule:
• This is a full-time position.
• Candidates must be flexible and willing to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by the demands of the NFL season, game schedules, and campaign launches.
• The role is primarily on-site in Lake Forest, IL, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for up to 2 remote workdays per week, subject to role requirements and team agreement.
📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the provided location, company type, and the nature of the role. Emphasis is placed on the collaborative and dynamic aspects typical of creative teams in the sports industry, along with the flexible but demanding work schedule.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
• Application Submission: Candidates must apply via www.chicagobears.com/jobs and include a mandatory, accessible link to their online portfolio.
• Initial Screening: Resumes and portfolios will be reviewed by the hiring team to assess qualifications, design skills, and brand alignment.
• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo a more in-depth portfolio review and may be presented with a creative challenge or assignment designed to evaluate their conceptual thinking, design execution, and problem-solving abilities under a deadline.
• Interviews: Candidates will participate in interviews with the Manager of Brand Creative and potentially other key stakeholders from the Brand Creative department and related teams. These interviews will assess cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role.
• Final Evaluation: The process will culminate in a final decision based on the candidate's overall qualifications, portfolio, performance in any creative assessments, and interview feedback.
Portfolio Review Tips:
• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest, most relevant work that showcases versatility across digital and print, with a clear emphasis on brand application and conceptual strength.
• Highlight Process: For key projects, consider providing brief explanations of your creative process, the problem you were solving, and the impact of your design.
• Ensure Accessibility: Double-check that your portfolio link works flawlessly and is unrestricted, as this is a critical application requirement.
• Tailor to Sports: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of sports branding or a passion for the industry.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your online portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.
Challenge Preparation:
• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand all requirements of any creative challenge or assignment.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely to ensure you can deliver a well-thought-out and polished response.
• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate not just design skill but also strategic thinking behind your creative choices. Explain why you made certain decisions.
• Brand Alignment: Ensure any work produced for a challenge aligns with the Chicago Bears' brand identity and tone.
📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is detailed based on standard industry practices for creative roles, with specific emphasis on the mandatory portfolio requirement and the potential for a creative challenge. Tips are tailored for the candidate to present their best work and prepare effectively.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Software:
• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Figma: Proficiency required for collaborative design, prototyping, and asset handoff.
Productivity & Collaboration:
• Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools used for tracking projects, deadlines, and team tasks (specific tools not listed, but essential for managing multiple projects).
Web & Digital Technologies (Preferred):
• HTML/CSS: Basic knowledge is a plus for understanding web design principles.
• Web Design Principles: Understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for digital assets.
Other Relevant Tools:
• Animation/Motion Graphics Software: (e.g., Adobe After Effects) - A plus for candidates with motion design skills.
• Photography Editing Software: Basic experience with photo correction and optimization tools.
📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly extracted from the "Qualifications" section and categorized for clarity. Emphasis is placed on the core design software required for the role.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values: (Interpreted as Creative Department Values)
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing top-tier creative work that upholds the highest standards of quality and visual appeal.
• Brand Integrity: A dedication to ensuring all creative outputs consistently represent and strengthen the Chicago Bears brand identity and tone.
• Collaboration & Positivity: Fostering a supportive and energetic team environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and teamwork is paramount.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, pushing creative boundaries, and proactively seeking innovative solutions to design challenges.
• Perseverance & Adaptability: Demonstrating resilience in a fast-paced environment, adapting to evolving project needs, and maintaining a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Collaboration Style:
• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with various departments, requiring clear communication and a partnership-oriented approach to project execution.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to feedback and a continuous drive to learn and evolve as a designer and team member are highly valued.
• Proactive Contribution: Team members are encouraged to take initiative, raise their hand for opportunities, and contribute ideas that elevate the overall brand experience.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section interprets the company's stated values and the role's collaborative requirements through the lens of a creative department within a sports organization. Focus is on creativity, brand consistency, and teamwork.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous competing projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and meeting tight deadlines is a primary challenge.
• Brand Evolution: Staying ahead of design trends while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines requires a balance of creativity and discipline.
• Fast-Paced Environment: The dynamic nature of the sports industry demands rapid turnaround times and adaptability to changing priorities, especially during peak seasons.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring creative concepts resonate with diverse stakeholder needs and objectives across various departments can be complex.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in specialized areas like motion graphics, digital design, or UX/UI through project work and potential training.
• Sports Industry Insight: Gaining deep knowledge of sports marketing, fan engagement strategies, and the unique demands of branding within the NFL.
• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into roles with more creative oversight, project management responsibilities, and mentorship opportunities.
• Industry Networking: Exposure to industry events, trends, and professionals through work with a high-profile sports franchise.
📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are identified based on the role's demands, the industry, and typical career progression in creative fields. The focus is on skill enhancement, industry-specific knowledge, and career advancement within the sports and entertainment sector.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
• Creative Process & Problem Solving: "Describe a challenging design project where you had to balance tight deadlines with creative demands. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare to walk through your thought process, problem-solving steps, and final design choices.)
• Brand Application: "How would you approach designing assets for a new Chicago Bears campaign to ensure it aligns with our brand identity while also feeling fresh and engaging?" (Prepare to discuss your understanding of brand consistency and creative interpretation.)
• Collaboration & Teamwork: "Tell me about a time you collaborated with a non-design team to achieve a creative goal. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure effective communication?" (Prepare examples of cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.)
Company & Culture Questions:
• Passion for the Brand: "What excites you about the Chicago Bears organization and our brand?" (Research recent team news, campaigns, and the team's values.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs, and how do you contribute to a positive team environment?" (Reflect on your collaborative style and openness to constructive criticism.)
• Industry Trends: "What are some current design trends you find compelling, and how might they be relevant to a sports brand like the Bears?" (Show awareness of the design landscape and its application.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your role, your creative process, the challenges faced, and the final solution, highlighting the impact or objective achieved.
• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work demonstrating proficiency in different design mediums (digital, print, motion, etc.).
• Highlight Brand Understanding: If you have sports-related work, emphasize how you applied brand guidelines and captured the essence of the team or league.
• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used in your projects.
• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, respecting the interviewer's time.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the graphic design role, focusing on creative problem-solving, brand understanding, collaboration, and portfolio presentation. Questions are designed to probe the candidate's skills, fit, and strategic thinking.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
• Visit the Chicago Bears careers page at www.chicagobears.com/jobs and submit your application.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best and most relevant work, and is easily accessible via a direct link in your application. Tailor your selection to highlight experience with brand identity, digital and print design, and ideally, sports-related projects if available.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 2+ years of professional design experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any relevant industry experience (sports/entertainment). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X assets for Y campaigns").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your creative process, discussing your portfolio projects with confidence, and preparing thoughtful answers to common interview questions related to design strategy, collaboration, and brand understanding.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Chicago Bears' brand, recent marketing campaigns, team values, and the broader NFL landscape. Understand their visual identity and target audience.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.