Graphic Design & Merchandising Coordinator

Founded in 1946 and based in Nashville, Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the state’s oldest and most influential conservation organizations. For 80 years, we’ve worked to protect Tennessee’s wildlife, promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, and ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors. As a trusted voice for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation advocates, we lead conservation efforts that make a real difference—and we’re looking for passionate people to help us continue that impact.

The Design & Merchandising Coordinator supports organization‑wide creative and merchandising initiatives that advance the Federation’s mission and strengthen its brand presence. Reporting to the Associate Director of Multimedia, this role plays a key part in translating strategic creative direction into high‑quality design, merchandise development, and coordinated production support.

The Coordinator researches merchandise trends, develops design concepts, evaluates product options, assists with procurement and fulfillment processes, and manages a variety of print, digital, and merchandise projects from concept through production ensuring brand consistency, quality execution, and alignment with project goals.

This role is ideal for an early‑career creative professional who is detail‑oriented, organized, and energized by collaborative, mission‑driven work. The Coordinator will gain broad experience across graphic design, merchandising, and production workflows while taking ownership of a variety of creative assignments in a fast‑paced, supportive environment.

Location: Nashville, TN

Local candidates only; no relocation assistance provided

To Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and link to your portfolio featuring examples of your graphic design projects to ***email_hidden***  

Responsibilities

Merchandizing & Product Development

• Contribute to the development and implementation of organization‑wide merchandising strategies by researching products, audience preferences, and industry trends, and summarizing insights for decision‑making.
• Recommend merchandise concepts, product selections, and design directions based on analysis of audience insights, program needs, and brand considerations.
• Design branded merchandise for multiple audience segments, applying judgment in aesthetic direction, product suitability, and vendor options.
• Coordinate procurement activities, including vendor communication, pricing evaluation, and production timelines, ensuring alignment with budget, brand, and quality expectations.
• Support the development and refinement of merchandise sales, fulfillment, and inventory processes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, user experience, and workflow consistency.
• Monitor seasonal and emerging trends and provide recommendations that inform merchandise planning and product development.

Graphic Design & Desktop Publishing

• Manage assigned design and desktop publishing projects from concept through final production, determining layout, format, and creative approach within brand standards.
• Produce a range of visual materials—including invitations, development communications, signage, print collateral, and digital assets—using professional judgment to meet project objectives.
• Oversee file preparation for in‑house and outsourced printing, ensuring accuracy in specifications, variable‑data requirements, and large‑format production needs.
• Maintain and enforce brand consistency across all materials by managing templates, style guidelines, and design standards.
• Develop visual content for digital platforms, including social media, website updates, and organizational announcements, ensuring alignment with communication goals and brand identity.
• Organize and maintain digital asset libraries, ensuring proper version control, accessibility, and long‑term usability for internal teams.

Project Coordination & Collaboration

• Coordinate design and merchandising project workflows by establishing timelines, tracking deliverables, and adjusting priorities based on organizational needs and project scope.
• Partner with internal teams to interpret project goals, advise on design solutions, and ensure deliverables meet functional, aesthetic, and strategic requirements.
• Maintain organized systems for project documentation, templates, production records, and asset management to support continuity, efficiency, and brand consistency.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, printers, and merchandise suppliers, exercising discretion in vendor selection, production methods, and quality review.
• Provide guidance to staff on brand application, design best practices, and merchandise considerations to support consistent and effective visual communication.

Audience & Brand Engagement Management

• Support organization‑wide branding efforts by ensuring visual and merchandise assets align with audience needs, communication goals, and established brand standards.
• Apply audience insights and program objectives to inform design decisions, merchandise recommendations, and creative approaches.
• Develop visual and merchandise concepts that enhance audience engagement across events, programs, and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand audience priorities and translate them into effective design and merchandising solutions.
• Review creative materials for brand accuracy, accessibility, and audience relevance, recommending adjustments as needed.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of brand guidelines, templates, and visual standards to support consistent application across the organization.
• Monitor audience feedback and engagement trends to identify opportunities for improved brand clarity, visual impact, and user experience.

Other Duties

· Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders and vendors.
• trong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Creative thinker with strong visual design instincts; ability to develop visual concepts and merchandise designs that align with brand standards and audience needs.
• Ability to evaluate design options and make informed recommendations based on project goals.
• Research products, trends, and audience preferences to inform merchandise planning.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing timelines, priorities, and production needs.
• Experience coordinating with vendors, printers, and suppliers to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to evolving organizational needs
• Strong work ethic with the ability to reject setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved
• Professional, adaptable, and positive, with strong attention to detail and the ability to handle fast-paced, day-to-day challenges with composure—and a sense of humor.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; Ability to shift priorities quickly and unexpectedly.
• Resourceful and innovative at tackling challenges in a timely manner.
• Approach work from the Federation’s point of view rather than a personal point of view.
• Must have a passion for the Federation’s mission.
• alid TN driver’s license, good motor vehicle record, and appropriate automobile insurance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, Visual Arts, Merchandising, or related field.
• 1- 2 years of experience in graphic design, merchandising, creative production, or a related professional role preferred. Internship, freelance, portfolio work, or academic project experience will be considered
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
• Proficient across Microsoft Office 365 and Google Suite
• Knowledge with print production, merchandise development, or branded products is a plus.
• Experience in a conservation organization preferred.
• Ability to lift and transport event materials up to 30 lbs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident
• Employee Assistance Program
• ·401(k) match up to 6%
• 13 company paid holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s
• PTO (Vacation and Sick Time)
• Fridays off in July and mid-August

EEO Statement

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to workplace diversity.

Ethical Hunting, Angling and Outdoor Recreation Practices

Federation staff know and respect the game and fish pursued in the field and follow all related laws, familiarize themselves with wildlife in the area and behave accordingly. This likewise applies to hiking, camping and other outdoor activities that require responsible use of public resources. As an employee of the Federation, all employees are expected to follow all state and federal hunting and fishing guidelines and practice ethical and fair chase practices while executing or assisting with program events or in your personal outings afield.