Lead Graphic Designer

RESPONSIBLE TO Creative Director
SUPERVISES N/A
STATUS Full-Time

COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park. The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018, 2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state. PURPOSE OF THE JOB This role is responsible for developing and maintaining the visual identity of the HDFC brands (Houston Dash, Houston Dynamo, Dynamo 2, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dynamo and Dash Charities). This position requires a creative individual with a strong understanding of design principles, a passion for sports, and the ability to effectively communicate through visual mediums. The designer will produce compelling visual assets across various platforms that engage and inspire a diverse and passionate fan base, while ensuring brand consistency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Brand Management: Develop and maintain the visual identity of the HDFC brands across all digital and physical platforms, ensuring all design work adheres to brand guidelines and reinforces the club's values and culture.
• Graphic Design: Create visually compelling graphics for various placements including, but not limited to, social media, digital marketing campaigns, print materials, merchandise, stadium signage, and event collateral.
• Content Creation: Conceptualize and produce innovative and engaging visual content, including static and dynamic assets (e.g., graphics, animations, GIFs), that resonate with the clubs’ diverse fan bases and the Houston market.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, communications, and social media teams to brainstorm creative concepts, ensure graphics align with strategic goals and project requirements, and deliver designs that effectively convey messaging and meet campaign objectives.
• Photo Editing: Edit high-quality photographs of players, games, events, and other relevant subjects as needed, ensuring professional standards are met for all visual content.
• Research and Trends: Stay up to date on the latest design trends, innovative sports branding, and industry best practices to continuously elevate the visual presence of the HDFC brands.
• Feedback Incorporation: Receive and incorporate feedback from key stakeholders to improve and refine visual designs, ensuring alignment with project goals and brand standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for sports or entertainment industries.
• Proficiency in graphic design software including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro).
• Strong portfolio showcasing diverse design work across digital, print, and branding mediums.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours including evenings, weekends, and game days as required.
• Experience with motion graphics or animation is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
• Ability to generate unique and compelling visual concepts that align with HDFC brand and connect with a sports-centric audience.
• Ability to work professionally alongside high-profile talent and prioritize team brand.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration, and time management skills.
• Sharp attention to detail, ensuring quality, accuracy and consistency across all design production.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with different departments and team members.
• Passion for sports, particularly soccer, and a good understanding of sports culture and fan engagement.
• Ability to troubleshoot design challenges, while finding creative solutions that meet both the visual and strategic needs of the organization.
• Maintains Organizational Core Competencies.

ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
• Accountable – Holds themselves, and when appropriate others, accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
• Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
• Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
• Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
• Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.

OTHER INFORMATION
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.