Graphic Designer ($67-85.00 Hourly)

SUMMARY: We are seeking a full-time Graphic designer, to lead branding and design initiatives across our brand portfolio: Dime Bag, Kingpen, Kingroll, Fuzzies, Smokiez, Loudpack, Sublime, Urbn Leaf and Harborside – with more to come.The Graphic Designer will have a balance of great aesthetics and functionality in their work. They are expected to problem solve to keep the packaging and advertisements complaint and be visually intriguing and on-brand. Will partner with the VP of Brands on ideation/mood boarding, design, formatting, pitch deck for presentation, and preparing final artwork for production.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads overall design strategy, turning brand direction from VP of Brands into viable designs across all channels – Brand guidelines, packaging, production tech packs, merchandising, assets, communications, social media and web.

• Identifies areas of opportunity to improve design strategy and overall brand health, driving continuous improvement and maintaining market relevance in all channels for our brands.

• Generates new brand and product line design ideas, creates proposals for and drives the implementation.

• Collaborates with the marketing team to create assets with or without creative direction.

• Works simultaneously on multiple projects and oversees quality control on assigned projects.

• Creates packaging and advertising that meets all cannabis compliance requirements.

• Partners with legal counsel for artwork approval and the Director for Supply chain for manufacturing capabilities.

• Partners with multiple departments to gather relevant information to integrate into artwork.

• Proactively communicates challenges and troubleshoots solutions with the art, legal, and production team.

• Leads the resizing ad/or updating of digital and print assets, including packaging, web banners, print and digital ads, and vendor-specific assets.

• Arranges production -ready files with all necessary callouts, layer organization, and export specifications.

• Oversees multiple projects and prioritizes deliverables based on due dates. Ensuring open communication with relevant parties throughout the process.

• Works direct with packaging vendors as needed to test designs, and find efficiencies in the design process.

• Works alongside product development to source new vendors or equipment as needed to drive costs and efficiencies in the process.

• Produces final production files or artwork on dielines/templates.

• Drives content production for social media and websites.

• Other duties as assigned.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• Thorough understanding of Cannabis packaging regulations and guidelines.

• Strong design, layout, typography, and organizational skills.

• Ability to take existing concepts/designs and meticulous fine-tune for print/digital distribution.

• Ability to create compelling packaging that meets strict state regulations and can stand out in a crowded storefront.

• Ability to proof artwork from vendor, ensuring release of clean, organized files with high degree of accuracy.

• Ability to work under constraints and driven by problem solving.

• Dynamic thinking and problem-solving skills in order to navigate ever-changing local, state, and federal regulations.

• Attention to detail and precision, highly organized, and multi-tasking.

• Consistent and communicative: able to reply promptly to all email and Teams communication.

• Strong production skills; understanding of print specks, file set up/organization and various printing processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Constantly: Walking, sitting at a desk, grasping/gripping, bending/stooping/squatting, finger dexterity, computer input, coordination of hand and eye.

• Frequently: Standing for long periods of time, climbing stairs, and twisting.

• Occasionally: Reaching above shoulder height, lifting 20-30 lbs., ability to do push/pull motions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• BA/BS Design/Marketing degree or equivalent practical experience required.

• Excellent communication skills

• Highly versed in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Dimensions/similar CAD program and Lightroom are a plus.

• Web Design and/or experience with Squarespace or Wordpress platforms.

• Strong production skills; understanding of print specks, file set up/organization and various printing processes.

• Photography or Videography editing experience is a plus