BRANDING & DESIGN STRATEGIST

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Branding & Design Strategist

Company: City of Dearborn Career Opportunities

Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / Creative Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the City of Dearborn’s visual identity, web design, and overall brand strategy, acting as the central brand expert.

• Drive the creation of visually excellent, inclusive, and representative graphics, print, and multimedia design assets for all City communications.

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive branding and design strategy in close collaboration with the Communications Department leadership.

• Oversee the design, formatting, and usability of the City's website, coordinating with external contractors and the Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Branding & Design Strategist," has significant operational components. It requires not just creative execution but also strategic planning, project management, and cross-departmental coordination, aligning closely with the principles of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations by ensuring consistent and effective external communication and brand representation. The emphasis on website management and content strategy further solidifies its operational relevance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the City of Dearborn’s branding strategy and ensure consistent implementation of brand guidelines across all City products and publications.

• Serve as the principal editor and administrator of visual brand guidelines for all design products produced within and across City departments.

• Liaise with internal City departments to manage the design, editing, and reformatting of graphics, layouts, and multimedia collateral, ensuring timely delivery for web, social media, and other distribution channels.

• Act as the lead project manager and liaison for visual design initiatives originating from the Mayor’s Office and all City departments, providing operational support for project scoping, timelines, pitches, proposals, and presentations.

• Manage the content, design, and usability of the City website platform, ensuring consistency in design, format, and functionality, and directing content creation in coordination with DoIT and subject matter experts.

• Develop, update, and maintain a comprehensive brand book for the City of Dearborn.

• Convene and lead a "brain trust" of designers and stakeholders from across the City to plan and execute communication initiatives, ensuring brand alignment and developing tailored strategies for specific audience groups.

• Forge key partnerships and manage relationships with external vendors and partners to amplify City messaging and design efforts.

• Participate in regular staff meetings, work events, and interdepartmental working groups, providing status reports and leading special projects, particularly ahead of key public engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic oversight, common in operations roles. The "lead project manager and liaison" aspect, coupled with operational support for proposals and timelines, points to a role that bridges creative output with structured project execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, or a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Journalism, or Communications. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of related experience if holding an Associate’s degree.

• A minimum of 3 years of related experience if holding a Bachelor’s degree.

• Demonstrated experience in leading branding and design strategy implementation. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in fundamental graphic and layout design techniques and principles.

• Strong understanding of fundamental web design techniques and principles.

• Expertise in branding principles, including brand personality, brand management, and brand strategy development.

• Proficiency with industry-standard graphic design tools such as Photoshop, Canva, Figma, and Illustrator.

• Excellent research, writing, editing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with an emphasis on brevity and concision.

• Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously under pressure while maintaining high quality standards.

• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Forms, Slides) and Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing design assets and records.

• Valid State of Michigan Driver's License. Preferred Skills:

• Basic proficiency with website platforms like Joomla or Drupal.

• Familiarity with printing guidelines and principles for collateral production.

• Knowledge of best practices for modern graphics and social media design.

• Understanding of City of Dearborn history and landscape to inform design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement suggests a mid-level professional ready to take on strategic and leadership responsibilities. The blend of creative software proficiency and communication skills is critical for effective collaboration and project execution, mirroring requirements in operations roles that manage creative workflows or vendor relationships.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of design work, with a strong emphasis on branding strategy and implementation.

• Demonstrated examples of developing and maintaining brand guidelines or brand books for organizations.

• Case studies or examples of managing website design, content strategy, and usability improvements.

• Evidence of creating visually excellent graphics, print, and multimedia collateral for diverse distribution channels (web, social media, print).

• Examples of project management for design initiatives, including scope definition, timeline adherence, and stakeholder communication. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate design processes, from concept to final delivery, highlighting efficiency improvements and quality control measures.

• Demonstrated experience in establishing and administering visual brand guidelines, showing a systematic approach to brand consistency.

• Examples of managing workflows for internal clients, detailing how specifications for various distribution channels were met in a timely and efficient manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on strategy and execution, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative output but also showcase the strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and process-oriented approach required to manage complex design initiatives across an organization. This aligns with operations' need to demonstrate structured problem-solving and implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $69,877.00 per year

Benefits:

• Full-time employment status with a comprehensive benefits package (details typically provided during the interview process, but often include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc., common in municipal employment).

• Opportunity to significantly shape the public image and communication strategy of a major municipality.

• Exposure to diverse projects across all City departments, fostering broad organizational understanding.

