Associate Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Brand Designer

Company: IONNA LLC

Location: Raleigh-Durham, NC (On-site in Durham, NC)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Brand & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: 3+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in executing the visual identity of IONNA, a rapidly scaling EV charging network, by creating high-quality design assets across diverse platforms.

• The Associate Brand Designer will be responsible for translating creative direction and brand system guidelines into tangible design outputs for digital, print, and physical environments.

• A key aspect of this role involves managing the production lifecycle of design assets, including collaboration with external studios and ensuring brand consistency.

• This position requires a strong understanding of brand systems and the ability to apply them consistently, contributing to a distinctive and retro-modern brand presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Associate Brand Designer," carries significant operational responsibilities in asset creation, production management, and brand system application, aligning it closely with Brand Operations and GTM support functions. The emphasis on "building the brand drivers choose" and the context of a "category-defining brand" suggest a strategic importance for design in customer acquisition and loyalty, which is a core GTM objective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand & Marketing Collateral Development: Design and produce social graphics, posters, presentations, internal communications, and various print materials that strictly adhere to IONNA’s established brand identity and guidelines.

• Digital Brand Asset Creation: Develop visually compelling email templates, social media graphics, and web/landing-page visuals to support digital marketing campaigns and online presence.

• Event & Environmental Branding: Create and adapt designs for physical applications, including signage, decals, event booth graphics, promotional merchandise (swag), and site-specific branding elements.

• Motion Graphics & Video Production: Produce and edit motion graphics and short-form video content suitable for social media, marketing campaigns, and event displays, enhancing brand engagement.

• Design Adaptation & Versioning: Efficiently adapt approved creative assets into multiple formats and layouts across various campaigns and channels, with a focus on developing reusable templates to streamline future design efforts.

• Production Workflow Management: Collaborate with the Sr. Brand Manager on briefs and reviews, and manage the integration of content produced by outsourced studios and vendors to ensure strict adherence to the brand standard.

• Project & Asset Management: Utilize team-specific project management and brand asset management tools to effectively manage tasks, monitor progress, and communicate priorities, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize execution and adherence to established brand standards, indicating a strong operational focus on consistency and efficiency. The mention of "building toward reusable templates" and "production partnership" highlights a process-oriented approach to design asset creation, crucial for scaling GTM efforts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience delivering high-quality design across digital, print, and physical environments, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, scaling environment.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating vector graphics, layouts, and image manipulation.

• Brand System Application: Strong understanding and demonstrated ability to consistently apply brand guidelines, design systems, and visual identities across all creative outputs.

• Cross-Channel Design Experience: Proven track record of creating design assets for diverse platforms including digital (web, social, email), print (collateral, signage), and physical environments (events, site branding).

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Project Management Acumen: Experience managing multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a dynamic, high-growth setting.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: Proficiency in After Effects, Premiere Pro, or equivalent software for producing and editing motion graphics and short-form video content.

• External Production Management: Experience in producing content with or directing external studios, agencies, or vendors, including brief development and quality control.

• Environmental & Physical Branding: Specific experience in environmental branding, signage, and physical asset design.

• Design System & Templating: Familiarity with design-system principles and workflows, including the creation and utilization of templated design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects, Premiere Pro) and practical application across channels (digital, print, physical) points to a need for hands-on operational skill. The preferred skills in motion graphics and external production management further underscore the operational depth expected in managing a high volume of creative output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Cross-Channel Design Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating successful design execution across digital (web graphics, social media assets, email templates), print (marketing collateral, signage), and physical/environmental branding elements.

• Brand System Adherence: Examples that clearly illustrate your ability to apply and maintain a consistent brand identity and design system across diverse applications and campaigns.

• Project Lifecycle Examples: Case studies or project examples that showcase your process from brief to final delivery, including problem-solving, adaptation, and final asset creation.

• Motion/Video Work (if applicable): If motion graphics or video editing skills are highlighted, include examples of short-form video or animated graphics relevant to marketing and brand communication.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate understanding of design workflow processes, from receiving briefs to final asset delivery, including versioning and adaptation strategies.

• Collaboration & Feedback: Showcase how you incorporate feedback and collaborate with stakeholders or project managers to refine designs and meet objectives.

• Efficiency & Templating: Include examples or explanations of how you approach creating reusable templates or optimizing design processes for efficiency in a scaling environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio requirement, the nature of the role and its responsibilities strongly implies that a portfolio showcasing practical application, adherence to brand systems, and efficiency in design production will be critical for evaluation. This is standard for design roles supporting GTM functions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications).

