Graphic Designer

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? Do you enjoy bringing ideas to life through thoughtful, high-quality visual design? Do you believe in the power of experiences that inspire people to create a better world? The Arbor Day Foundation is a place where you can do work that matters, with people who care. As we say at the Foundation: life is short, love where you work. 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. We foster a growing community of more than one million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by our bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. 

We are seeking a Graphic Designer to be a key member of our Marketing & Communications team; you’ll create compelling visual stories that drive engagement and deepen connection to our mission. From donor campaigns to branded content, your designs will inform, inspire, and activate. 

This role is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, and reports to the Art Director. Team members are expected to work in the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays, with optional remote work on Wednesday and Fridays.    

What you’ll do:   

• Lead the visual execution of key campaigns and initiatives; self-motivation is a key characteristic necessary to interpret briefs, meet deadlines, and deliver thoughtful, on-brand creative solutions across channels (print, digital, social, email, and beyond). Though self-motivated, creation of design solutions will be part of a collaborative process with writers, art director and strategists. 
• Translate creative briefs and marketing goals into polished, purpose-driven designs—ensuring every piece contributes to our mission and supports member, donor, and partner engagement. Critical and strategic thinking through design projects is an expectation for this role. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, content, and creative team members to shape and deliver integrated campaign visuals that are consistent, timely, and high-impact. 
• Maintain accuracy and brand fidelity across assets, preparing and packaging files with production-readiness in mind for both digital and print output. 

What you’ll bring: 

• Passion for the Foundation’s mission, nature, environmental stewardship, and people.   
• A portfolio that reflects 5–10 years of high-quality design work—showcasing your ability to elevate brands, work within systems, and deliver consistent creative across a variety of formats and media. 
• Deep fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), with bonus familiarity in Canva, Figma, or similar platforms used in collaborative, fast-paced teams. 
• Strong understanding of design principles, layout, typography, and composition, with an eye for brand alignment and the ability to flex your style based on campaign tone. 
• An ability to independently lead visual design on a project while incorporating feedback from Art and Creative Directors. 

Love Where You Work: 

• Our work changes the world. We find deep purpose in our daily work, we’re helping to shape the planet for future generations. 
• We're in this together. A culture focused on a genuine interest in the wellbeing of others, collaboration, and the intrinsic shared purpose to do what's right. We pride ourselves on the culture we've built.  
• We pride ourselves on the culture we’ve built.