Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Colliers International

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations & Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: Entry-Level to Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive brand consistency and visual identity across diverse marketing collateral, ensuring adherence to corporate branding strategies.

• Conceptualize and execute compelling visual designs for both digital and print platforms, including campaigns and high-profile real estate brands.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for marketing deliverables, from initial concept to final production, integrating written and visual content effectively.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver creative marketing solutions that meet client objectives and project timelines.

• Maintain and organize digital asset libraries, ensuring efficient access to imagery and files for marketing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a Graphic Designer within a Commercial Real Estate firm, emphasizing the need to translate complex property information into visually engaging marketing materials. The "Marketing Operations & Creative Services" category reflects the blend of creative execution and operational management of marketing assets and processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a brand guardian by implementing and upholding high standards for design, format, and production across all marketing materials.

• Develop creative concepts and design layouts for a wide range of print and online collateral, including brochures, maps, advertisements, postcards, presentations, proposals, emails, and website elements.

• Manage the entire design lifecycle for marketing deliverables, ensuring seamless integration of written and visual messaging to achieve strategic communication goals.

• Coordinate and oversee large-format design projects and environmental installations, ensuring accurate execution and brand alignment.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal teams (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Business Development) to gather project requirements and deliver impactful creative solutions.

• Partner with external vendors (printers, agencies) to manage project execution, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.

• Maintain and organize digital asset libraries, including images, templates, and brand guidelines, to facilitate efficient asset retrieval and usage.

• Support the broader marketing team by taking on additional responsibilities and contributing to ad-hoc projects as business needs arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design, requiring the candidate to not only create but also manage the production and vendor relationships. The emphasis on "large-format / environment design" suggests opportunities to work on impactful physical branding elements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree or higher, preferably in Business, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 1+ year of experience in marketing support services, with a strong preference for experience within the Commercial Real Estate sector. Experience in digital design, advertising, and email marketing is essential; B2B and social media marketing experience is considered an asset.

Required Skills:

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat).

• Strong understanding of print production processes, including specifications, vendor coordination, and the creation of print-ready files.

• Demonstrated ability to create effective visual designs across both digital and print platforms.

• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong communication and customer service skills, essential for internal and external collaboration.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

• Professional, proactive, and collaborative demeanor with strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Proficiency in intermediate Microsoft Office functions (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with network/cloud-based systems. Preferred Skills:

• Motion graphics, animation, or rich media design experience.

• Experience with B2B marketing strategies and social media content creation.

• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with print production knowledge, indicates a role that bridges digital and physical marketing outputs. The preference for Commercial Real Estate experience suggests that candidates with industry-specific knowledge will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, including print collateral (brochures, presentations, proposals), digital assets (email graphics, social media posts), and potentially large-format designs.

• Demonstrate proficiency in branding and visual identity application, illustrating how brand standards were maintained or evolved across different projects.

• Include examples that highlight the design process from concept to final execution, showcasing problem-solving and creative rationale.

• Present case studies that detail collaboration with internal teams or external vendors, emphasizing successful project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Quantify impact where possible, such as increased engagement metrics for digital assets or successful project completion within budget and timeline for print projects. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, illustrating how tasks were prioritized and executed efficiently.

• Documentation of vendor interaction, including brief creation, file delivery, and quality control processes for print materials.

• Demonstrations of how digital asset libraries were organized, maintained, and utilized to ensure brand consistency and accessibility.

• Case studies detailing the design process for specific marketing campaigns or property launches, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as the primary demonstration of design capabilities and process management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their creative decision-making and project execution strategies in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar plan with potential company match.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and courses to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Potential for Performance-Based Bonuses: Recognition and reward for outstanding contributions.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, especially during peak periods for marketing campaigns or property launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Seattle, WA location, reflecting local market rates for a Graphic Designer with 0-2 years of experience in the commercial real estate sector. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time professional role and aim to support work-life balance and career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services and Investment Management. Colliers operates globally, providing a wide range of services including leasing, property management, investment sales, and consulting. This industry context means designs often need to be sophisticated, data-informed, and visually communicate value in a competitive market.

