Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce high-impact visual assets for proposals, reports, marketing collateral, and digital platforms.

• Collaborate closely with engineering, project management, and technical staff to translate complex information into clear, compelling visuals.

• Manage and execute a diverse range of design projects, from print production to e-blast campaigns and social media graphics, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

• Contribute to a fast-paced, creative marketing team environment that values innovation and client success.

• Develop specialized graphics such as before-and-after photo simulations and aerial map exhibits to support project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a marketing operations or creative services function, focusing on the visual communication needs supporting the broader business objectives, particularly in proposal development and client engagement for an engineering firm. The emphasis on technical staff interaction and corporate branding indicates a need for both creative flair and operational precision.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually engaging covers, templates, layouts, and supporting graphics for client proposals and technical reports, ensuring brand consistency.

• Create dynamic presentations and compelling multimedia graphics for internal and external stakeholder engagements.

• Develop realistic before-and-after photo simulations and precise aerial map exhibits to illustrate project scope and impact.

• Produce unique and effective brochures, print collateral, and trade show graphics that align with marketing strategies.

• Design engaging e-blast campaigns and eye-catching social media graphics to enhance digital outreach efforts.

• Manage large format printing and production processes, ensuring quality and timely delivery of physical assets.

• Thrive within a large, creative, and specialized marketing team, contributing to a collaborative and productive work environment.

• Interact effectively with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to understand project requirements and translate them into visual concepts.

• Strictly adhere to and implement corporate and client branding guidelines across all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational execution. The emphasis on "proposal and report" design suggests a strong connection to business development and client acquisition processes, characteristic of sales enablement or GTM support functions within operations. The requirement to interact with technical staff points to the need for clarity in communicating complex information visually.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.

Experience: 4+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion in a corporate or agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for document integration and presentation creation, with a strong understanding of PC-based environments.

• Proven ability to design complex documents using Adobe InDesign, ensuring layout integrity and professional presentation.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated professional demeanor, a positive and solution-seeking attitude, and a high sense of personal responsibility.

• Ability to manage multiple, varied assignments under tight deadlines while consistently maintaining high quality and accuracy. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video filming/editing and/or motion graphics creation.

• Familiarity with Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max, or Sketchup.

• Web design experience, with WordPress proficiency and foundational knowledge of HTML/CSS.

• Experience working within the engineering, architecture, or construction (AEC) industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core graphic design software proficiency and essential business communication abilities. The preferred skills suggest a desire for candidates with a broader digital media skillset, including video and web design, which can enhance the firm's multimedia capabilities and online presence, aligning with modern marketing operations demands. The specific mention of PC-based environment is a practical operational detail.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in print and digital media.

• Specific examples of proposal and report design, highlighting layout complexity, information hierarchy, and brand adherence.

• Case studies or visual examples of photo simulations, aerial map exhibits, or other technical visualization projects.

• Demonstrations of e-blast campaigns, social media graphics, or other digital marketing assets.

• Examples of work produced within corporate branding guidelines and for technical/engineering contexts. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, from concept to final production, for internal knowledge sharing and efficiency improvements.

• Understanding of workflow management for simultaneous, varied assignments, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.

• Experience in managing print production workflows, including pre-press considerations and vendor coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's design capabilities and operational execution. The emphasis on "process documentation" for design workflows suggests an expectation for candidates to contribute to operational improvements within the design team, aligning with revenue operations principles of efficiency and standardization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Graphic Designer with 4+ years of experience in Philadelphia, PA, the estimated salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Philadelphia and the specialized nature of the role within a professional services firm.

Benefits:

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus), plus profit-sharing contributions.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Generous Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays to promote work-life balance.

• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in the 401(k) plan and performance-based bonuses.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs to support career growth.

• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

Working Hours: Standard full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as required for business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Graphic Designers with 4+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Philadelphia, within the professional services sector. Kimley-Horn's benefits package is comprehensive and notably strong, particularly the retirement plan match and emphasis on work-life balance with benefits like half-day Fridays, which are attractive to operations professionals valuing efficiency and personal time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Planning, and Design Services. Kimley-Horn operates within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, providing comprehensive solutions to clients across various markets including transportation, aviation, water, land development, and energy. This industry context means visuals often need to support technical explanations and project proposals.

