Lead Visual Designer

Job Summary

As the Lead Visual and Merchandise Designer, the candidate will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and executing visual and merchandising strategies to develop unique, culturally resonant, and visually compelling merchandise to support the mission and fundraising goals of the United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII). This role combines creative design expertise with an understanding of branding, cultural sensitivity, and market trends. The ideal candidate will create designs that not only raise funds but also promote the values and identity of the organization.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Design innovative and culturally appropriate merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and promotional products, aligned with the nonprofit's mission and values.
• Collaborate with the fundraising and communications teams to conceptualize merchandise that supports campaigns and events.
• Conduct research on current design and market trends to ensure merchandise is appealing to target audiences.
• Work with vendors and manufacturers to produce high-quality items that align with the organization's brand.
• Develop and maintain a merchandise design library, including templates and artwork for future use.
• Ensure all designs respect and reflect the cultural values and heritage of Native American communities (if applicable).
• Manage design revisions and ensure final products meet quality and aesthetic standards.
• Plans and meets deadlines.
• Maintains a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of UAII.
• Hours may be long and irregular.
• Domestic travel and occasional international travel may be required.
• Support promotional campaigns by creating visuals for online and offline marketing efforts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, fashion design, or a related field.
• Proven experience in product or merchandise design.
• Experience working with the American Indian/Alaskan Native community.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, community groups, and performance-based government contracts.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Proficiency in design tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong understanding of branding, cultural representation, and design for social impact.
• Knowledge of production processes, for apparel, accessories, and other merchandise.
• Knowledge of e-commerce platforms and merchandising sales strategies.
• Knowledge of Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL93-638).
• Knowledge of Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (PL 94-437).
• Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148).
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) cultures and lifestyles and work effectively with AI/AN population.
• Effective oral and written communications skills with sensitivity to lifestyles of targeted participants, while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Illustration and hand-drawing skills for custom design creation.
• Understanding of sustainable and ethical sourcing in product design.
• Skills in operating personal computer using a variety of computer software (Microsoft Office, Adobe, Microsoft Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of client and personnel information, exercise discretion, and comply with all applicable federal and state privacy laws, as well as UAII policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
• Ability to keep up with a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to anticipate issues and find solutions quickly and effectively.
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to interact with various people on various, and at times, complex issues.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Conditions of Hire

• Eligibility to work in the US.
• Fingerprint clearance.
• Pass a post-offer drug test.
• Negative TB test result (annual requirement).
• Proof of vaccination against the flu (annual requirement).
• Proof of full vaccination against COVID, including a Booster.
• Maintain auto insurance coverage, if driving for the company.