Company Size: Large, with a global presence. Colliers is a significant player in the real estate market, indicated by its extensive network of offices and employees. This size suggests structured marketing departments and established brand guidelines, but also opportunities for impact within specific regions or teams.

Founded: Colliers has a long history, founded in Canada in 1976, with significant growth and expansion over the decades. This longevity points to a stable company with established processes and a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, likely reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.

• The team structure is expected to be collaborative, with designers working alongside marketing specialists, content creators, and business development professionals.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close partnerships with brokers, property managers, and investment teams to understand their needs and translate them into effective marketing collateral. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Marketing efforts, including design, are increasingly informed by market data, client insights, and performance metrics.

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on maintaining and evolving the corporate brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Client-Centric Solutions: Designs are developed with the goal of attracting clients, showcasing properties, and supporting business objectives.

• Agile Marketing Support: The marketing team likely operates with some degree of agility to respond to market changes and client opportunities.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the commercial real estate industry is vital. Designs must convey professionalism, market knowledge, and the value proposition of specific properties or services. The company's global reach means adherence to established brand standards is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Entry-Level to Junior Graphic Designer. It offers a foundational experience in a professional marketing environment, particularly within the specialized field of commercial real estate. The responsibilities include executing designs based on established guidelines and collaborating within a team structure.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or a Senior Marketing Lead who oversees creative operations and brand strategy for the region or specific business units. This structure provides mentorship and clear direction.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perceived quality and professionalism of Colliers International and its properties. High-quality visuals enhance marketing campaigns, support sales efforts, attract potential clients and investors, and reinforce the company's brand reputation in a competitive market. Effective design contributes to lead generation and client engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced motion graphics, interactive design) or marketing channels (e.g., digital advertising, social media campaigns).

• Industry Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of commercial real estate marketing, property branding, and market dynamics, which can lead to more specialized roles within the firm.

• Project Management: Gain experience managing multiple design projects simultaneously, improving project planning, execution, and vendor management skills.

• Senior Designer/Art Director Path: With demonstrated success and experience, potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead roles, taking on more strategic and leadership responsibilities.

• Marketing Strategy Involvement: As experience grows, opportunities to contribute more to the strategic development of marketing campaigns and visual concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as an excellent stepping stone for aspiring designers interested in the dynamic intersection of creative services and commercial real estate. The growth path emphasizes building both technical design skills and industry-specific marketing acumen.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role at a professional office location in Seattle, WA. Colliers offices are typically modern, corporate environments designed to foster collaboration and client engagement.

Office Location(s): The role is based at the Seattle office located at Union St, Ste 5300, Seattle, WA. This location provides access to a vibrant business district and is likely well-connected by public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction with marketing colleagues, brokers, and other business professionals. Expect a dynamic office setting where teamwork is valued.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office Suite) will be provided. High-performance workstations are expected to support complex design tasks.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional project discussions. The office environment facilitates spontaneous collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, typically Monday through Friday, with approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required during critical project phases or marketing campaign launches, potentially involving some overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement with colleagues and potentially clients. The workspace is expected to be professional and equipped with the necessary tools for creative production.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/HR): Discussion about your background, experience, design philosophy, and understanding of the role and company. This stage will likely include questions about your portfolio.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design task or present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and design process relevant to commercial real estate marketing.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meet with potential team members and key stakeholders (e.g., brokers, marketing leads) to evaluate collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior marketing leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role, especially those showing print and digital collateral for campaigns or brands. Prioritize work relevant to real estate, B2B services, or sophisticated marketing.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges encountered, and the final outcome. Use visuals to walk through your design decisions.

• Highlight Branding: Emphasize projects where you managed or applied brand guidelines effectively. Explain how you ensured consistency and met brand objectives.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, lead generation impact, positive client feedback).

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital link or a physical presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly research Colliers International, its services, and recent marketing campaigns. Understand the target audience for commercial real estate marketing.

• Focus on Core Skills: Prepare to demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and your understanding of print production and digital asset creation.

