Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Operations Support

Date Posted: April 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating compelling visual assets for proposals, reports, and marketing collateral, directly impacting client perception and business development.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end visual design process, from concept generation to final production, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• This position requires a strong understanding of corporate branding guidelines and the ability to translate complex technical information into easily digestible visual content for diverse audiences.

• The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineers and project managers, to produce high-impact visual solutions that support business objectives and enhance client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a Graphic Designer, its placement within a company like Kimley-Horn, which focuses on engineering and consulting, implies a strong need for designers who can handle technical subject matter and produce visuals for proposals and reports. This positions the role as a key support function for GTM and operations, requiring an understanding of project-based deliverables and client-facing materials.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually engaging covers, templates, layouts, and supporting graphics for proposals and technical reports, ensuring alignment with corporate branding and client-specific requirements.

• Develop compelling presentations and multimedia graphics that effectively communicate project information and company capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.

• Create sophisticated before-and-after photo simulations and detailed aerial map exhibits to illustrate project scope, impact, and proposed solutions.

• Produce unique and impactful brochures, print and digital collateral, and trade show graphics to support marketing initiatives and enhance brand visibility.

• Design and execute e-blast campaigns and social media graphics, ensuring consistent brand messaging and engagement across digital channels.

• Manage large format printing and production processes, overseeing the quality and timely delivery of physical marketing materials.

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to understand project details and translate them into clear, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing visual designs.

• Adhere strictly to corporate and client branding guidelines to maintain brand integrity and professional representation.

• Contribute creatively to a large, specialized marketing team, fostering a collaborative and innovative design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design tasks and technical illustration, emphasizing the need for a designer who can work with complex data and technical concepts, common in operations and GTM support roles. The focus on proposals and reports indicates a need for designers proficient in long-form document layout and data visualization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 4+ years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate environment or an agency supporting corporate clients.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign (for complex document layout), Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Strong command of Adobe Acrobat for document management and final output.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint), with a focus on creating professional business documents and presentations within a PC environment.

• Demonstrated experience in designing various collateral, including proposals, reports, brochures, and digital assets.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with technical teams and stakeholders.

• A professional demeanor, coupled with a positive, solution-seeking attitude and a high degree of personal responsibility.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Proficiency in Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max, or Sketchup for advanced visual effects and 3D modeling.

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

• Experience with large format printing and production management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on InDesign for complex documents and the blend of print and digital skills, along with preferred video and web design experience, suggests a need for a versatile designer capable of supporting diverse GTM and operational communication needs. The "PC-based company" note is a practical requirement to consider for software compatibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on proposal and report design, infographics, and presentation graphics.

• Demonstrated ability to create visually compelling "before-and-after" photo simulations and detailed aerial map exhibits.

• Examples of digital collateral, including e-blasts and social media graphics, showcasing understanding of different media requirements.

• Evidence of working within and adapting to strict corporate and client branding guidelines, including examples of maintaining brand consistency across multiple deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final execution and production, highlighting how they manage feedback and revisions.

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of workflow efficiency, particularly in handling multiple projects and tight deadlines typical in GTM and proposal support.

• Documented examples of successful collaboration with non-design teams (e.g., engineers, project managers) to achieve project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate practical application in a professional services context, emphasizing efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to support complex project deliverables common in operations and GTM.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 4+ years of experience in Raleigh, NC, the estimated salary range is approximately $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This range accounts for the specific skill set required, including advanced Adobe CC proficiency and experience with technical visualization.

Benefits:

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: A generous 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus), plus an additional profit-sharing contribution designed for long-term financial security.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options, ensuring well-being for employees and their families.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays to promote a healthy work-life integration.

• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching contributions within the 401(k) plan, and performance-based bonuses that reward individual and company success.

• Professional Development: Robust tuition reimbursement programs and extensive internal training opportunities to foster continuous learning and career advancement.

• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and access to childcare resources to support employees during significant life events.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Flexibility is expected to periodically work outside normal business hours and travel as needed for business requirements, particularly for proposal deadlines or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are exceptionally strong, particularly the retirement plan match and profit sharing, which are significant differentiators. The inclusion of "half-day Fridays" and "flexible scheduling" points to a culture that values employee well-being. Salary estimate is based on average mid-level graphic designer salaries in the Raleigh, NC area, adjusted for corporate/engineering industry standards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services / Professional Consulting (Kimley-Horn specializes in planning, design, and construction management for infrastructure and development projects). The design team operates within this context, supporting technical divisions.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Kimley-Horn is a well-established, large firm, indicating structured processes and ample resources for its marketing and design teams).

Founded: 1967. With a long history, Kimley-Horn has developed a stable and mature corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team is part of a larger, specialized marketing department, suggesting a collaborative environment focused on supporting business development and client engagement.

• This role likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with direct interaction and collaboration with engineers, project managers, and other technical staff across various project teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the design process is expected to be informed by data, such as proposal win rates, client feedback, and engagement metrics for digital content.

• Process Optimization: The team likely focuses on streamlining the design workflow to meet tight deadlines common in the proposal and consulting industry, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

• Brand Consistency: A core methodology is maintaining strict adherence to corporate and client branding guidelines to ensure a unified and professional image across all communications.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kimley-Horn's industry means the design team supports technically focused professionals. This implies a need for designers who are not only creative but also detail-oriented, capable of understanding and visualizing complex engineering concepts. The company's size and longevity suggest a stable environment with established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role. It requires a solid foundation of experience (4+ years) and the ability to work independently on complex projects while also collaborating effectively within a team. It's a critical support role for the GTM and business development functions.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director within the marketing department. They will work closely with project managers and engineering leads for specific project deliverables.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly influences the perceived quality and professionalism of Kimley-Horn's proposals and marketing materials. High-quality visuals can significantly impact proposal win rates, client engagement, and overall brand perception, thus playing a vital role in the company's business development and revenue generation efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas such as technical illustration, data visualization for engineering, or advanced motion graphics.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, or managing specific design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of engineering and project management processes, potentially leading to roles in marketing strategy, proposal management, or even technical communication.

• Skill Development: Utilize tuition reimbursement and internal training to master new software (e.g., advanced 3D modeling, video editing) and design techniques relevant to the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here leans towards deepening expertise within the AEC industry's visual communication needs, rather than a typical marketing operations progression. The impact on revenue is tied to the quality of client-facing materials.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office setting within Kimley-Horn's Raleigh, NC location. This environment is conducive to direct collaboration and team synergy.

Office Location(s): Raleigh, North Carolina. Specific office details would need to be confirmed, but it's expected to be a professional corporate office space.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely collaborative, fostering interaction with other designers, marketing professionals, and possibly engineers for project discussions.

• Access to standard office technology and software, including a PC-based system, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft Office Suite, will be provided.

• Opportunities for team brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment on project goals and visual strategies.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with potential for overtime during peak periods (e.g., proposal deadlines). The mention of "flexible scheduling" and "half-day Fridays" suggests a culture that balances demanding work with employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor. It emphasizes the value Kimley-Horn places on in-person collaboration, team interaction, and the ability to manage physical production aspects like large-format printing directly.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess technical skills, relevant experience, and creative quality. Candidates must provide a portfolio link.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with members of the design or marketing team to delve deeper into design process, software proficiency, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a review of specific portfolio pieces.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates might be given a small design task or case study relevant to Kimley-Horn's work (e.g., designing a graphic for a sample proposal section, creating a concept for a social media campaign) to evaluate their practical application of skills.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with hiring managers and potential team members to assess communication style, collaboration ability, and alignment with Kimley-Horn's values and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to handle technical subject matter, corporate branding, and proposal/report design.

