Digital Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Graphic Designer

Company: Armstrong Group (Guardian Protection)

Location: Warrendale, PA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategies through the creation of impactful digital and print design assets.

• Translate complex campaign objectives and brand guidelines into compelling creative collateral for diverse marketing channels.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure design solutions align with strategic marketing initiatives and business goals.

• Manage the end-to-end design process, from concept development to final production-ready files, ensuring brand consistency and quality.

• Support both consumer and B2B marketing efforts by developing engaging visual content for digital advertising, web, social media, email, and physical materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Marketing Operations due to its direct involvement in supporting marketing initiatives through creative asset production and its focus on digital channels that drive lead generation and engagement. The emphasis on translating campaign objectives into measurable design outcomes aligns with operational efficiency and effectiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-quality digital and print creative assets that effectively communicate campaign goals and adhere to strict brand requirements.

• Produce engaging graphics, layouts, and visual treatments for a variety of platforms including websites, social media channels, email marketing campaigns, digital advertisements, and presentations.

• Conceptualize, refine, and finalize on-brand design assets by iterating on creative concepts, editing imagery, incorporating stakeholder feedback, and prioritizing work according to Marketing team objectives.

• Liaise with external agencies and print vendors to oversee outsourced design work, ensuring adherence to brand standards, quality expectations, project timelines, and production specifications.

• Prepare accurate, print-ready files using Adobe InDesign and other Creative Cloud tools, meticulously checking for technical specifications and production readiness.

• Define print specifications, manage proof review cycles, and coordinate with vendors to guarantee accurate and high-quality production of all printed materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to asset creation, requiring a deep understanding of design principles and production workflows. The need to coordinate with agencies and vendors highlights a project management aspect critical for timely and high-quality output, a hallmark of effective operations within a creative function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Web Design, or a closely related field from a four-year college or university is preferred. An Associate degree from an accredited art institute is also considered.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional design experience is required, ideally gained within an in-house creative team or an agency setting. A robust portfolio showcasing extensive digital, web, and print design work is essential.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, and color theory, applied across both digital and print mediums.

• Expertise in user interface (UI) design principles specifically for consumer or e-commerce websites, with a focus on enhancing user experience, driving lead generation, and improving measurable digital engagement.

• Advanced proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac platform, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Familiarity with modern design and collaboration tools such as Figma and Canva.

• Strong project ownership capabilities, with excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience in preparing print-ready files and coordinating with print vendors for accurate production.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced marketing environment and consistently meet deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or video editing software, such as Adobe After Effects, for dynamic digital content creation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for internal communications and asset integration.

• Experience in digital advertising creative development and optimization.

• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to web design and content.

• Knowledge of connected TV (CTV) advertising creative specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for UI design experience in consumer/e-commerce websites and a focus on measurable digital engagement suggests the role involves more than just aesthetic design; it necessitates an understanding of how design directly impacts business outcomes like lead generation and conversion rates, a key operational metric.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of digital design projects, including web banners, social media graphics, email templates, and digital ad creatives, highlighting user interface and user experience considerations.

• Include examples of print collateral such as brochures, event signage, and presentation materials, demonstrating an understanding of print production processes and specifications.

• Present case studies that illustrate the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of the design on campaign objectives (e.g., increased click-through rates, improved engagement metrics, successful lead generation).

• Demonstrate experience with brand implementation across various touchpoints, showcasing how brand guidelines were applied consistently and effectively in different design contexts.

• Provide evidence of collaboration with marketing teams, stakeholders, or agencies, detailing your role in the feedback and iteration process. Process Documentation:

• Document workflows for creating and managing digital assets, including version control, asset archiving, and usage guidelines.

• Illustrate processes for preparing and submitting print-ready files, including pre-press checks and vendor communication protocols.

• Outline methods for incorporating feedback from marketing teams and stakeholders, ensuring efficient iteration and timely delivery of design revisions.

• Detail the process for evaluating design performance against campaign objectives and incorporating learnings into future design projects for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on marketing initiatives and measurable outcomes, a portfolio that demonstrates not just creative output but also the strategic thinking behind the designs—and their impact on key performance indicators (KPIs)—will be highly valued. This aligns with an operations-centric view of creative work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Digital Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in the Warrendale, PA area, the estimated annual salary range is $60,000 - $85,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and the specialized skills required for digital and print design within a corporate marketing environment.

Benefits:

• Attractive compensation package, reflecting competitive market rates.

• Comprehensive benefit package available from day one, likely including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement within the Armstrong Group.

• Access to employee assistance programs and potentially other wellness initiatives.