• Problem-Solving Approach: Be ready to articulate your thought process for solving design problems, focusing on clarity, brand alignment, and meeting specific objectives.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Practice presenting your work and ideas concisely and clearly, as time will likely be limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design choices and process. Tailoring your examples to commercial real estate marketing will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks. Specific emphasis on:

  • InDesign: For layout and production of print materials like brochures, proposals, and presentations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Acrobat: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: Crucial for creating client presentations and internal reports.
  • Word: For incorporating text into designs and document creation.
  • Excel: For data visualization, charts, and potentially managing asset lists.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary function, familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (e.g., email open rates, social media click-through rates) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Understanding how marketing materials are distributed or accessed within a CRM or marketing automation platform can be advantageous, though not a core requirement for this specific role.

Other Potential Tools (Depending on Team Needs):

• Motion Graphics Software: (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for animated graphics or video elements.

• Web Content Management Systems (CMS): For updating website content or graphics.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: For organizing and retrieving marketing files.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The ability to create polished presentations in PowerPoint is also highly critical given the nature of the real estate business.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, professional design work that reflects the standards of a leading real estate firm.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including brokers, marketing specialists, and external partners, to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design and communication efforts, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.

• Innovation: Seeking creative solutions and staying abreast of design trends to keep marketing materials fresh and impactful.

• Client Focus: Designing with the end client's perspective in mind, aiming to attract, inform, and engage them effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close integration with sales, leasing, and investment teams to understand property offerings and client needs, translating these into compelling visual narratives.

• Process Review: An openness to feedback on designs and a willingness to iterate based on input from marketing managers and business stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices in design and marketing are shared, and learning from colleagues' expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Colliers likely emphasizes a professional, results-oriented approach. Designers are expected to be team players who can translate business objectives into effective creative outputs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring all designs adhere to corporate brand guidelines while also meeting the unique requirements and branding of individual properties or campaigns.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Requests: Juggling design requests and feedback from various internal teams and individuals, each with potentially different priorities.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines common in the real estate industry, especially during property launches, market updates, or proposal deadlines.

• Translating Complex Information: Visually communicating technical data, market analytics, and property features in an accessible and appealing manner.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master new features within Adobe Creative Suite or explore related software like After Effects for motion graphics.

• Commercial Real Estate Marketing Immersion: Gaining deep knowledge of marketing strategies, property types, and market dynamics specific to the commercial real estate sector.

• Project Management Skills: Developing capabilities in managing project timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships more independently.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing professionals and senior designers within the Colliers network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a chance to develop resilience and adaptability in a dynamic industry, honing skills in managing competing demands and complex information.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with a creative brief that pushed boundaries. How did you resolve this?" (Assesses adherence to brand standards vs. creative innovation.)

• "Walk me through a complex marketing collateral project from concept to completion. What was your role, what were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluates project management, problem-solving, and process.)

• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate the value proposition of a property or service to a specific target audience in the commercial real estate market?" (Tests understanding of audience and strategic design thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Colliers International, specifically within the commercial real estate industry?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)

• "How would you describe your ideal collaboration style when working with sales teams or brokers who have specific marketing needs?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially when it comes from multiple stakeholders?" (Probes adaptability and client service approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, frame it as a story: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of work you aim to produce. Use high-resolution images.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects most relevant to commercial real estate marketing (e.g., property brochures, investment pitch decks, digital ads for services).

• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to zoom in on specific design details, explain font choices, color palettes, and layout decisions, and discuss how they serve the project's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail and demonstrate how your skills translate directly to the needs of a commercial real estate marketing team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Colliers International careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 projects demonstrating proficiency in print and digital marketing collateral, especially any work related to real estate, B2B services, or sophisticated branding. Highlight your process and problem-solving approach.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 1+ year of marketing support experience, specific Adobe Creative Suite skills, print production knowledge, and any experience within commercial real estate or related fields. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design rationale for portfolio pieces, prepare answers to common interview questions about collaboration and problem-solving, and research Colliers International's brand and recent marketing efforts.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Colliers' services, market presence, and their approach to marketing. Understand their brand identity and how design contributes to their overall business objectives.

⚠️ 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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