Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: GRTC Transit System

Location: Richmond, VA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-15T17:12:00

Experience Level: Early Career (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design compelling visual content across social media, digital, and print platforms to enhance GRTC's brand presence and rider engagement.

• Develop creative assets that support marketing objectives, campaign initiatives, and customer-facing communications, ensuring brand consistency.

• Collaborate with internal teams to translate complex information into clear, impactful visual narratives.

• Support the creation and maintenance of GRTC's brand identity through consistent application across all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned for an early-career designer, emphasizing portfolio strength over extensive experience, indicating a focus on foundational design skills and potential for growth within the marketing and communications team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design engaging visuals for social media posts, digital advertisements, website content, and email campaigns.

• Produce print collateral, including brochures, flyers, posters, and signage, adhering to brand guidelines and production specifications.

• Develop creative assets for marketing campaigns, service announcements, and special projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

• Collaborate with marketing, communications, and other departments to understand project requirements and deliver effective design solutions.

• Create and edit photography and videography assets for use across various communication channels.

• Design informational and wayfinding materials such as maps, service alerts, and rider guides.

• Assist in the planning and execution of creative concepts for agency initiatives.

• Manage design project timelines, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work.

• Maintain and enforce GRTC brand standards across all visual communications.

• Stay updated on design trends, accessibility standards, and emerging visual communication technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and brand management, with a strong emphasis on translating information into visual formats for diverse audiences, including riders and internal stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Associate's degree, certificate, coursework, or demonstrated training in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Digital Media, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred. Experience:

• Experience creating graphic design work through professional employment, internships, freelance projects, academic coursework, or personal portfolio projects is preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

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

• Ability to create engaging visual content for social media, print, and digital communications.

• Knowledge of current social media platforms and best practices for visual content.

• Skill in interpreting concepts and translating them into effective visual communications.

• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to receive feedback, adapt designs, and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders.

• Strong organizational and time management skills. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of photography and video editing.

• Experience with motion graphics software.

• Ability to learn and consistently apply brand standards across diverse communication channels.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio demonstration over years of experience suggests that practical application and creative output are highly valued. The preference for Adobe Creative Suite indicates a need for core design software proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is required, showcasing proficiency in graphic design, visual communication, and Adobe Creative Suite applications.

• The portfolio should demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and strong visual storytelling capabilities.

• Include examples of work created for social media, print materials, digital platforms, and customer-facing communications.

• Showcase an understanding of branding and the ability to maintain brand consistency. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from concept development and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery and revisions.

• Be ready to articulate how you manage feedback and incorporate it into your design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on visual storytelling and brand consistency indicate that candidates should curate their submissions to highlight these specific areas. Demonstrating a clear and efficient design process will be crucial during the interview.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 annually.

Benefits:

• GRTC offers a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401k or equivalent)

  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)

  • Professional Development Opportunities

  • Opportunities for growth within the organization Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• While specific flexibility is not detailed, design roles often require balancing project deadlines with standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an early-career graphic designer in the Richmond, VA area. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time position in a public sector organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Transportation / Transit System. GRTC is a vital public service agency serving the Richmond region.

Company Size: GRTC is a significant organization employing hundreds of individuals, indicating a structured environment with opportunities for diverse roles and collaborations.

Founded: GRTC has a long history of serving the Richmond metropolitan area, suggesting a stable organization with established operational processes and community integration.

Team Structure:

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

• This team collaborates closely with various departments, including Operations, Planning, and Customer Service, to ensure unified messaging and branding.

• The role may involve working with external agencies or vendors on larger campaigns or specialized design needs. Methodology:

• GRTC emphasizes mission-driven work, focusing on moving the Richmond community forward through innovative service designs and expansion.

• The company values community integration and aims to provide accessible, efficient, and reliable transit services.

• The Marketing and Communications team likely employs data-informed strategies to understand rider needs and measure the impact of campaigns.

Company Website: https://ridegrtc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a public transit system, GRTC likely fosters a culture of public service, community focus, and operational efficiency. The Marketing and Communications team plays a critical role in communicating the value and impact of these services to the public.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is categorized as an early-career position, suitable for individuals with foundational graphic design skills and a strong portfolio, looking to gain professional experience.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing or Communications Manager, working within a dedicated team focused on brand and outreach.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will directly influence public perception of GRTC, rider engagement, and the clarity of essential transit information. Visual communications are critical for informing riders, promoting services, and building community trust.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to expand design skills across various media (digital, print, video, photography) and gain experience with different project types.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within Marketing and Communications as experience grows.

