Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Adams Outdoor

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative Services / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the development and execution of creative concepts for outdoor advertising clients.

• Utilize advanced graphic systems and computer applications for design production.

• Contribute to the creation of advertising copy and assist in client review sessions.

• Manage and maintain computer systems and data backups for the creative department.

• Prepare artwork and layouts for proposals, direct mail campaigns, and product brochures.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities touch upon aspects of marketing operations by focusing on client-facing collateral, campaign materials, and system maintenance, suggesting a role that bridges creative execution with operational support within a marketing context. The emphasis on "state of the art graphic systems" and "computer applications" implies a need for technical proficiency beyond basic design skills, aligning with operations roles that leverage technology for efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce creative assets for outdoor advertising clients under the direction of the Art Director, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to client briefs.

• Operate and maintain proficiency in industry-standard computer applications for graphic design, digital imaging, and layout creation.

• Integrate digitized and computer-generated images seamlessly into final designs.

• Assist in writing advertising copy, ensuring it complements visual elements and meets client objectives.

• Participate in client reviews, presenting design concepts and incorporating feedback effectively.

• Maintain and back up all computer systems and data within the creative department, ensuring data integrity and system accessibility.

• Plan and prepare layouts and artwork for proposals, direct mail campaigns, product brochures, and other marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities suggest a need for strong project management skills to handle multiple creative tasks, as well as the ability to adapt designs based on client feedback and technical requirements. The system maintenance and data backup duties are particularly relevant to operations, highlighting the importance of reliability and data security within the creative workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field.

Experience: One to two years of experience in graphic design, preferably within the advertising or media industries.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard computer applications for graphic design.

• Experience with digital imaging and integrating computer-generated graphics.

• Ability to develop creative concepts and translate them into compelling visual designs.

• Strong understanding of layout design principles and artwork preparation.

• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

• Ability to work collaboratively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Basic understanding of advertising copy principles. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with outdoor advertising specific design requirements.

• Familiarity with data management and computer system maintenance.

• Proven ability to assist in client reviews and present design work professionally.

• Creative problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "state of the art graphic systems" and "industry computer applications" suggests a need for candidates who are not only artistically talented but also technically adept and quick to learn new software. The combination of creative and operational responsibilities implies that candidates with a background in marketing operations or a strong understanding of the end-to-end creative process would be particularly well-suited.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in creative concept development and execution.

• Include examples of layout design for various marketing collateral (e.g., proposals, brochures, direct mail).

• Highlight projects that required integration of digital and computer-generated imagery.

• Demonstrate experience in preparing artwork for print or digital production.

• Portfolios should reflect an understanding of client-specific briefs and successful design outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you manage design workflows from concept to final delivery.

• Documentation of experience in maintaining and backing up computer systems and data.

• Case studies illustrating contributions to advertising copy or client review presentations.

• Evidence of adapting designs based on feedback and technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that blends creative and operational tasks, a portfolio should not only display visual talent but also showcase the candidate's ability to manage processes, handle technical aspects like system maintenance, and contribute to the broader marketing campaign lifecycle. Demonstrating an understanding of efficiency and data integrity within the design process will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in Charlotte, NC, the estimated salary range is $45,000 - $60,000 annually. This estimate considers the company's size and industry, and the cost of living in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package.

• Opportunities for professional development and training in graphic design software and systems.

• Exposure to a leading outdoor advertising company with a significant market presence.

• Collaborative work environment with experienced creative professionals.

• Potential for career growth within the organization.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak periods. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the Charlotte office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from data for similar Graphic Designer roles in the Charlotte, NC area, taking into account the experience level specified (0-2 years) and the industry (Advertising/Media). Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for full-time positions in established companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Outdoor Advertising. Adams Outdoor Advertising (AOA) is a significant player, ranking as the 4th largest and largest privately-held outdoor advertising firm in the U.S., operating in 12 diverse markets. This industry context suggests a dynamic, client-focused environment where visual impact and strategic placement are paramount.

Company Size: AOA is a large private company, indicating a structured organization with established processes and potentially a significant client portfolio. For operations professionals, this often means opportunities for process refinement and working within defined frameworks.

Founded: Founded in 1983 by Steve Adams, AOA has a long-standing history in the industry, suggesting stability and deep market knowledge. The company's investment by Searchlight Capital Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation in 2021 indicates growth and strategic expansion initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Creative Services department, reporting to an Art Director.

• This department is expected to collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Production teams to ensure cohesive client campaigns.

• The team structure within a large organization like AOA is likely to be hierarchical, with clear roles and responsibilities. Methodology:

• Creative concepts are developed at the direction of the Art Director, emphasizing a guided creative process.

• Production involves using "state of the art graphic systems," suggesting a commitment to modern technology and efficient workflows.

• Data management and system maintenance are core operational aspects, ensuring the reliability of creative tools and client data.

• Collaboration with clients is a key element, involving reviews and feedback incorporation.

Company Website: https://www.adamsoutdoor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history, size, and recent investments suggest a stable yet growing organization. Operations roles within such a company often involve optimizing existing processes to support this growth, ensuring efficiency and scalability in creative production and client servicing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level Graphic Designer (0-2 years of experience). While primarily a creative role, the inclusion of system maintenance and data backup responsibilities provides a foundational understanding of operational aspects within a creative department. This can serve as a stepping stone into more specialized operations roles or advanced creative positions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Services Art Director. This direct reporting line ensures guidance and mentorship, crucial for early career development. Collaboration will extend to various internal departments, providing exposure to different facets of the business.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts client satisfaction and campaign effectiveness through high-quality creative assets. Operational contributions, such as system maintenance and data backup, ensure the smooth functioning of the creative department, preventing disruptions that could affect client deliverables and overall business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design software, digital imaging techniques, or particular types of outdoor advertising creative.

