Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Cottingham & Butler

Location: Dubuque, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 1-4 Years Professional Experience

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute visually engaging, on-brand design assets across print and digital channels to support marketing campaigns and corporate communications.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure creative execution aligns with established corporate brand standards and project objectives.

• Utilize proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office tools to produce high-quality layouts, graphics, and visual content.

• Apply user experience principles to design elements supporting calls-to-action, landing pages, and lead-generation initiatives.

• Contribute creatively to brand initiatives and marketing efforts within a dynamic corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context provided (supporting Corporate Marketing, creating assets for campaigns, internal communications, brand initiatives, and incorporating UX principles for lead generation) indicate a strong tie to marketing operations and GTM efforts. The role requires not just aesthetic design but also strategic application of design to achieve business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of visual assets for marketing and corporate communications, encompassing both digital formats (email graphics, web banners, social media content, digital advertisements) and print materials (brochures, flyers, reports).

• Support the end-to-end creative execution of marketing campaigns, from initial concept development through to final asset delivery, ensuring strict adherence to corporate brand guidelines and strategic direction.

• Leverage advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Microsoft Office tools to develop sophisticated layouts, compelling graphics, and impactful visual content.

• Diligently apply and meticulously follow established corporate brand guidelines to maintain visual consistency and strengthen brand recognition across all communication touchpoints.

• Foster effective collaboration with marketing team members and various internal stakeholders to thoroughly understand project requirements, critical timelines, and specific audience needs.

• Integrate fundamental user experience (UX) principles into design solutions to optimize calls-to-action, enhance landing page effectiveness, and drive successful lead-generation efforts.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Stay current with design trends and best practices to continuously enhance the quality and impact of visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and strategic application within a corporate marketing context. The mention of "lead-generation efforts" and "user experience principles" directly links this design role to GTM objectives, suggesting a need for designers who understand how visuals contribute to business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field. Equivalent practical experience will be considered as an alternative to a formal degree.

Experience: 1–4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated ability to produce impactful visual assets for both print and digital mediums within a corporate setting.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated working proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating complex graphics and layouts.

• Proven ability to apply and adhere to corporate brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and brand integrity across all visual outputs.

• Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Experience in designing for both digital platforms (web graphics, social media, email) and print collateral.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Self-motivated with a strong ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite for integrating graphics into presentations and documents.

• Familiarity with digital marketing campaign elements and asset creation for online advertising.

• Basic knowledge of animation or motion graphics for digital content.

• Experience working within an insurance or financial services industry, understanding specific compliance and branding nuances.

• Familiarity with project management tools for tracking design requests and project status.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio and specific experience years (1-4) suggests an entry-to-mid-level role. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and brand guideline adherence are standard for design roles, but the inclusion of UX principles and lead generation support points to a role that is strategically aligned with marketing operations and GTM objectives, rather than purely aesthetic design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 5–8 distinct pieces of work.

• The portfolio should prominently feature multi-format campaign work, demonstrating the ability to create cohesive visual assets across various channels (e.g., digital ads, social media graphics, print collateral, email banners) for a single campaign.

• Include examples that highlight adherence to and creative application of brand guidelines.

• Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of user experience principles and their impact on design choices, particularly for digital assets like landing pages or calls-to-action.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from concept initiation to final asset delivery, including how they incorporate feedback and revisions.

• Demonstrate how you manage project timelines and communicate progress on design tasks, especially when collaborating with marketing or other cross-functional teams.

• While not explicitly stated, a strong candidate might implicitly demonstrate process through the structure and narrative of their portfolio case studies, showing problem, solution, and outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio with "multi-format campaign work" is crucial. This indicates the hiring team wants to see how a designer can translate a campaign concept into a consistent visual language across diverse platforms, a key skill for supporting integrated marketing operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 1-4 years of experience in Iowa, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $50,000 - $70,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Dubuque, Iowa, and typical compensation for roles requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and experience in corporate marketing environments.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education in design and marketing.

• Potential for employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• [Specific to Cottingham & Butler's culture: Emphasis on "better every day" may translate to opportunities for skill enhancement and personal growth.]