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Paid Holidays

• Bonus Programs

Working Hours: Full-time, onsite presence required in Durham, NC. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a standard full-time workweek is implied (approximately 40 hours).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within the typical range for an Associate Brand Designer with 3+ years of experience in a competitive market like Raleigh-Durham, NC. The benefits package is comprehensive and standard for full-time roles in the tech/automotive industry. The explicit requirement for full-time onsite presence is a critical detail for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: EV Charging Infrastructure / Automotive Technology. IONNA is a significant venture founded by major automakers, aiming to establish a dominant and reliable charging network. This positions the company at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution.

Company Size: Information not explicitly provided, but being founded by eight major automakers suggests a large-scale, well-funded, and rapidly growing organization. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with significant resources and ambitious goals.

Founded: Founded by eight of the world's largest automakers, indicating a mission-driven and strategically important initiative in the automotive sector.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Brand Designer reports to the Sr. Brand Manager, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the Brand team.

• The Brand team is responsible for bringing IONNA's promise to life, suggesting a central role in shaping the company's identity and customer perception.

• Collaboration is expected across various functions, as design assets will support marketing, events, and potentially physical site presence. Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: The core mission is to build a brand that drivers choose, emphasizing customer loyalty and a positive brand experience.

• Design System Driven: Operations revolve around applying a defined creative direction and design system to ensure consistency and quality.

• Scalability Focused: The environment is described as "constantly scaling," requiring efficient processes and adaptable design solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates working with project managers, potentially marketing teams, and external production partners.

Company Website: ionna.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding by major automakers and its mission to revolutionize EV charging highlight a significant market opportunity and a need for strong brand execution. The "retro-modern" brand aesthetic suggests a unique and differentiated approach to branding in a competitive space. The emphasis on scaling and reliability points to operational rigor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Associate" level, typically indicating early to mid-career professionals with 3-5 years of relevant experience. It involves executing design strategies under direction rather than setting them.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Brand Designer reports directly to the Sr. Brand Manager, providing a clear line of communication and mentorship. This structure allows for focused learning and development within brand design principles.

Operations Impact: The design output directly influences IONNA's brand perception, customer engagement, and overall GTM strategy. High-quality, on-brand assets are crucial for building trust and loyalty in the competitive EV charging market. The role directly supports the brand's ability to attract and retain customers through compelling visuals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific design areas like motion graphics, video editing, or environmental branding, aligning with emerging needs in the EV sector.

• Brand System Development: Opportunity to contribute to the evolution and refinement of IONNA's design system as the brand scales and matures.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and growth, potential to advance to Senior Brand Designer or specialized roles, leading projects or managing junior designers in the future.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience within a fast-growing, high-impact industry (EVs) and a company backed by major automotive players provides significant career leverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title suggests a clear path for growth within the brand team, with opportunities to take on more complex projects and potentially leadership responsibilities as the company scales. The emphasis on learning and applying brand systems is foundational for a career in brand management and operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Full-time onsite presence is required in Durham, NC. This indicates a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and direct supervision are expected.

Office Location(s): Durham, NC. This location is within the Research Triangle Park (RTP) region, known for its concentration of technology, research, and innovation companies, suggesting a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires collaboration with the Sr. Brand Manager and potentially other team members, implying a workspace that facilitates team interaction and feedback.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and project management tools is implied, supporting efficient workflow and asset creation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Brand team and potentially other departments involved in GTM initiatives.

Work Schedule: Full-time, onsite. While exact hours are not specified, it suggests a standard 5-day workweek with dedicated time for design production, collaboration, and project management. Flexibility is not explicitly mentioned, and the onsite requirement indicates a structured work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory onsite presence is a key characteristic of the work environment, suggesting a culture that values in-person collaboration and direct oversight. The location in the Raleigh-Durham area places it within a hub of technological innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, visa status, and alignment with company requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their design work. Expect to walk through specific projects, discussing your role, creative process, problem-solving, and the impact of your designs.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, possibly involving adapting a design, creating a quick asset based on a brief, or answering scenario-based questions related to brand application.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Meetings with the Sr. Brand Manager and potentially other team members to assess technical skills, cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of brand operations.

• Final Round: Potentially a discussion with higher-level leadership or a final confirmation of fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your skills in digital, print, and environmental design, particularly those demonstrating brand system application.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, design decisions, challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your work.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Emphasize how you maintained brand integrity and applied design systems effectively.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different mediums and adapt designs for various channels.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with specific software and your understanding of design principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research IONNA's current brand identity, mission, and target audience. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual assets and any stated design philosophy.