• Operational Proficiency: Develop advanced skills in system administration, data management, or workflow automation within the creative process.

• Client Interaction: Progress to roles involving more direct client communication or project management for creative campaigns.

• Leadership Potential: With experience, potentially move into a Senior Graphic Designer role or an Art Director position, guiding junior designers and creative strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of the role—creative execution with operational support—offers a unique growth path. Candidates can leverage this entry-level position to build a strong foundation in both creative disciplines and operational best practices, making them versatile assets to an organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office setting within Adams Outdoor Advertising's Charlotte location. This environment typically fosters direct collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, North Carolina (28208). This location provides access to a major metropolitan area with a growing business landscape.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a dedicated area within the Creative Services department, equipped with "state of the art graphic systems."

• Opportunities for direct collaboration with the Art Director and other creative team members will be readily available.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially a shared network for asset management and data backup will be provided.

• The on-site nature allows for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and immediate feedback loops crucial for creative development.

Work Schedule: The role involves a standard 40-hour work week. While the job description doesn't explicitly mention flexibility, on-site roles in creative departments can sometimes offer minor adjustments to daily start/end times, subject to team and manager approval, to accommodate workflow and collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and the use of company-provided resources. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment where direct interaction with colleagues and supervisors is the norm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative skills.

• Technical Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a portfolio review session with the Art Director to evaluate design proficiency, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager or Art Director to gauge cultural fit, ability to work under pressure, organizational skills, and understanding of operational responsibilities (system maintenance/data backup).

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other team members or department heads to confirm suitability for the role and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Include a range of projects demonstrating different design styles and applications (digital, print, conceptual).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process, the problem you were solving, and your role.

• Emphasize Operations: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you managed project files, backed up data, or streamlined workflows.

• Tailor to AOA: Research Adams Outdoor Advertising's existing campaigns and target audience to demonstrate an understanding of their brand and market.

• Clarity and Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve creating a concept for an outdoor ad or a piece of collateral based on a brief.

• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

• If a system maintenance or data management component is included, be ready to discuss best practices for data backup and system organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role with both creative and operational components will likely assess both artistic talent and practical execution skills. A portfolio that effectively communicates both aspects will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential.

• Digital Imaging Tools: Experience with image manipulation and integration software.

• Layout and Design Systems: Familiarity with tools and processes for creating effective layouts for various media.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts campaign performance metrics might be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• System Maintenance: Basic knowledge of computer system maintenance and data backup procedures is required. This could involve understanding file management systems, cloud storage, or local backup solutions.

• Data Management: Ability to organize and maintain digital assets and project files efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "state of the art graphic systems" and "industry computer applications" necessitates a strong foundation in the Adobe Creative Suite. The operational aspect points to familiarity with data storage, backup protocols, and general system upkeep, which are core to operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, impactful designs that capture attention in the outdoor advertising space.

• Client Focus: Dedication to meeting client needs and delivering high-quality results that align with their marketing objectives.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Commitment to maintaining systems and data integrity to ensure smooth workflow and timely project completion.

• Collaboration: Willingness to work effectively with Art Directors, sales teams, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution and system management.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close collaboration with the Creative Services Art Director for creative direction and feedback.

• Team members are expected to work together on projects, share knowledge, and support each other to meet deadlines.

• Cross-functional collaboration with Sales and Marketing teams is key to understanding client needs and campaign objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline. Candidates who can demonstrate both artistic talent and a responsible, organized approach to their work will fit well within this team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Demands with Operational Tasks: Effectively managing time between creative design work and essential system maintenance/data backup duties.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of advertising often requires quick turnaround times for creative assets.

• Incorporating Feedback: Navigating client and Art Director feedback to refine designs while maintaining creative integrity.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with evolving graphic design software and systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new design trends and software features.

• Project Management Skills: Developing better time management and organizational skills through handling multiple projects.

• Operational Best Practices: Gaining experience in data management and system upkeep, which can be valuable in future roles.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the nuances of outdoor advertising and its creative requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented offer clear avenues for professional growth. By successfully navigating these, a candidate can build a robust skill set applicable to both creative and operational career paths within the marketing and advertising industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a creative concept from brief to final artwork." (Focus on your workflow, ideation, and execution stages).

• "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders, such as a client and your Art Director?" (Demonstrate diplomacy, problem-solving, and prioritization skills).

• "Walk me through your experience with system maintenance and data backup. What protocols do you follow?" (Highlight your understanding of operational responsibility and data security).

• "How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Showcase your organizational and time management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Adams Outdoor Advertising specifically?" (Research their campaigns, market position, and values).

• "How do you see your skills contributing to our creative team and the broader company goals?" (Connect your abilities to their business objectives).

• "Describe a time you had to work under significant pressure. How did you manage?" (Provide an example of resilience and performance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a brief story about the project's objective, your creative process, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any measurable results or positive feedback received for your designs.

• Highlight Operations: Clearly point out any projects where you managed data, ensured system integrity, or optimized a workflow.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used in your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss not only their creative abilities but also their organizational discipline and technical aptitude, as these are crucial for success in this role and within Adams Outdoor Advertising's operational framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Adams Outdoor job portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant design work, especially examples of layout design, digital imaging, and any campaign collateral that aligns with outdoor advertising. If possible, include a section or note demonstrating your experience with system maintenance or data backup.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your graphic design skills, experience with industry-standard software, and any operational responsibilities you've held. Use keywords from the job description such as "graphic design," "advertising," "layout design," and "system maintenance."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you manage operational tasks. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Adams Outdoor Advertising's market presence, recent campaigns, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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