Senior Designer

Charlotte Hornets•Charlotte, NC

21d

About The Position

Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) Creative is a brand-focused, concept-driven team responsible for building, shaping and evolving the HSE brand across touchpoints. The team works with partners across the organization on campaigns, brand systems, revenue initiatives, presentations, arena branding, digital content and live-event experiences. The Senior Designer translates business and brand objectives into compelling visual ideas. Working with creative leadership and the broader team, this role combines conceptual thinking, visual storytelling and hands-on design execution to deliver distinctive, cohesive work across channels. The designer is expected to independently lead projects from concept through completion, collaborate effectively, bring fresh ideas and produce work that elevates the HSE brand. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. The organization provides benefits and competitive time-off policies to support healthy, balanced lives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 4 years of professional design experience.
Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, visual storytelling, campaign development and design craft across multiple channels.
Advanced understanding of typography, layout, color, imagery, composition and visual hierarchy.
Ability to manage projects independently, solve creative challenges and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication, collaboration and presentation skills, including the ability to articulate creative decisions and incorporate feedback.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and strong knowledge of print and digital production.
Curiosity and working knowledge of AI tools, emerging creative technologies and evolving design practices.
Ability to occasionally work extended hours, including during Hornets games and Spectrum Center events, as well as nights, weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a brand, agency, sports, entertainment or consumer-facing environment.
Familiarity with Figma.

Responsibilities

Develop creative concepts, campaigns and visual systems across print, digital, social, environmental, apparel and live experiences.
Translate strategic briefs and business objectives into original creative solutions supporting Marketing, Ticket Sales, Partnerships and other organizational initiatives.
Own assigned projects from concept through final delivery, ensuring work is strategically aligned, on brand, accurate and delivered on time.
Partner with creative leadership and fellow designers to develop ideas, elevate execution and maintain high creative standards.
Collaborate with Video, Social, Animation, Digital and other teams to build cohesive brand experiences across channels.
Present creative concepts and recommendations, explaining the thinking and strategic rationale behind the work.
Uphold and help evolve HSE brand standards, identifying opportunities to advance the creative in fresh and distinctive ways.
Maintain exceptional craftsmanship and production quality, including typography, composition, imagery and file preparation.
Manage priorities proactively, communicate challenges and contribute to a collaborative, solutions-focused creative culture.
Stay informed about developments in design, technology, sports and culture.
Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, initiative and attention to detail.