• Participation in a company culture recognized for high energy and employee engagement.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While standard business hours apply, there may be occasional flexibility needed to meet critical project deadlines or event timelines, common in marketing operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the specified geographic region and experience level. The benefits listed are common for full-time positions and are directly mentioned or inferred from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Armstrong Group operates across diverse industries including utilities, security (Guardian Protection), real estate development, solutions, and comfort services. Guardian Protection, specifically, is a leader in smart home security and professional monitoring. This multi-industry approach suggests a dynamic and potentially innovative work environment.

Company Size: The Armstrong Group employs over 2,400 individuals nationwide, indicating a large, established organization with robust resources and established operational frameworks. This size can offer stability and opportunities for structured career development.

Founded: Founded in 1946, the Armstrong Group has a long history, starting as Armstrong County Line Construction. This legacy suggests a stable company with a strong foundation and a commitment to long-term growth and adaptation across its various business units.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Guardian Protection marketing team, which may include marketing managers, digital marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially other designers.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Marketing Director or Creative Lead who oversees marketing initiatives and visual branding efforts.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with marketing teams, product development, sales teams (especially for B2B materials), and external agencies/vendors. Methodology:

• Design processes will likely be data-informed, using insights from campaign performance and user engagement to guide creative decisions.

• Workflow planning will be crucial for managing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring timely delivery of assets for marketing campaigns.

• Automation in asset management or templating might be utilized where applicable to improve efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.armstrong.com/ (General Armstrong Group) and https://guardianprotection.com/ (Guardian Protection)

📝 Enhancement Note: The diverse portfolio of the Armstrong Group suggests that the marketing team, and by extension this design role, needs to be adaptable and capable of supporting varied business objectives. Understanding the parent company's broader strategy can provide context for Guardian's specific marketing efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered a mid-level position. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and professional experience, with the expectation of independent work and contribution to significant marketing campaigns. The role is focused on execution and creative problem-solving within defined operational parameters.

Reporting Structure: The Digital Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director who oversees the marketing department's creative output. This structure allows for direct guidance on campaign objectives and brand alignment while providing autonomy in design execution.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue by creating marketing collateral that drives lead generation, customer acquisition, and brand engagement for both consumer and B2B markets. High-quality, on-brand designs are critical for conveying trust, professionalism, and value, which are essential for conversion rates in the smart home security industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific design areas such as UI/UX for e-commerce, motion graphics, or digital advertising creative optimization.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Creative Lead role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to strategic creative planning.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into related roles within the marketing department, such as Digital Marketing Specialist, Brand Manager, or Marketing Project Manager, leveraging design expertise to inform broader marketing strategies.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design software, explore emerging digital design trends, and gain experience in A/B testing creative assets for performance optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "opportunity to grow within the company" mentioned in the benefits highlights a commitment to employee development. For this role, growth would likely involve increasing responsibility for strategic creative direction and project leadership within the marketing operations framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Warrendale, PA, implying an on-site work environment within a corporate office setting. This environment is typical for organizations that value in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct oversight.

Office Location(s): The primary location is at 174 Thorn Hill Road in Warrendale, PA. This location is part of the broader Pittsburgh metropolitan area, offering access to a regional talent pool and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and communication among marketing and creative professionals.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including high-performance Mac workstations and relevant software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.), is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing managers, project leads, and potentially other creative team members to discuss project requirements, brainstorm ideas, and receive feedback.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, typically Monday through Friday. While the role is on-site, occasional flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or participate in company events, aligning with the demands of a marketing operations function.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a corporate setting for a designer implies a structured workflow and a focus on team-based creative output, which is common for organizations prioritizing brand consistency and collaborative project execution in marketing operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative capabilities.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, and the rationale behind your creative decisions. Be prepared to articulate how your designs met campaign objectives and contributed to business goals.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or a case study may be administered to evaluate your proficiency with design tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) and your ability to translate a brief into a visual solution under timed conditions.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your problem-solving skills, collaboration style, ability to manage multiple priorities, and how you handle feedback and deadlines. Expect questions related to your experience with UI design, print production, and working with stakeholders.

• Team/Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or key team members to assess cultural fit, team dynamics, and overall suitability for the role and the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (digital, web, print, UI/UX, consumer/B2B focus). Ensure a mix that showcases versatility.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results or impact of your design.

• Highlight ROI: If possible, include metrics related to lead generation, engagement, click-through rates, or conversion rates that your designs influenced. This demonstrates an understanding of business impact.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, mockups, or early concepts to illustrate your thought process and iterative design approach.

