Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: HR Green

Location: Johnston, IA, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-30T18:27:00

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing collateral, including proposals, brochures, presentations, reports, and infographics, to support the company's infrastructure projects.

• Develop and maintain visual brand consistency across all marketing materials and digital platforms, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

• Collaborate closely with marketing specialists, engineers, and project managers to translate complex technical information into clear, compelling visuals and data visualizations.

• Support digital marketing efforts by designing web content, e-newsletters, and mobile-ready materials.

• Manage and organize the central graphics library, ensuring efficient reuse of assets and maintaining a high standard of visual quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a technically focused industry (A/E/C - Architecture, Engineering, and Construction). The Graphic Designer will need to effectively communicate complex engineering concepts through visual design, requiring a strong understanding of data visualization, infographic creation, and the ability to translate technical jargon into accessible visuals for proposals and client-facing materials. The emphasis on "building communities" and "infrastructure challenges" suggests a need for designs that convey reliability, expertise, and positive community impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-impact marketing materials for proposals, brochures, presentations, reports, infographics, and advertisements, ensuring brand consistency and technical accuracy.

• Develop and maintain digital assets, including web design elements, e-newsletters, digital invitations, and mobile-optimized content.

• Create polished visuals, charts, and illustrations that effectively translate technical themes and proposal content for diverse audiences.

• Build and manage brand templates to ensure consistency and improve efficiency for the marketing team and internal stakeholders.

• Organize and maintain the central graphics library, implementing a system for easy access and reuse of approved visual assets.

• Collaborate daily with Marketing Specialists, engineers, and project teams to understand project requirements, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality design solutions.

• Design impactful graphics for public meetings, client-facing presentations, and other external communications to enhance engagement and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate independently within a defined brand framework while also being highly collaborative. The "translate technical themes into polished visuals" responsibility is critical, suggesting the need for skills in data visualization and the ability to simplify complex information for both technical and non-technical audiences. Managing a graphics library implies a need for strong organizational skills and understanding of asset management principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of in-house graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign (for layout and multi-page documents like proposals and reports)
  • Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation)
  • Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations)
  • Adobe Acrobat (for PDF creation, editing, and optimization)

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for integration with design work.

• Strong understanding of pre-press processes and print production requirements.

• Excellent visual communication and storytelling skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with web design principles and content management systems.

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS for web-based content.

• Experience with video editing software or animation (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects) is a plus.

• Familiarity with A/E/C industry proposal requirements and best practices.

• Experience with interactive PDF creation and forms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the industry, proficiency in InDesign for complex proposal layouts and report generation is paramount. The preference for A/E/C experience suggests that candidates who understand the visual language of engineering and infrastructure projects will have a distinct advantage. Web design and HTML skills are increasingly important for modern marketing roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of at least 5-7 diverse projects demonstrating proficiency across various design mediums (print collateral, digital assets, infographics, presentations).

• Specific examples showcasing the ability to translate complex technical information into visually engaging content (e.g., data visualizations, technical illustrations, process flow diagrams).

• Projects that highlight strong layout and typography skills, particularly for long-form documents like proposals or reports.

• Examples of maintaining brand consistency across different applications and platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a systematic approach to design projects, from brief interpretation and concept development to final production and delivery.

• Demonstrations of how design processes were optimized for efficiency, especially in high-volume proposal environments.

• Examples of how design feedback was incorporated and managed to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize proposal design and technical infographic creation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, how they manage client feedback, and how they ensure brand consistency and accuracy when working with technical content. Demonstrating experience with template creation and asset management within the portfolio is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Graphic Designer in the Johnston, IA (Polk County) area with 3+ years of experience and expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and proposal design within the A/E/C sector, the estimated salary range is $60,000 - $80,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and continuing education for design software and industry best practices.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing firm.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Potential for bonuses based on company and individual performance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, HR Green may offer some flexibility for project deadlines where feasible, but core hours are expected to be met for team collaboration and project support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar Graphic Designer roles in the Des Moines metropolitan area (including Johnston, IA) with comparable experience levels and specialized skills (A/E/C industry, proposal design). Data from sources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary were consulted, adjusted for the specific requirements of this role. The benefits listed are typical for a company of HR Green's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting (A/E/C). HR Green is a multidisciplinary firm providing engineering and technical consulting services vital for community development and infrastructure projects.