• Potential for professional development and training in areas of branding, digital strategy, and public sector communications. Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or attend public events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary of $69,877 aligns with an entry to mid-level professional role in a government setting, particularly in the Detroit metropolitan area for a specialized creative/strategic position. Benefits in public sector roles are often robust, including strong health coverage, retirement pensions, and significant paid time off, which are attractive to professionals seeking stability and work-life balance. The requirement for occasional evening/weekend work is typical for roles involving public engagement or critical project deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector

Company Size: Large (City Government) - The City of Dearborn operates as a large municipality with numerous departments and a significant employee base. This implies a structured environment with established processes and a focus on public service.

Founded: The City of Dearborn has a long history, founded in 1925. This deep-rooted presence suggests a stable organization with a legacy of serving its community.

Team Structure:

• The Branding & Design Strategist will likely report to a Director or Deputy Director of Communications, working closely with a Digital & Marketing Strategist.

• This role involves collaboration with various City departments, requiring strong interdepartmental communication and project coordination.

• The position may lead the work of others, suggesting potential for team leadership or oversight of contractors/interns in design projects. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-informed decision-making, particularly regarding website analytics and audience engagement metrics, to guide design and content strategy.

• Strategic planning for brand messaging and visual identity to align with the City's overall objectives and public service mission.

• Adherence to established public sector communication protocols and best practices for transparency and accessibility.

Company Website: [Provided URL: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/953142AEBE1265B7CA2CD1ED37F67288/jobs/92242] (Note: This is an application portal link, not the primary City website. The actual City website would be www.dearborn.gov.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a municipal government structure means operating within a defined hierarchy and regulatory framework. The culture will likely prioritize public service, accountability, and adherence to policy, while also encouraging innovation within those boundaries. Collaboration across departments is key to success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist with potential leadership responsibilities. It requires a blend of creative expertise and strategic operational thinking, bridging individual contributor and potential team lead functions.

Reporting Structure: The Strategist will report to senior leadership within the Communications Department, likely the Director or Deputy Director of Communications, and will collaborate closely with the Digital & Marketing Strategist. This structure indicates a role that is integral to the department's strategic initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Branding & Design Strategist's work directly impacts how the City of Dearborn is perceived by its residents, businesses, and external stakeholders. Effective branding and communication are crucial for public trust, engagement, and the successful implementation of City initiatives. This role is vital in ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling communication that supports the City's operational goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in public sector branding, digital strategy, or web platform management, becoming a subject matter expert within municipal government.

• Leadership: Progress to a senior or managerial role within the Communications Department, potentially leading a team of designers, content creators, or communication specialists.

• Broader Impact: Expand influence by taking on larger, more complex cross-departmental communication projects, contributing to significant City-wide initiatives and policy implementation.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions focused on branding, digital marketing, UX/UI design, and public administration communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, the strategic and operational aspects of managing a city's brand and digital presence offer significant career growth. The impact is measured in public engagement, trust, and operational efficiency of communication channels. The ability to manage projects, stakeholders, and a brand ecosystem is highly transferable to many operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Dearborn Administrative Center, suggesting a professional office environment typical of municipal government operations.

Office Location(s): Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126. This is a central location within the City.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office setting where interaction with colleagues in the Communications Department and other City staff is frequent.

• Access to standard office technology, including computers, design software, and communication tools, will be provided.

• Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration will be abundant, requiring the Strategist to engage with various departments to understand their communication needs and design requirements.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week offers a structured schedule. However, the noted requirement for occasional evening and weekend work indicates flexibility is needed for critical project phases or public events, which is common in roles supporting public-facing services and communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Dearborn Administrative Center environment likely emphasizes professionalism, adherence to public service standards, and a structured workflow. The collaborative nature of the role means the workspace will facilitate interaction and teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a case study from their portfolio demonstrating their approach to branding strategy, problem-solving, and implementation within a public sector context.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews with the hiring manager (likely Director/Deputy Director of Communications), Digital & Marketing Strategist, and potentially other key stakeholders or department heads. Focus will be on strategic thinking, creative vision, project management skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, leadership potential, and ability to contribute to the City's communication goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to develop and implement comprehensive branding strategies, manage complex design projects, and create impactful visual assets for diverse audiences. Highlight work relevant to public sector or municipal communications if possible.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the design solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Detail the process of collaboration and stakeholder management.

• Highlight Brand Expertise: Include examples of brand book development, style guide adherence, and how you've ensured brand consistency across various platforms and collateral.

• Website Focus: Include examples of website design, content strategy implementation, or UX/UI improvements that showcase your understanding of digital platform usability and effectiveness.

• Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, explaining your role, design decisions, and the impact of your work concisely and effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Municipal Context: Research the City of Dearborn's current branding, key initiatives, and communication challenges. Consider how you would approach designing for a public entity with diverse stakeholders.

• Brand Consistency: Be ready to discuss how you would ensure brand consistency across numerous departments with potentially differing needs.

• Website Strategy: Prepare to discuss best practices for municipal website design, content management, and user experience.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage feedback and approvals from various City departments and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a public sector role often emphasizes process, adherence to guidelines, and communication effectiveness. A portfolio that clearly articulates strategic intent and measurable results will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, Figma. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential, with a strong preference for Adobe Suite.

• Web Content Management Systems (CMS): Basic use of platforms like Joomla or Drupal, indicating familiarity with how designs are implemented on web platforms.

• Productivity Suites: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) for website performance monitoring and design optimization, though direct management might be with the Digital & Marketing Strategist.

• Ability to interpret data to inform design decisions and report on the effectiveness of visual communications. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design assets are stored, retrieved, and utilized across different City systems might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management or workflow automation tools could be advantageous for managing design requests and production timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific design software and CMS platforms is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these tools, particularly how they integrate design work into digital platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A core value is serving the residents and community of Dearborn with dedication and integrity.

• Inclusivity & Representation: Commitment to creating design that is visually excellent, inclusive, and representative of the diverse Dearborn community.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-departmental cooperation to achieve shared communication goals.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Driving processes that ensure timely and high-quality output, optimizing the use of resources for maximum impact.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and modern design approaches within the framework of municipal communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, working closely with internal clients (City departments, Mayor's Office) to understand their needs and deliver tailored design solutions.

• Partnership-oriented, fostering strong relationships with external vendors, contractors, and other City departments like DoIT.

• Facilitative, leading design "brain trust" meetings to gather input, ensure brand alignment, and develop cohesive communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture in a municipal setting often balances established procedures with a genuine commitment to community service. The role requires a blend of creative autonomy and collaborative execution, aligning with operations principles of structured teamwork and process adherence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Managing design requests from numerous City departments, each with unique objectives and audiences, while maintaining a unified brand identity.

• Public Scrutiny: Working within a public sector environment where all communications are subject to public review and scrutiny.

• Resource Constraints: Operating within municipal budget limitations, requiring creative solutions and efficient resource management.

• Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with evolving digital design trends and web technologies to ensure the City's online presence remains modern and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and certifications in advanced graphic design, UX/UI design, brand strategy, and digital marketing specific to the public sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior communications professionals and potentially mentor junior staff or interns.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deep understanding of City operations by working with various departments, which can lead to broader career opportunities within public administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in a public sector role often involve navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and resource management, which are core to operations management. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening expertise and expanding influence within the public service domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop and implement a comprehensive branding strategy for a municipality like Dearborn, considering its diverse community and public service mission?" (Focus on process, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes.)

• "Describe your process for ensuring brand consistency across all City departments and communication channels." (Highlight your approach to brand governance, guidelines, and collaboration.)

• "How would you approach redesigning or optimizing the City's website to improve user experience and accessibility for all residents?" (Discuss user-centric design, content strategy, and technical considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the City of Dearborn, and how do you see your role contributing to its community and public image?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with public service values.)

• "How would you navigate differing design opinions or feedback from various City department heads and the Mayor's Office?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding common ground.)

• "Can you provide an example of a time you had to create compelling visual content under tight deadlines or with limited resources?" (Highlight your efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the challenge, your strategic solution, the design execution, and the impact or results.

• Quantify Where Possible: If you have metrics on website traffic increases, engagement rates, or successful campaign reach due to your design work, present them.

• Emphasize Process: Detail your workflow, collaboration methods, and how you managed project scope and timelines.

• Showcase Brand Acumen: Highlight your understanding of brand identity, consistency, and how design supports overarching strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic mindset, strong project management capabilities, and an understanding of the unique context of municipal government communications.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Branding & Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your experience in brand strategy development, visual identity management, website design, and cross-departmental collaboration. Prioritize examples relevant to public sector or municipal contexts if available.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, specific design software proficiency, project management successes, and any experience in government or public service communications. Use keywords from the job description like "branding strategy," "web design," "multimedia design," and "project management."

• Prepare for Case Study: Anticipate a potential design challenge or portfolio review. Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and the impact of your work concisely and compellingly.

• Research the City: Thoroughly research the City of Dearborn's current branding, communication channels, key initiatives, and public service mission. Understand their existing visual identity and identify potential areas for strategic enhancement.

⚠️ 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.