Graphic Designer II, Headwear - Mitchell & Ness

Fanatics Commerce is the global leader in licensed sports merchandise operating a vertically integrated platform that designs manufactures and delivers officially licensed apparel jerseys headwear and collectibles for major leagues teams and events worldwide. With more than 900 e-commerce sites and a global omnichannel presence across digital in-venue and retail Fanatics Commerce reaches fans in over 180 countries and powers official fan experiences for many of the worlds most iconic sports properties.

At Fanatics we bring our BOLD Leadership Principles to life every day - building championship teams obsessing over fans acting with entrepreneurial speed and delivering with a determined and relentless mindset.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Graphic Designer Headwear Mitchell & Ness is a creative passionate and driven design professional who applies a strong command of brand identity color theory and apparel production techniques to develop seasonal sports apparel assortments for Fanatics Commerces licensed sports business. Partnering closely with in-house design teams this role maintains corporate branding and seasonal creative direction that enhances individual league programs through compelling visual storytelling. The Graphic Designer Licensed Sports Apparel delivers business and fan impact through BOLD leadership and execution excellence leveraging data automation and AI-enabled insights.

HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT

Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.

Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)

• Partner cross-functionally with in-house design teams to maintain corporate branding standards and align seasonal creative direction across league programs.
• Confidently influence team creative output by sharing fresh perspectives and new ideas through clear written and verbal communication with internal partners.
• Collaborate effectively across all departments contributing equally whether managing projects independently or as part of a broader team.

Fan & Customer Impact (Obsessed with Fans)

• Design apparel graphics that resonate with sports fans by staying current on trends in sports apparel pop culture and consumer insights.
• Develop mood boards trend boards and ideation boards that translate cultural and market signals into compelling seasonal assortments.
• Ensure all graphic output adheres to brand guidelines and league-specific creative standards reinforcing an authentic and elevated fan experience.
• Create non-calendared special art request concepts and programs that respond to fan demand and business opportunities with speed and quality.

Innovation & Problem Solving (Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit)

• Conduct local trend shopping and research across multiple apparel embellishment techniques including screen print heat transfers appliqués and embroidery to inform design innovation.
• Apply intermediate to advanced typography skills to research develop and implement distinctive font solutions within apparel graphics.
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging sports and pop culture trends to continuously sharpen design aesthetic and inform strategic direction.
• Develop and maintain presentation decks and collection boards that communicate seasonal stories clearly and creatively to internal stakeholders.

Ownership & Execution (Determined & Relentless Mindset)

• Lead design efforts against seasonal creative stories within the licensed apparel assortment from concept through final art delivery.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of color theory composition and concept development while consistently adhering to brand guidelines and seasonal direction.
• Apply knowledge of production art processes including both import and domestic printing and production methods to ensure designs are executed to specification.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with excellent organizational discipline meeting deadlines and adapting to shifting priorities in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

AI & DIGITAL CAPABILITY

We are building a future-ready organization. This role is expected to:

• Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency quality and outcomes
• Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance
• Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE YOU BRING

Required Qualifications:

• 4 years of professional graphic design experience; experience designing graphics for headwear is highly preferred. Licensing or sports-related experience is a plus
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator Photoshop and InDesign with intermediate to advanced typography skills.
• Demonstrated advanced-level knowledge of color theory composition and concept development with the ability to adhere to brand guidelines and seasonal creative stories.
• Strong working knowledge of apparel production art processes including screen print heat transfers appliqués embroidery and both import and domestic printing methods.
• Familiarity with project management systems and intermediate-level proficiency in Microsoft Outlook Word Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present ideas and decisions professionally to internal partners.
• A strong professional portfolio (required) showcasing a wide range of graphic design skills and abilities; ability to travel up to 10% of the time for partner meetings and events.

Education:

Bachelors degree in Arts or a related field or the equivalent combination of education training or work experience.

WORK LOCATION

Hybrid: The primary place of performance of this role is the Companys office located in Philadelphia PA subject to the Companys current hybrid work policy. This role currently requires in-office presence 3 days per week. The team is also open to candidates based in the New York City area who are able to travel to the Philadelphia office as needed.

At Fanatics we operate with a BOLD mindsetWe Build Championship Teams were Obsessed with Fans we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit and we approach every challenge with a Determined & Relentless Mindset. If youre ready to contribute to a dynamic fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth we want you to be part of our team.

At Fanatics we operate with a BOLD mindset - We Build Championship Teams were Obsessed with Fans we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit and we approach every challenge with a Determined and Relentless Mindset. If youre ready to contribute to a dynamic fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth we want you to be part of our team.

ABOUT THE TEAM
Fanatics Commerce is a leading designer manufacturer and seller of licensed fan gear jerseys lifestyle and streetwear products headwear and hardgoods. It operates a vertically-integrated platform of digital and physical capabilities for leading sports leagues teams colleges and associations globally as well as its flagship site .

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Required Experience:

IC