ABOUT THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL®) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
With more than 1500 employees across the US and Canada, the NHL is a global sports and entertainment organization committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey. At the NHL, we are looking for dynamic, energetic and impactful individuals who are committed to doing the same by sharing in our philosophy that Hockey is for Everyone.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU
SUMMARY
The National Hockey League is seeking a highly creative, data-savvy Graphic Thumbnail Designer to develop standout YouTube thumbnails that directly drive views, click-through rates, and channel growth.
As a key contributor to the NHL’s digital content strategy, you’ll help define and evolve the visual identity of our YouTube ecosystem. You will design bold, high-impact thumbnails that maximize discoverability and performance—capturing everything from the intensity of a game-winning goal to the humor, rivalry, and behind-the-scenes personality of the league’s biggest stars.
Working closely with YouTube, producers, editors, and channel managers, you’ll create thumbnails informed by performance data, SEO best practices, and emerging visual trends. Your work will help shape how millions of fans discover and engage with NHL content across platforms.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create high-impact YouTube thumbnails for NHL and sports-driven content that directly increase Click-Through Rate, drive discoverability, and elevate overall channel performance.
- Collaborate closely with producers and video editors to ensure every YouTube thumbnail accurately reflects the storyline, matchup stakes, and fan-focused messaging—positioning the video for maximum click appeal.
- Translate key hockey moments, emotional beats, and standout player personalities into compelling YouTube-optimized visuals that resonate with both die-hard fans and casual viewers.
- Experiment with YouTube-specific thumbnail strategies—varying styles, layouts, action imagery, color treatments, and text overlays—to enhance performance across highlights, behind-the-scenes features, mic’d-up content, and original long- and short-form series.
- Maintain consistent NHL branding while continually pushing creative boundaries, ensuring every YouTube thumbnail is instantly recognizable, high-impact, and algorithm-friendly.
- Stay up-to-date on YouTube design trends, sports-entertainment best practices, and platform algorithm insights to keep thumbnail visuals competitive, data-informed, and optimized for evolving viewer behaviors.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge Areas/Experience
Required
- Strong knowledge of YouTube-specific design best practices, including visual hierarchy, facial framing, contrast, and trend-based layout strategies essential for high-performing thumbnails.
- A reel or portfolio link showcasing YouTube thumbnails or related digital work is required.
- 5+ year of experience designing YouTube thumbnails or social-platform graphics, ideally within sports, entertainment, or fast-turnaround digital environments where speed and performance matter.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (or comparable design tools) with a focus on YouTube-optimized workflows, image manipulation, and rapid iteration.
- Strong understanding of digital design fundamentals—color theory, contrast, composition, cropping, typography—and how to apply them effectively to action-driven sports thumbnails.
- Working knowledge of YouTube analytics and performance metrics (CTR, impressions, watch behavior) and how they directly influence thumbnail strategy and success.
- Familiarity with A/B testing and data-driven creative decisions, using performance insights to refine and optimize thumbnails for highlights, mic’d-up videos, behind-the-scenes content, and original series.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with editors, producers, and YouTube strategists and apply notes quickly and constructively.
- Strong attention to detail, rapid turnaround ability, and confident time-management skills, suitable for a fast-paced, reactive environment where priorities shift with breaking hockey moments.
- Passion for YouTube creators, sports culture, and digital content trends, with a clear understanding of how hockey fans discover, click, and engage with videos on the platform.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and travel as required by the NHL content calendar and YouTube publishing rhythm.
CORE COMPETENCIES
These core competencies reflect the underlying values that are necessary to represent the National Hockey League:
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Inclusion
- Professionalism
- Teamwork & Collaboration
SALARY RANGE:
$40.00/HR
Actual base pay for a successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to: experience/training, market demands, and geographic location.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NO EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