• Practice Design Adaptation: If a creative challenge is given, practice adapting existing brand elements or creating new assets under time constraints, focusing on speed and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Scenario Questions: Think about how you would handle common design operations challenges, such as managing conflicting feedback, prioritizing tasks, or ensuring brand consistency with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and a potential creative challenge highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also operational efficiency and brand stewardship.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks. This includes:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, print collateral, and presentations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Motion Graphics & Video Editing Software (Preferred):

  • Adobe After Effects: For creating motion graphics and animations.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For editing short-form videos.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts KPIs (On-Time Delivery, First-Pass Approval Rate) is crucial. Familiarity with project management tools that track these metrics is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM campaigns might be a plus. Project & Asset Management:

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) and brand asset management systems (e.g., DAM platforms) is expected for workflow and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily focused on creative production tools. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable, with After Effects and Premiere Pro being significant advantages for roles involving motion and video content. The mention of project and asset management tools underscores the operational aspect of managing creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: The overarching goal is to build a brand that drivers choose, emphasizing reliability, design, and a positive customer experience.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, on-brand creative assets that meet rigorous standards.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Operating in a "constantly scaling environment" necessitates efficient processes, reusable templates, and adaptable solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong teamwork and clear communication are vital for working with the Sr. Brand Manager, external partners, and potentially other departments.

• Innovation & Boldness: The "retro-modern brand" and "EV revolution" context suggest an environment that values creative thinking and pushing boundaries within a defined brand framework.

Collaboration Style:

• Directed Execution: The Associate Brand Designer will work under the creative direction and design system set by the Sr. Brand Manager, implying a collaborative but guided approach.

• Cross-Functional Integration: While primarily within the Brand team, design assets will support broader GTM initiatives, requiring interaction with marketing and potentially product teams.

• Feedback Integration: A culture that encourages feedback loops for continuous improvement of design quality and process efficiency.

• Proactive Communication: In a fast-paced environment, proactive communication about progress, challenges, and timelines is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on building a desirable brand for drivers and its rapid scaling nature point to a culture that values both creative excellence and operational efficiency. The "retro-modern" aesthetic suggests a desire for distinctive, impactful branding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: In a fast-paced, scaling environment, maintaining high design quality while meeting tight deadlines can be challenging.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying a defined brand system across diverse applications and working with external partners requires discipline and attention to detail.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous design requests and prioritizing tasks effectively can be demanding.

• Adapting to Evolving Brand Needs: As IONNA grows, the brand's needs may evolve, requiring flexibility and adaptability in design output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to master motion graphics, video editing, and potentially more complex digital or environmental design techniques.

• Brand System Contribution: As experience grows, there's potential to contribute to the refinement and expansion of IONNA's design system.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining insights into how design supports broader marketing and GTM strategies.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the EV industry and its branding nuances.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges are rooted in operational execution within a dynamic GTM context. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening design expertise and understanding the strategic application of brand elements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Application: "How would you approach designing a social media campaign for a new IONNA charging station launch, ensuring it aligns with our retro-modern aesthetic?" (Focus on process, understanding brand elements, and creative execution).

• Workflow & Prioritization: "Describe your process for managing multiple design requests with competing deadlines. How do you ensure both quality and timely delivery?" (Highlight project management skills and efficiency strategies).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a stakeholder provides feedback that conflicts with our brand guidelines. How would you handle this situation?" (Demonstrate communication, negotiation, and brand advocacy skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Vision: "What excites you about IONNA's brand and its mission in the EV charging space?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your ideal working relationship with a Sr. Brand Manager and how you contribute to a collaborative design team." (Focus on communication and teamwork).

• Design Impact: "How do you measure the success of your design work in supporting brand objectives or customer engagement?" (Connect design output to business outcomes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": For each project, begin by explaining the objective and challenge.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team or agency settings.

• Showcase Process: Walk through your thought process, including sketches, iterations, and key design decisions.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Explicitly point out how your work adheres to brand guidelines and contributes to the overall brand identity.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on engagement, approvals, or campaign success, present it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also operational discipline, brand stewardship, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative GTM environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on app.trinethire.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with digital, print, and environmental design, emphasizing your ability to apply and maintain brand systems consistently.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with motion graphics or video editing. Quantify your experience and achievements where possible, particularly related to project management and on-time delivery.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, brand application strategies, and how you handle feedback and manage multiple projects. Be ready to discuss your understanding of IONNA's brand and mission.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research IONNA's current brand presence, mission, and the EV charging industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role and company.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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