Associate Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Graphic Designer

Company: Marsh McLennan Agency

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Design

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: Associate (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute creative design concepts for marketing and communication materials, ensuring brand consistency and visual appeal.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including regional and national marketing departments, to support diverse design needs across various channels.

• Utilize a robust suite of design software and tools to produce high-quality visual assets for both digital and print mediums.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design engaging visual assets, including graphics, layouts, and presentations, adhering to brand guidelines and project objectives.

• Translate marketing objectives and strategies into compelling visual narratives that resonate with target audiences.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output while maintaining efficient workflow.

• Collaborate closely with marketing specialists, content creators, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, provide design solutions, and incorporate feedback.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong understanding of composition, color theory, and typography. A minimum of two years of experience specifically in presentation design is also required.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint for advanced presentation design and execution.

• Strong command of Microsoft Word and the broader Microsoft Office suite for document creation and integration.

• Demonstrated ability to apply principles of composition, color theory, and typography effectively in visual design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within an advertising or marketing agency environment.

• Familiarity with digital design principles and User Experience (UX) design concepts.

• Experience with digital asset management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title and the "2-5 years" experience range suggest a role that requires foundational design skills and some professional application, but not necessarily extensive strategic oversight or team leadership. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, highlights a need for practical, production-oriented design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, composition, color theory, and typography.

• Include specific examples of presentation design projects, highlighting creativity, clarity, and effectiveness in conveying information.

• Provide examples of work created using Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft PowerPoint, showcasing technical skill and design execution.

Process Documentation:

• Exhibit examples of your design process, from initial concept development and mood boarding to final asset creation and delivery.

• Illustrate how you manage feedback and iterate on designs to achieve optimal results, showcasing a collaborative and iterative workflow.

• Present case studies that articulate the problem, your design solution, and the impact or outcome of your work, particularly in marketing and communication contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on visual asset creation and collaboration, the portfolio should emphasize practical application of design skills and the ability to translate project briefs into effective visual communications. The inclusion of presentation design is critical, suggesting a need to showcase how complex information can be simplified and visually presented.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Associate Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Richmond, VA area, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Richmond, the specific skill requirements (Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint), and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Generous time off, including personal days and dedicated volunteering days to support community engagement.

• Tuition reimbursement programs and access to professional development opportunities to foster continuous learning and career advancement.

• Hybrid work model, offering flexibility and a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Charitable contribution match programs, supporting employees' philanthropic efforts.

• Stock purchase opportunities, allowing employees to invest in the company's growth.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with expectations for core collaboration hours during the business week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. It aims to provide a competitive benchmark. Benefits listed are directly from the job description, emphasizing Marsh McLennan Agency's commitment to employee well-being and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marsh McLennan Agency operates within the professional services sector, specifically focusing on insurance, employee benefits, and retirement solutions. This industry demands a high degree of professionalism, client-centricity, and a commitment to expertise.

Company Size: Marsh McLennan Agency is part of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in professional services. This affiliation suggests a large, established organization with significant resources, while MMA itself has a substantial presence with 170 offices across North America. This size offers both stability and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: While the specific founding date of Marsh McLennan Agency is not provided, Marsh McLennan (the parent company) has a long-standing history. This legacy implies a culture built on experience, trust, and long-term relationships, which can translate into a stable and supportive work environment for operations professionals.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing & Communications team, working with both regional and national departments. This suggests a matrixed reporting structure or strong cross-functional collaboration.

• The team likely comprises marketing specialists, communication managers, and potentially other creative professionals, fostering a collaborative environment for creative development.

Methodology:

• The emphasis on "award-winning, inclusive, Top Workplace culture" suggests a company that values employee well-being, collaboration, and recognizes contributions.

• The company's approach likely involves data-driven decision-making for marketing campaigns, requiring designers to understand campaign objectives and target audience insights.

• Workflow optimization is implied through the need for efficient design production and collaboration across dispersed teams, highlighting the importance of systematic processes.

Company Website: https://marshmma.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Top Workplace" designation and emphasis on "extraordinary people" suggest a company culture that values its employees and fosters a positive work environment. The integration into a large global firm (Marsh McLennan) indicates access to extensive resources and a broad professional network, while MMA's own scale offers a significant operational footprint.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Associate level, indicating an entry to mid-level position focused on executing design tasks under guidance. It's an opportunity for individuals with foundational design skills to gain practical experience and develop their professional capabilities within a corporate marketing and communications setting.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Graphic Designer will report to a manager or lead within the Marketing & Communications team. Collaboration will extend to regional and national teams, requiring strong communication and project management skills to navigate these relationships effectively.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of revenue or sales operations, the Graphic Designer's work has a significant impact on how Marsh McLennan Agency presents itself externally. High-quality visual assets enhance brand perception, support marketing campaigns, and contribute to client engagement, indirectly influencing business development and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital design, UX/UI, or motion graphics, depending on project needs and personal development goals.

• Career Advancement: Progression to roles like Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Art Director, with increasing responsibility for campaign strategy, creative direction, and team leadership.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across different business units, expanding understanding of the broader insurance and financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" level suggests a developmental role where learning and application of core skills are prioritized. Growth opportunities will likely involve mastering core design competencies and then potentially specializing or taking on more complex projects, aligning with the company's "professional development opportunities" benefit.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. This suggests a modern work environment that balances the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Richmond, VA. Specific details about the office's amenities or accessibility are not provided, but it is expected to be a professional office setting conducive to creative work and team interaction.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model implies a need for a well-equipped home office setup and the ability to transition seamlessly between remote and in-office work.