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected to be approximately 40 hours per week, likely aligned with typical business hours in the Central Time Zone (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT). While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility for project deadlines, but core hours will likely be required for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general US market data for this role and location. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are common for full-time corporate positions in the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance Services / Financial Services. Cottingham & Butler operates within a sector that demands professionalism, trust, and a focus on client well-being during significant life events. This context often translates into a need for clear, reliable, and empathetic communication, which graphic design plays a key role in conveying.

Company Size: Cottingham & Butler is a significant organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals, based on typical corporate structures in this sector. This size suggests a well-established operational framework, dedicated departments (like Corporate Marketing), and opportunities for structured career progression.

Founded: Founded in 1987, Cottingham & Butler has a history spanning nearly four decades, indicating stability and a proven track record. This longevity suggests a company that has adapted to market changes and understands the importance of consistent brand messaging and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Corporate Marketing team, which may consist of marketing managers, content creators, digital marketers, and potentially other design specialists.

• Reporting typically falls under a Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing, who oversees campaign strategy and brand execution.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a "better every day" philosophy, suggesting a culture that values continuous improvement, learning, and proactive problem-solving.

• Data-driven decision-making is likely encouraged, meaning design effectiveness may be measured by its impact on campaign performance and lead generation.

• Processes are likely formalized to ensure consistency and efficiency, especially given the company's size and industry.

Company Website: www.CottinghamButler.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated philosophy of "better every day" and their long history suggest a stable yet forward-thinking environment. For a graphic designer, this could mean opportunities to refine processes, contribute to evolving brand aesthetics, and see the tangible impact of their work on business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level Graphic Designer (1-4 years of experience). It offers a foundational opportunity to build a career within corporate marketing and design, focusing on executing established brand strategies and contributing to tactical marketing efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Corporate Marketing department. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight, with clear lines of communication for project direction and feedback. Collaboration will extend across various departments, offering exposure to different business functions.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's external image and internal communications. High-quality, on-brand design assets enhance marketing campaign effectiveness, improve brand perception, support sales enablement, and contribute to lead generation. By translating marketing objectives into compelling visuals, the designer plays a crucial role in driving business outcomes and reinforcing the company's promise to clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital marketing design, motion graphics, or UX/UI design.

• Campaign Leadership: With proven success, potential to take on more complex campaign design responsibilities and lead visual strategy for specific initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining insights into other marketing functions (digital marketing, content, analytics) and how design integrates with broader GTM strategies.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing professionals and potentially mentoring junior designers as the team grows.

• Advancement: Potential to progress to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within the marketing department, depending on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is likely focused on deepening design expertise and taking on more strategic design responsibilities within the marketing function, rather than a direct move into pure operations management. The emphasis on campaign execution and brand adherence suggests a progression within creative services supporting GTM.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment. Cottingham & Butler's corporate setting suggests a professional workspace designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Dubuque, Iowa. This location offers a stable, community-focused environment. Accessibility details would typically be provided by the company, but corporate offices are generally located in accessible business districts.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office amenities and design software.

• Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in the Corporate Marketing team and other departments will be readily available, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• The environment is expected to be professional, encouraging focus on delivering high-quality design work that meets corporate standards.

• Access to necessary hardware (computers, monitors) and software licenses for Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office will be provided.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. While the core work is on-site, the company culture of "better every day" might allow for some flexibility in managing workload around critical deadlines, provided operational needs and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key here. It suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct access to company resources and colleagues, which can be beneficial for a designer needing quick feedback loops and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth discussion about your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your design process, and your ability to execute within brand guidelines. This may include a technical assessment or a practical design exercise.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions to gauge your problem-solving skills, collaboration style, ability to work under pressure, and alignment with the "better every day" company culture.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Meeting with the direct manager and potentially other team members to discuss role expectations, team dynamics, and overall cultural fit.

• Final Interview (if applicable): Potentially a final interview with a senior leader.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 pieces that best represent your ability to create cohesive, multi-format campaign assets. Ensure a mix of print and digital examples.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your approach, the tools used, your role, and the outcome or impact. Focus on how your design solved a business problem.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Showcase examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of consistency.