• Highlight Process: For key projects, briefly explain your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, and the outcome. Use case study format to demonstrate problem-solving and impact.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of print, digital, presentation graphics, and ideally, any experience with photo simulation, aerial mapping, or video.

• Brand Adherence: Explicitly mention or demonstrate how you've worked within and adapted to brand guidelines.

• Clarity and Professionalism: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Kimley-Horn's projects and services. Understand the types of clients they serve and the nature of their engineering and consulting work.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing visuals for technical content, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and visual appeal.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and how they support business objectives, such as proposal win rates or client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the gatekeeper. Candidates must ensure it directly addresses the requirements of designing for a technical/engineering firm, showcasing not just creativity but also the ability to communicate complex information visually and adhere to strict corporate standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign (essential for complex document layout), Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat. Proficiency is non-negotiable.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (for document integration), PowerPoint (for presentations), Excel (potentially for data visualization support).

• PC-Based Environment: All work will be conducted on Windows operating systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Preferred/Advanced Tools:

• Video Editing: Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects.

• 3D Modeling/Rendering: 3DS Max, Sketchup.

• Web Design: WordPress, HTML, CSS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for graphic design, but the emphasis on InDesign for complex documents and the PC environment are critical technical requirements. Preferred tools indicate areas for advanced skill development that could set a candidate apart.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, reflected in the quality and accuracy of all design deliverables.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high professional standards, taking ownership of work, and ensuring accuracy and reliability in all design output.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team and across departments, valuing diverse perspectives and contributing to a supportive work environment.

• Innovation & Resourcefulness: Seeking creative solutions to design challenges and adapting to new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and impact.

• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality work that reflects positively on the company and its technical expertise.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Fostering a collaborative atmosphere where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and team members support each other.

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with engineers and project managers to ensure design solutions are technically sound and effectively communicate complex information.

• Responsive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders to manage expectations, provide updates, and address feedback promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are geared towards professional services: client-centricity, integrity, and collaboration are paramount. For a designer, this means being a reliable partner to technical teams and ensuring all visuals are accurate and professional.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be translating complex engineering concepts and data into clear, accurate, and visually appealing graphics for non-technical audiences.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Balancing simultaneous assignments for various projects, often with tight and competing deadlines, requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying corporate and client branding guidelines while still injecting creativity and visual interest.

• Adapting to New Software/Techniques: Keeping pace with evolving design software and techniques, especially in preferred areas like video editing or 3D modeling.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in specialized areas like motion graphics, video editing, or 3D modeling through internal programs or external courses.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about various engineering disciplines and project types through close collaboration with technical teams, enhancing contextual understanding for design.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects that can lead to more senior roles or specialized design positions within the firm or industry.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers or marketing leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a designer in a technical consulting firm. The growth opportunities focus on becoming a specialist within this niche, leveraging the company's resources for skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical concept and turning it into a clear visual graphic for a proposal." (Focus on your methodology, tools, and how you ensure accuracy.)

• "How do you manage competing design priorities and deadlines for multiple projects?" (Highlight your organizational skills, prioritization techniques, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kimley-Horn and our services?" (Research the company's website, recent projects, and values.)

• "How would you ensure our brand consistency across various marketing materials?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines and your approach to maintaining them.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, don't just show the final output. Briefly tell the story: the client/project context, the challenge, your creative solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that align with Kimley-Horn's needs – proposal graphics, technical illustrations, corporate collateral.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques used, especially InDesign for complex layouts, and any advanced tools you've employed.

• Showcase Brand Adaptability: If possible, include examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also reliability, professionalism, and the ability to integrate into a technical/corporate environment. The portfolio is the primary evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application via the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your online portfolio, ensuring it is easily accessible and showcases your most relevant work, particularly projects involving technical information, proposals, reports, and corporate branding.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and any experience with video editing, motion graphics, or web design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common graphic design interview questions, focusing on your process, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kimley-Horn, understanding their services, industry, and company values. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their specific work environment and culture.

⚠️ 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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