Company Size: HR Green is a recognized leader, ranking No. 168 on Engineering News Record's Top 500 Design Firms list in 2025, indicating a significant and established presence in the industry. This suggests a company with a robust operational structure and a substantial workforce, likely ranging from several hundred to over a thousand employees globally.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated in the provided information, but the company's ranking suggests a long-standing history and established presence in the market. This implies a culture that values experience, stability, and long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, working closely with Marketing Specialists.

• This team likely collaborates frequently with engineering departments, project managers, and client-facing project teams across various disciplines.

Methodology:

• The company's focus on infrastructure and community building suggests a methodology rooted in practicality, problem-solving, and delivering tangible results.

• Marketing efforts, supported by design, are geared towards demonstrating technical competence, project success, and a commitment to client and community needs.

• Data-driven insights are likely used to inform marketing strategies, with design serving to visualize these insights and project outcomes effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The A/E/C industry context is vital. This means the graphic designer must be comfortable with technical subjects and understand how design supports business development, proposal wins, and client communication in this sector. The company's size and recognition imply a professional environment with established processes and a focus on quality and client satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires 3+ years of experience and a strong command of core design software, with the expectation of independent work and significant contributions to marketing collateral. It signifies a step beyond entry-level design positions, demanding a higher degree of autonomy and project ownership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, who oversees the marketing team's strategy and operations. They will collaborate closely with Marketing Specialists and receive project direction from various engineering and project management teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's role directly impacts the company's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and marketing materials. High-quality visuals can enhance client perception, communicate technical expertise effectively, and differentiate HR Green from competitors. The designer's work is instrumental in shaping the company's brand image and facilitating communication across all levels.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas such as proposal design, data visualization, or digital marketing design within the A/E/C sector.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to learn new software or advanced techniques that enhance visual communication for technical industries.

• Leadership: With significant experience and proven impact, progression to a Senior Graphic Designer or potentially a Lead Designer role within the marketing department.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of engineering projects and client needs, which can inform design strategy and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer in a company like HR Green often involves becoming a subject matter expert in the specific visual communication needs of the A/E/C industry, particularly in business development and proposal generation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Johnston, IA, indicating a traditional office environment. This setting fosters direct collaboration, spontaneous idea sharing, and immediate access to colleagues and resources.

Office Location(s): Johnston, IA, is a suburb of Des Moines, offering access to a mid-sized city's amenities while maintaining a potentially more accessible commute for residents of surrounding areas.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to support creative professionals, potentially with dedicated design stations equipped with industry-standard hardware and software.

• Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting access to meeting rooms and open spaces for team discussions and brainstorming sessions with engineers and marketing staff.

• The on-site nature allows for direct interaction with project teams, facilitating a deeper understanding of project requirements and enabling real-time feedback integration.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. While the role is on-site, HR Green's culture may allow for some flexibility around specific project deadlines, provided core work hours and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site environment is beneficial for a Graphic Designer in this industry, as it allows for seamless collaboration with technical teams and quick iterations on proposal materials, which are often time-sensitive.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing past projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills (software proficiency, A/E/C industry relevance). Expect questions about how they translate technical data into visuals.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion focused on cultural fit, collaboration style, ability to work with engineers and project managers, and understanding of HR Green's mission.

• Potential Practical Exercise: A small design challenge or a discussion about how they would approach a hypothetical design task related to HR Green's work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight A/E/C Relevance: Showcase projects that demonstrate experience with proposals, technical reports, infographics, or any work within the engineering, construction, or infrastructure sectors.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for key projects, explaining your rationale, problem-solving, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Explicitly mention and demonstrate mastery of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Highlight complex projects that required advanced use of these tools.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you can, provide context on how your designs contributed to project wins, improved client engagement, or streamlined internal processes.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with HR Green's projects and services (visit their website).