Company Size: Large (1,000-5,000 employees). This size indicates a structured organization with established processes, a dedicated marketing department, and opportunities for specialization within roles.

Founded: 1967. With a long history, Kimley-Horn has a well-established reputation, robust operational frameworks, and a deep understanding of its client needs and market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The graphic design function is part of a larger, specialized marketing team, suggesting a collaborative environment with defined roles and potential for cross-functional projects.

• Designers will interact frequently with project managers, engineers, and technical staff, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to translate engineering concepts into accessible visuals.

• The team structure likely supports a hub-and-spoke model where central marketing provides expertise and support to various technical disciplines. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While primarily a creative role, the need to design for proposals and client engagement implies a focus on how visuals impact decision-making, aligning with a data-informed approach to marketing effectiveness.

• Process Optimization: The requirement to manage varied assignments and adhere to tight deadlines points to an operational focus on efficient workflow management and quality control within the design process.

• Collaboration & Communication: The emphasis on interacting with technical staff highlights a methodology that values clear communication, feedback loops, and collaborative problem-solving to achieve project goals.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kimley-Horn's industry (AEC) is crucial. Visuals in this sector often serve to simplify complex technical data, demonstrate project feasibility, and support winning proposals. The company's size and history suggest a professional, process-oriented environment where efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction are paramount, aligning with operations-focused values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This level signifies a professional who has moved beyond entry-level tasks and is expected to work independently on complex projects, contribute to team strategy, and potentially mentor junior designers. The role requires a strong command of design principles and software, coupled with an understanding of how design supports business objectives.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or Lead Graphic Designer within the marketing department. This structure offers exposure to marketing strategy and project management.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's output directly impacts the company's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and reports, enhances brand perception through marketing collateral and digital presence, and supports internal communications and technical documentation. This role is integral to the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by providing essential visual assets that influence client decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion graphics, video editing, web design, or large-format print production.

• Leadership: Potential to advance into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading projects, mentoring junior staff, or managing design workflows.

• Cross-functional Development: Opportunities to collaborate on broader marketing initiatives, learn about business development processes, and potentially transition into roles focused on marketing operations or project management within the AEC sector.

• Skill Enhancement: Access to tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs supports continuous learning and adaptation to new design technologies and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis highlights how a graphic design role can be strategically positioned within an operations framework. The impact on GTM is significant, and the growth paths suggest opportunities for career progression into more strategic or operational marketing roles, which is a key consideration for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, implying a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and access to company resources are standard.

Office Location(s): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location offers access to a vibrant professional community and resources typical of a major metropolitan area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close interaction with engineers, project managers, and the marketing team, suggesting a dynamic workspace that fosters teamwork and idea exchange.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe CC, Microsoft Office) on a PC-based platform, along with potential for specialized hardware or software for video, 3D modeling, or web development.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily collaboration, feedback sessions, and project reviews with colleagues, contributing to a supportive and productive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, 40 hours per week. The mention of flexibility for occasional work outside normal hours and travel indicates a dynamic work environment that may require adaptability, common in client-facing roles and project-driven industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and Philadelphia location are key practical details. The workspace context emphasizes the collaborative nature of the role and the availability of necessary technical tools, which are crucial for an operations-minded individual evaluating the day-to-day work environment and its impact on productivity and efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and online portfolio to assess qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Technical Interview: Likely includes a portfolio review session where you'll present your work, discuss your design process, and answer questions about your experience with specific software and projects. Prepare to discuss how you handled design challenges and met client objectives.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Conversations with hiring managers and potential team members to evaluate communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the marketing and technical teams. Be ready to discuss your experience working under deadlines and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion on your understanding of the company's mission and how your design skills can contribute to Kimley-Horn's success.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (proposal design, technical graphics, digital marketing).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Highlight how you translated client needs or technical information into effective visuals.

• Highlight Operations Alignment: Emphasize projects where you managed tight deadlines, adhered strictly to branding guidelines, or collaborated effectively with technical teams. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "contributed to proposal win rate," "increased engagement on social media").

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Adobe CC, Microsoft Office, and any preferred software (e.g., Premiere, After Effects).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a short design task or a hypothetical scenario to assess your problem-solving skills and immediate design approach. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the brief and efficient execution.