• Demonstrate UX Awareness: If possible, include examples where your design choices considered user experience, calls-to-action, or lead generation. Explain your thought process.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished. A digital format (PDF or personal website) is standard.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge that simulates a real-world task, such as creating a digital ad banner or a social media graphic based on a brief.

• Focus on quickly understanding the objective, applying brand guidelines, and producing a polished, on-brand deliverable within a time limit.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining why you made specific choices related to layout, color, and imagery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with "multi-format campaign work" is critical. Candidates should prepare to discuss how they translate a single campaign concept across different media, demonstrating strategic thinking beyond just individual asset creation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for all design tasks.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Working proficiency expected for integrating graphics into documents, presentations, and other corporate materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool proficiency is specified for this role, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-related campaigns (e.g., email marketing) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are clearly defined as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. While not explicitly requested, any candidate who can demonstrate an understanding of how their design work integrates with digital marketing tools or contributes to measurable campaign outcomes will have a competitive edge.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Better Every Day": This core value suggests a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and skill development. For a designer, this means embracing feedback, seeking new techniques, and striving for excellence in every project.

• Client Focus: As an insurance provider, a strong emphasis is placed on client needs and promises. Design work should reflect professionalism, trust, and clarity to support this client-centric mission.

• Growth Mindset: The company is described as a "growth company" with high expectations. This implies a dynamic environment where employees are encouraged to grow, take on new challenges, and contribute to the company's expansion.

• Collaboration: Working within a corporate marketing team requires strong teamwork and the ability to integrate design efforts with broader marketing strategies and initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with marketing managers, content creators, and potentially other departments.

• Feedback loops are likely to be structured, with opportunities for review and iteration on design projects.

• Communication is key, requiring clear articulation of design choices and active listening to understand stakeholder needs and project objectives.

• The "better every day" ethos may foster a culture of open communication and constructive feedback exchange to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "better every day" philosophy is central. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody this by seeking feedback, learning new skills, and consistently aiming to improve their work and processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative vision within the strict parameters of corporate brand guidelines can be a recurring challenge.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling numerous design requests from different departments with varying priorities and deadlines requires strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Needs: Staying current with digital design trends and marketing platform requirements to ensure assets are visually appealing and effective across all channels.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of design on campaign success or lead generation can be challenging, requiring a data-informed approach to design choices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or online courses to hone skills in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design software and techniques.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest graphic design, marketing, and user experience trends relevant to the insurance industry.

• Cross-functional Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into marketing strategy, campaign planning, and sales enablement through collaboration.

• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with diverse project types that showcase increasing levels of skill and strategic contribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the practical application of design within a corporate structure, emphasizing the need for designers who are both creative and operationally adept. Growth is framed around skill development and strategic contribution within the marketing function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a multi-format marketing campaign. How do you ensure visual consistency across different channels?" (Focus on your portfolio examples demonstrating this.)

• "How do you balance creative expression with strict brand guidelines? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your understanding of corporate branding.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'better every day' mean to you in a professional context, and how have you applied this philosophy in your previous roles?" (Connect this to your work ethic and continuous improvement.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as marketing managers or sales teams, to ensure project success?" (Emphasize communication and understanding stakeholder needs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Campaign Cohesion: For your multi-format campaign examples, clearly articulate how the core concept was translated across print, digital ads, social media, and email.

• Explain Your "Why": For each design choice (color, typography, imagery, layout), explain the rationale behind it, linking it to the project objective, target audience, or brand strategy.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Briefly walk through your workflow for a key project, from brief to final asset, demonstrating your organizational skills and problem-solving approach.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on how your designs performed (e.g., improved click-through rates, higher engagement), present it to demonstrate the business value of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just their design aesthetic but also their strategic thinking, process management, and ability to integrate design into broader marketing and business objectives. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, print/digital design, campaign execution, and any relevant corporate or marketing experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it includes 5-8 strong examples of multi-format campaign work. Organize it clearly and be ready to present it.

• Prepare your case studies: For key portfolio pieces, be ready to discuss the project's objective, your role, your process, and the outcome.

• Research Cottingham & Butler: Understand their industry, brand, and "better every day" philosophy to articulate your fit and interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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.