Harbor Publishers

Graphic Designer – Publications & Marketing

Graphic Designer – Publications & Marketing

Location: In-Office (Full-Time)

Reports To:

Publisher

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced and talented design professional to lead the development of our print publications and marketing materials. This hands-on role is ideal for a creative professional who thrives in a fast-paced publishing environment and has a passion for helping visually tell the stories of Michigan tourism, communities, and local businesses.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing magazines, visitor guides, community publications, advertisements, and marketing materials using a Mac-based design environment. This position will spend approximately 80% of its time focused on publication and print design and 20% supporting digital marketing and promotional efforts.

Strong expertise in Adobe InDesign and publication design is essential.

• Lead the creative direction, design, and production of multiple annual publications.
• Design and layout magazines, tourism guides, community profiles, directories, maps, and advertising materials.
• Develop visually compelling publication concepts that align with client and company branding.
• Collaborate with the publisher and production manager on project plans.
• Design visually appealing advertisements for clients.
• Maintain brand consistency across publications and marketing materials.
• Review proofs and ensure quality control throughout the production process.
• Stay current with design trends, typography, publishing technologies, and print production techniques.

• Design digital marketing assets, including email graphics, website banners, social media graphics, and digital advertisements.
• Create visual content that supports audience engagement across digital channels.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams on promotional campaigns and branded content.
• Adapt print content and advertising creative for digital platforms when appropriate.
• Support company marketing initiatives through the creation of compelling digital assets.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen the visual presentation of digital products and campaigns.

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with significant publication design experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating magazine, publication, and marketing design work.
• Advanced proficiency in:
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Acrobat
• Experience working in a Mac-based environment.
• Thorough understanding of print production, prepress, color management, and file preparation.
• Strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling skills.
• Experience creating assets for both print and digital media.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects at a time, and meet project deadlines.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and client service skills.

• Magazine publishing
• Tourism and destination marketing publications
• Chamber of commerce and community guides
• Advertising design and sales support materials
• Map design and info graphic creation
• Photography direction and image selection
• Email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Hub Spot
• Social media and digital advertising creative
• Basic familiarity with website content management systems, preferably Word Press

We’re looking for a strong publication designer who can also create effective digital marketing assets. The ideal candidate understands how design influences audience engagement and can produce high-quality work across both print and digital channels while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and visual consistency.

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Professional growth opportunities
• Collaborative and creative work environment
• Opportunity to help shape publications and marketing initiatives that promote communities, tourism, local businesses, and regional development