• Process Discussion: Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time, prioritize tasks, and handle feedback, especially from technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical assessment of design skills, operational efficiency (handling deadlines, process), and collaborative capabilities. The portfolio review is paramount, and candidates should focus on showcasing not just aesthetic talent but also the ability to deliver impactful visuals that support business goals, a key trait for operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign (expert level for complex document layouts), Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), Acrobat (PDF creation, editing, optimization).

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint (presentations), Word (document integration), Excel (data visualization, if applicable).

• PC-Based Environment: Proficiency with Windows operating systems and related software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., e-blasts, social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media platform insights could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed, but an understanding of how design assets are used within CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, underscoring the core requirements of the role. The emphasis on InDesign for complex documents and the PC-based environment are critical operational details for candidates to note. While not directly in analytics, understanding how design influences engagement metrics is a valuable operations-minded perspective.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A strong commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work, especially critical for client-facing proposals and reports in the AEC industry.

• Efficiency & Productivity: The ability to manage multiple tasks, meet tight deadlines, and optimize design workflows to maximize output and impact.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams, including engineers and project managers, fostering a supportive and productive group dynamic.

• Client Focus: Understanding that design efforts directly support client needs and business development goals, prioritizing client satisfaction and project success.

• Professionalism & Responsibility: Maintaining a professional demeanor, taking ownership of tasks, and contributing positively to the team and company culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active engagement with technical staff to gather requirements, iterate on designs, and ensure accuracy and relevance.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative design processes, working collaboratively to refine visuals based on input from project managers and marketing leads.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices, templates, and insights with team members to elevate the overall quality and efficiency of the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values align with operational excellence, emphasizing precision, efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving. This is a key aspect for operations professionals who thrive in environments that value structured processes and measurable outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing complex engineering concepts and data into clear, compelling, and accurate graphics for non-technical audiences.

• Managing Competing Priorities: Balancing multiple project deadlines from various stakeholders simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Adhering to Brand Standards: Consistently applying corporate and client branding guidelines across a wide range of deliverables while maintaining creative integrity.

• Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, techniques, and digital media trends to maintain a competitive edge and enhance output quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to learn and master preferred skills like video editing, motion graphics, and web design through internal training and potentially external courses.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deeper insight into the AEC industry and project lifecycles through close collaboration with engineers and project managers.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the optimization of design workflows and the development of new templates and assets to improve team efficiency.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Regularly creating high-quality work for high-profile projects, which significantly strengthens a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a graphic designer in a professional services firm and offer clear growth opportunities. These challenges require problem-solving and adaptability, skills highly valued in operations roles. The learning opportunities are geared towards expanding technical capabilities and strategic understanding within the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a graphic for a highly technical subject. How did you ensure accuracy and clarity for a non-technical audience?" (Focus on your process, collaboration with SMEs, and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through a complex proposal design project from start to finish. What were the key challenges, and how did you manage the workflow and deadlines?" (Highlight your InDesign skills, project management approach, and attention to detail.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest graphic design trends and software advancements, and how do you apply them to your work?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kimley-Horn and the AEC industry?" (Research Kimley-Horn's projects, values, and recent news. Connect your design passion to their mission.)

• "How do you approach working with engineers and project managers who may have different communication styles or technical jargon?" (Emphasize your collaboration, active listening, and ability to translate technical needs.)

• "Describe your experience working within established brand guidelines. How do you balance creativity with brand consistency?" (Show your understanding of brand integrity and operational constraints.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, craft a brief narrative that covers the challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the successful outcome.

• Metrics & Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your design work (e.g., "This design contributed to X% increase in proposal win rate," or "These social media graphics achieved Y impressions").

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow, specific software techniques, and how you troubleshoot design challenges.

• Cultural Fit: Demonstrate enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, aligning with Kimley-Horn's values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also operational skills like process management, problem-solving, and effective communication, especially within a technical context. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kimley-Horn careers portal.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the required skills and experience, using keywords from the job description (e.g., InDesign, proposal design, technical graphics, client collaboration). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your online portfolio: Ensure it is easily accessible, well-organized, and features projects that directly align with the responsibilities outlined (e.g., corporate proposals, technical illustrations, digital marketing assets).

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Be ready to walk through 3-5 key projects, explaining your process, challenges, and outcomes, especially concerning collaboration with technical teams and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Research Kimley-Horn: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly in the Philadelphia region, to articulate your interest and how your design skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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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