• Practice translating hypothetical technical information into visual concepts.

• Be ready to discuss your approach to brand consistency and template creation.

• Prepare examples of how you've managed tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on A/E/C industry experience means candidates should tailor their portfolio and interview responses to showcase their understanding of this sector's visual communication needs. Preparing to discuss specific software features and workflows will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of proposals, reports, brochures, and multi-page documents. High proficiency expected for complex layouts and interactive PDFs.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, retouching, and creating web graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, charts, and technical illustrations.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, optimization, form creation, and pre-press checks.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For creating client presentations, requiring strong integration with design elements and templates.
  • Word: For incorporating design elements into documents and potentially collaborating on proposal content.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website click-through rates, e-newsletter open rates) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the Graphic Designer role, but understanding how marketing materials are distributed via CRM or marketing automation platforms could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, particularly InDesign and Illustrator for technical documentation and proposal design, is non-negotiable. Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint is also critical for client presentations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to high-quality, impactful visual communication that supports the company's professional image.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, including engineers and project managers, to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency: Developing and utilizing processes and templates that streamline the design workflow and ensure timely delivery.

• Innovation: Applying creative solutions to communicate complex information and engage target audiences.

• Community Focus: Understanding that the company's work impacts communities, and reflecting this in design messaging.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with marketing specialists, engineers, and project teams, requiring clear communication and receptiveness to technical input.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with project objectives and brand standards.

• Proactive Support: Anticipating the design needs of project teams and providing timely, high-quality support for business development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values suggest an environment where designers are seen as integral partners in business development and client relations, not just order-takers. A proactive and collaborative approach will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be to take highly technical engineering concepts and data and represent them in clear, compelling, and aesthetically pleasing visuals.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring all designs adhere to HR Green's brand guidelines while also meeting the specific requirements and unique selling points of individual projects and proposals.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Expectations: Working with various internal clients (engineers, project managers) who may have different visions or levels of design understanding.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of proposal development in the A/E/C industry often requires quick turnarounds on design assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Deepening expertise in visual communication for the A/E/C industry, understanding its unique design conventions and client expectations.

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunities for training in advanced features of Adobe Creative Cloud or related design and visualization software.

• Project Exposure: Gaining insights into various infrastructure projects, which can enrich creative problem-solving.

• Potential for Specialization: Developing a niche in areas like proposal graphics, data visualization, or digital marketing content.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates who can demonstrate a proactive approach to solving the challenge of technical translation and who are eager to learn about the A/E/C industry will find significant growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical document or data set and translating it into an infographic or visual representation."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a variety of marketing materials, especially when working on multiple projects simultaneously?"

• "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to balance stakeholder feedback with your design expertise. What was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about HR Green and our work in the A/E/C industry?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as engineers and project managers?"

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach to fit a company's established brand guidelines."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, don't just show the final output; tell the story behind it – the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design process, highlighting how you approached the brief, explored concepts, and refined the design.

• Technical Acumen: For A/E/C-related projects, be ready to discuss how you incorporated technical accuracy and communicated complex information effectively.

• Software Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss specific tools and techniques you used within the Adobe Creative Suite to achieve your results.

• Conciseness: Aim for clarity and brevity, ensuring your presentation is impactful and respects the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a designer who is not only technically skilled but also understands the business context of their work within the A/E/C industry. Demonstrating an understanding of proposal design and technical communication is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP WorkNow link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight at least 2-3 projects that demonstrate your experience with proposal design, technical infographics, or work within the A/E/C industry. If direct industry experience is limited, emphasize transferable skills in data visualization and complex document layout.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) and Microsoft Office. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X proposals contributing to Y% win rate").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially how you handle technical content and collaborate with non-designers. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the HR Green website to understand their services, project types, and company culture. Be ready to discuss why you are a good fit for their specific industry and mission.

⚠️ 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.