• Brand Consistency: Demonstrate an understanding of brand guidelines and how you applied them across different assets.

• Technical Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with specific software and your understanding of print production requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design brief provided for a challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Prioritize: Focus on delivering a strong concept and execution that meets the core requirements of the brief within the given time.

• Think Operationally: Consider how your design would integrate into a larger marketing campaign, its feasibility for production, and its potential impact on key metrics.

• Presentation: Be ready to present your solution clearly and concisely, explaining your choices and how they align with the brief's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates a practical, results-oriented approach to hiring. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative talent but also problem-solving skills and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery of Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), and InDesign (layout design, print materials, interactive PDFs) is essential.

• Figma: Proficiency in Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

• Canva: Familiarity with Canva for quick design tasks or for use by non-designers, demonstrating adaptability.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Competence in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for internal communications, presentations, and asset integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, an understanding of how design impacts analytics is key. Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and engagement metrics that inform design decisions.

• Experience with A/B testing tools for creative optimization would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• The role may involve creating assets for email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot) or digital advertising platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager), requiring an understanding of their creative specifications and best practices.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems for storing and organizing creative files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are standard for a digital graphic designer role supporting marketing operations. The inclusion of Figma suggests a modern design workflow, while the preference for After Effects points to a need for dynamic digital content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free design assets that meet brand standards and production requirements.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: A focus on managing workloads effectively, meeting deadlines, and optimizing design processes to support marketing campaign schedules.

• Data-Informed Creativity: Using insights from campaign performance and user feedback to guide design decisions and drive measurable results.

• Adaptability & Learning: Embracing new design tools, technologies, and marketing trends to continuously improve creative output and stay relevant.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing managers, digital specialists, and potentially sales teams to understand campaign objectives and deliver designs that align with broader business strategies.

• Feedback & Iteration: Open to constructive criticism and skilled at incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and achieve optimal outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices, creative insights, and technical knowledge with team members to foster a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style described are typical for a professional marketing team that operates with a focus on measurable results and cross-functional alignment, reflecting a mature approach to marketing operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Navigating the need to produce innovative and engaging designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and marketing objectives.

• Managing Multiple Priorities in a Fast-Paced Environment: Effectively juggling numerous design requests from various stakeholders with competing deadlines, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Translating Abstract Concepts into Visuals: Interpreting marketing briefs and campaign objectives, which may be abstract, into concrete, compelling visual solutions.

• Staying Current with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software, digital platforms, and evolving creative trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or learn new tools like After Effects or advanced UI/UX design platforms.

• Industry Workshops & Webinars: Participation in events focused on digital marketing, user experience design, and graphic design trends to gain new insights and skills.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior creative leads or marketing managers to guide career development and strategic thinking.

• Project Diversification: Exposure to a wide range of design projects across different marketing channels and business units, offering varied experience and skill application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of marketing design, requiring adaptability and problem-solving. The growth opportunities point towards a supportive environment for skill enhancement and career progression within the operations and creative functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex marketing campaign objective into a visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are not only visually appealing but also drive measurable results like lead generation or engagement?" (Prepare to discuss metrics and ROI.)

• "Walk me through a project where you received significant feedback that required you to alter your initial design. How did you handle it, and what was the final result?" (Demonstrate adaptability and collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Guardian Protection and the smart home security industry? How do you see design playing a role in this market?" (Research company, industry, and connect design impact.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as marketing managers or sales teams?" (Highlight communication skills and ability to understand diverse needs.)

• "Describe your experience managing multiple design projects simultaneously. How do you prioritize your workload?" (Showcase organizational and time management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of your experience, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, challenges, and the outcome (quantify results if possible).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals. Prepare mockups showing your designs in context (e.g., on a website, in a social feed, as a print ad).

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project. Explain why you made certain design choices and how they align with the project's goals.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and informative without being overly lengthy.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also a strategic understanding of design's role in marketing operations, its impact on business objectives, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a corporate structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Armstrong Group careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in digital design, UI/UX for consumer/e-commerce, print production, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Use keywords from the job description, such as "lead generation," "digital engagement," and "brand requirements."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your skills in digital, web, and print design, and includes examples of how your work contributed to campaign objectives or business results. Prepare to discuss your process and outcomes in detail.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common design briefs and practice translating marketing objectives into visual concepts quickly and effectively. Consider how to present your work concisely and justify your design decisions.

• Research the Company: Understand Armstrong Group's diverse business units and Guardian Protection's specific role in the smart home security market. Consider how design supports their mission and values.

⚠️ 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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