Visual Brand Designer-MarCom

POSITION: Visual Brand Designer-MarCom

LOCATION: Hybrid – San Jose

SUPERVISOR: Director of Marketing and Communications

JOB TYPE: Full Time, Exempt

COMPENSATION: $95-110K Annually

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Visual Brand Designer is responsible for bringing HomeFirst’s visual look and feel to life across all marketing channels. Strong visual design skills, creative problem-solving and the ability to tell compelling brand stories using graphic design, UX/web design, video, and photography. The role demands a high attention to detail and craft as well as the ability to create content across print, digital, event/experiences and social channels. Must be mission aligned and able to create work that inspires donors, elected officials and community members to act, give, and get involved.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This role reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Design & Visual Storytelling

• Design branded content for print, digital and social (collateral, posters, emails, UX/website, social media video and photography, annual reports, event design, signage, etc.)
• Develop original designs, effective layouts, and clear visual hierarchy to transform complex content into engaging and informative marketing materials.
• Create campaign visuals that connect emotionally and drive engagement.
• Develop compelling digital and printed materials for fundraising campaigns, events, programs, reports and more.
• Create graphics and content for owned website that aligns with site goals and metrics.
• Shoot still and video content, edit and create compelling content for social.
• Demonstrate a strategic approach for building a brand through brand architecture.

Collaborative Campaign Work

• Partners with writers, strategists, development leads, outside vendors and other collaborators to co-create content.
• Translate strategic goals into visual concepts and compelling narratives.
• Ensures creative work aligns with brand visual guidelines, is consistent and supports strategic goals.
• Works with Project Management to align timelines, deadlines, and asset delivery.

Brand Stewardship

• Maintains consistent visual identity across all materials, channels, and platforms both on and offline.
• Contribute to evolving the brand creative so it aligns with goals and objectives.
• Help develop templates and tools for internal use
• Create brand systems and design solutions with a high level of craft.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

• 5 years of experience in brand design.
• Bachelor’s degree in or related experience. graphic design, multimedia arts, or related field.
• Strong online portfolio or work samples that demonstrate creative execution, design work, video, and photography skills.
• Experience in branding, graphic design, art direction, typography, photography, layouts & grids, and color strategy.
• Ability to translate complex messages into clear and engaging visual content.
• Experience in creative problem-solving and concept development aligned with mission-driven storytelling.
• Multidisciplinary background in brand identities/systems, coupled with experience leveraging digital channels, print and IRL experiences for events.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Capcut.
• Video shooting and editing for social platforms.
• Experience in web and user-experience design, particularly on the WIX platform.
• Experience preparing files for both digital usage and print production.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects at once, meet deadlines and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Experience presenting and pitching creative concepts and ideas to leaders and internal/external partners.
• Familiarity with donor databases, project management and marketing tools (Fundraise Up, Constant Contact, Asana, Adobe Express, Canva).
• Experience working with creative teams and vendors (printers, videographers, photographers, web developers).
• Understanding of data-driven decision-making in fundraising and marketing.

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.