Communication Design Specialist

About the Team

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks.  The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet.  The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.  

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  This position in onsite in our Phoenix Home Office. 

The Communications Design Specialist develops clear, polished print and digital materials that help PetSmart business partners communicate priorities, programs and information to associates and other audiences. Working closely with Internal Communications and teams across the business, this role turns scripts, key messages, rough concepts and bullet points into effective signage, PowerPoint presentations and related visual communications.

The specialist combines strong design judgment with careful listening, content organization and partner communication. From clarifying the audience and objective through design, revisions and final production, this role ensures deliverables are on-brand, accurate and ready when needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consults with business partners to understand communication goals, audiences, key messages, channel needs, timelines and required approvals.
• Translates scripts, notes, bullet points and other source content into concise, well-organized visual narratives for signage, PowerPoint presentations and other print and digital materials.
• Partners with Internal Communications on presentation development, including slide structure, information hierarchy, visual pacing, layout, graphics and refinement of supplied content for clarity.
• Designs and produces a range of associate-facing materials, preparing files appropriately for print, digital display, presentation and distribution.
• Asks focused questions, confirms content and design direction, communicates project status, and presents work and recommendations in a clear, professional manner.
• Manages multiple assignments and review cycles; incorporates feedback accurately, flags risks or missing information early, and delivers final work to agreed deadlines.
• Applies PetSmart brand standards consistently while tailoring each piece to its audience, purpose and communication channel.
• Checks deliverables for accuracy, readability, visual quality and production readiness, including proofreading copy and validating supplied details.
• Maintains organized working files and follows established processes for version control, approvals and final asset handoff.
• Builds productive relationships with business partners, contributing a collaborative, service-oriented and solutions-focused perspective.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, including the ability to build and refine presentation layouts, visual hierarchy, charts, diagrams and branded templates.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, for creating and preparing print and digital materials.
• Strong visual design skills, including typography, color, composition, layout and information hierarchy.
• Ability to interpret written source material into clear, audience-appropriate visual communications while preserving the intended meaning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to listen actively, clarify requests, explain design choices, present work and respond constructively to feedback.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail, including proofreading, content accuracy, file management and coordination of multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal partners in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Professional, adaptable and receptive to input; demonstrates sound judgment, initiative and a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Experience in corporate communications or a marketing environment is a plus.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years of relevant experience in an in-house creative or communications department, marketing or advertising agency, or design-focused freelance practice.

A portfolio demonstrating strong visual design and examples of print or digital communications and/or presentation work is required.

Additional Job Considerations

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About the Culture

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we’re building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams and challenge each other to be the best they can be. 

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.