• Portfolio Building: A chance to develop a robust portfolio with impactful work that reaches a large, diverse audience within the Richmond region.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience within the public transportation sector, which offers unique challenges and opportunities for creative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an excellent entry point for designers looking to build a practical skill set and a strong portfolio within a mission-oriented organization. Growth will likely be tied to demonstrated proficiency and expanded responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at GRTC's headquarters in Richmond, VA. This suggests a traditional office environment with opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): GRTC's headquarters are located in Richmond, VA, approximately ten minutes from downtown.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will work within a Marketing and Communications team, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Access to standard office equipment and creative software (Adobe Creative Suite) is expected.

• The environment will likely involve direct interaction with team members and potentially other departments to gather project requirements.

• The role supports a public-facing organization, meaning the work has visible community impact.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position, typically adhering to standard business hours. While design work can sometimes require flexibility for deadlines, the primary schedule will be within regular office operating times.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site at GRTC headquarters ensures direct collaboration and immersion in the organizational culture. The proximity to downtown Richmond offers convenience for employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and required portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily rely on the submitted portfolio to assess design skills, creativity, and adherence to brand principles.

• Initial Interview: May involve a discussion with the hiring manager or HR to assess qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present specific portfolio pieces, explaining their creative process and rationale.

• Final Interview: Likely with the Marketing/Communications team lead and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest work that best aligns with the responsibilities outlined. Prioritize projects demonstrating social media graphics, print collateral, and digital assets.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your thought process, the problem you were solving, and the tools used for each project.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines or adapt to different brand styles.

• Visual Storytelling: Emphasize projects where you effectively communicated a message or narrative visually.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications.

• Accessibility: If possible, include examples that demonstrate an understanding of accessibility in design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail.

• Practice articulating the rationale behind your design choices.

• Review GRTC's current branding and marketing materials to understand their visual identity.

• Consider how you would approach designing for a public service organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio submission and review means candidates should meticulously prepare their visual work, ensuring it directly addresses the requirements and showcases relevant skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic creation, manipulation, and layout.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Likely used for general office tasks, document creation, and presentations (Word, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how visual content performs on social media and digital platforms (e.g., engagement metrics) may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but awareness of how marketing materials are distributed (e.g., via email platforms) may be helpful. Other Potential Tools (Preferred):

• Photography and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).

• Motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects).

• Familiarity with project management tools used by the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with photography and video editing is a strong plus, indicating the need for a versatile visual creator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A commitment to serving the Richmond community through reliable and accessible public transportation.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new service designs and infrastructure projects.

• Efficiency: Ensuring smooth and effective operations that benefit riders and the organization.

• Collaboration: Working together internally and with the community to achieve shared goals.

• Inclusivity: Valuing diversity and ensuring services are accessible to all.

Collaboration Style:

• The Graphic Designer will work within a Marketing and Communications team, requiring strong collaborative skills.

• Expect cross-functional collaboration with various departments to gather briefs and feedback.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is crucial for success.

• The team likely fosters an environment of mutual support and shared creative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly the public service aspect and the importance of clear, accessible communication for a transit agency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing diverse design requests from various departments while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively communicating intricate service details or policy changes through visual design.

• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Media: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across social media, print, digital, and physical signage.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with design best practices, accessibility standards, and platform-specific visual requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to develop expertise in areas like photography, videography, motion graphics, and advanced digital design techniques.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining a deep understanding of the public transportation sector and its unique communication needs.

• Professional Networking: Engaging with colleagues within GRTC and potentially at industry events.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing and communications professionals within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a graphic design role in a dynamic organization. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for skill enhancement and career advancement within GRTC.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic campaign for a new bus route launch."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design platforms and materials?"

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that demonstrates effective visual storytelling."

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?"

• "What are your strategies for staying current with graphic design trends and software updates?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a public transit organization like GRTC?"

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to GRTC's mission of serving the Richmond community?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture."

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and inclusivity?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each piece presented, explain the client/project, the objective, your role, the design challenges, your creative solution, and the impact (if known).

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that directly relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description (social media, print, digital, rider communications).

• Technical Clarity: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used.

• Conciseness: Present key pieces efficiently, focusing on quality over quantity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare concrete examples and be ready to discuss their design process and strategic thinking, not just the final visual output. Demonstrating an understanding of GRTC's mission will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to GRTC's needs, such as social media graphics, print collateral, and rider information materials.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any relevant design experience, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and preparing to answer questions about your experience and interest in GRTC.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with GRTC's mission, current marketing efforts, and brand identity to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role and organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.