• In-office days will likely involve collaborative sessions, team meetings, and access to shared resources, fostering a dynamic creative environment.

• The role requires excellent digital communication tools and a reliable internet connection to ensure effective collaboration with colleagues located both within the office and remotely.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, but adherence to project deadlines and team availability for meetings will be crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring adaptability and strong self-management skills. Employees are expected to leverage technology effectively for both independent work and team collaboration, reflecting a contemporary approach to workplace dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: An HR or recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your resume and interest in the role and company.

• Hiring Manager Interview: This stage will focus on your technical skills, design process, and experience with specific tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint). Expect questions about your portfolio and how you approach design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where you'll present your work. Be ready to walk through selected projects, explaining your role, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on the requirements mentioned: graphic design, composition, color theory, typography, and presentation design.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: You may meet with other members of the Marketing & Communications team or individuals from departments you'd collaborate with. This assesses your collaboration style and ability to integrate with the team.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or a final confirmation of terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best represent your skills in graphic design, typography, color theory, and especially presentation design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your process, key design decisions, challenges encountered, and the impact of your work. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how you used Adobe Creative Cloud and PowerPoint to achieve specific design outcomes.

• Demonstrate Brand Awareness: Show examples where you successfully adhered to brand guidelines or adapted designs for different audiences.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle constructive criticism, and your experience with hybrid work environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared for a potential design challenge, either as a take-home assignment or a live exercise. This could involve creating a graphic asset or a slide for a hypothetical presentation.

• Focus on speed, creativity, and adherence to any given constraints or brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on presentation design in the requirements suggests that the portfolio review will heavily scrutinize this area. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they effectively communicate complex information visually and engage an audience through slide design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: High proficiency required in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print design, digital publishing).

• Microsoft PowerPoint: High proficiency is critical for creating professional presentations, internal communications, and marketing collateral.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (document creation) and other applications to support integrated design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role's technical requirements lies firmly within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Microsoft Office, with a particular emphasis on PowerPoint. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate deep practical knowledge of these tools and their application in creating a wide range of visual assets for marketing and communications purposes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Focus: Marsh McLennan Agency emphasizes client service, meaning designs should always aim to support client engagement, understanding, and satisfaction.

• Excellence & Quality: The "award-winning" culture points to a high standard for work output. Designs are expected to be polished, professional, and impactful.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: As a "Top Workplace," the company values teamwork and diverse perspectives. Designs should reflect an inclusive approach, and collaboration is key to project success.

• Purposeful Work: The company aims for meaningful impact. Designers should strive to create visuals that effectively communicate purpose and drive desired actions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially sales teams, requiring clear communication and an ability to translate diverse needs into visual solutions.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: The hybrid nature and emphasis on collaboration suggest an environment where feedback is regularly exchanged. A willingness to receive and act on constructive criticism is essential.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design best practices and learn from colleagues across different disciplines are likely, fostering a continuous learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of being an "award-winning, inclusive, Top Workplace" strongly suggest a culture that prioritizes employee well-being, professional growth, and collaborative achievement. Designers are expected to contribute to this environment through their work and their interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and corporate messaging.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various regional and national teams, each potentially with unique objectives and preferences.

• Adapting to Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining seamless collaboration and productivity while working across different locations and time zones.

• Staying Current with Design Trends: Continuously evolving design skills and software proficiency to keep pace with industry advancements and client expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and ongoing development programs to enhance design skills, learn new software, or explore related areas like digital marketing.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects within the financial services and insurance sector, broadening understanding of industry-specific design needs.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or marketing leaders, providing guidance on career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for this role are typical for a graphic designer in a corporate setting, requiring a blend of creativity, technical skill, and interpersonal effectiveness. The growth opportunities align with the company's stated benefits, emphasizing continuous learning and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new visual concept for a marketing campaign." (Focus on ideation, research, and client/stakeholder input.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" (Highlight your understanding of brand stewardship and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through a presentation design project. What was the objective, and how did your design help achieve it?" (Be ready to showcase your presentation design skills with a specific example.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Marsh McLennan Agency and our industry?" (Research the company, its services, and its recent activities.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to our marketing and communication goals?" (Connect your abilities to the company's business objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for 2-3 minutes of explanation. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Visual Emphasis: Let your work speak for itself, but be prepared to zoom in on specific details or elements.

• Tool Specificity: Be ready to mention the specific Adobe Creative Cloud or PowerPoint features you used to achieve particular effects or efficiencies.

• Outcome-Oriented: Whenever possible, tie your design work to tangible results or business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical design proficiency and soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability, especially given the hybrid work arrangement. Preparing specific examples that highlight your experience with the required tools and your understanding of design principles will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 2+ years of experience in graphic design and presentation design, highlighting proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft PowerPoint. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features your best work in graphic design, composition, color theory, typography, and, critically, presentation design. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or a shareable link).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with hybrid work.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Marsh McLennan Agency's services, brand identity, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their culture as a "Top Workplace" and part of a larger professional services firm.

⚠️ 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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