Graphic Designer II, Headwear – Mitchell & Ness at Fanatics · New York

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 Commerce's 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:

Bachelor's 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 Company's office located in Philadelphia, PA subject to the Company's 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 mindset—We Build Championship Teams, we're Obsessed with Fans, we embrace a Limitless Entrepreneurial Spirit, and we approach every challenge with a Determined & Relentless Mindset. If you're ready to contribute to a dynamic, fast-paced environment that thrives on collaboration and growth, we want you to be part of our team.