Graphic Designer at Kimley-Horn

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Sarasota, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role focuses on the creation and execution of visual assets for marketing and client-facing materials, requiring a strong understanding of design principles and brand consistency within a corporate environment.
The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in developing compelling visual content for proposals, reports, digital campaigns, and large-format presentations, directly supporting Go-To-Market (GTM) and client engagement strategies.
A key aspect involves collaborating with technical teams, including engineers and project managers, to translate complex information into accessible and visually engaging graphics, enhancing communication efficiency.
The position demands proficiency in a suite of design software and a commitment to upholding corporate and client branding guidelines across all deliverables, ensuring a cohesive and professional brand representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement assumes a role within a larger GTM or Marketing Operations function, given the emphasis on proposals, reports, and client-facing collateral, which are critical for business development and revenue generation. The role requires operational excellence in design execution and brand management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design and produce high-quality covers, templates, layouts, and supporting graphics for technical proposals and client reports, ensuring adherence to brand standards and project requirements.
Develop engaging presentations, multimedia graphics, and visual aids to effectively communicate project details and company capabilities to internal and external stakeholders.
Create impactful before-and-after photo simulations and detailed aerial map exhibits to visually represent project scope, impact, and solutions.
Design unique and compelling brochures, print and digital collateral, and trade show graphics that align with marketing campaigns and business development objectives.
Execute e-blast campaigns and social media graphics, maintaining brand consistency and optimizing for various digital platforms to drive engagement.
Manage large format printing and production processes, ensuring quality control and timely delivery of physical marketing materials.
Collaborate effectively with a diverse team of marketing professionals, engineers, project managers, and technical staff to gather requirements and deliver visually superior solutions.
Maintain and enforce corporate and client branding guidelines across all design projects to ensure a consistent and professional brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are expanded to emphasize the operational aspects of design, such as managing production, ensuring brand consistency across multiple channels, and supporting business development initiatives. This aligns with a GTM operations perspective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, particularly in corporate, proposal, or marketing collateral development.

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.
Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint) for integrated design workflows in a PC-based environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with technical and non-technical teams.
Professional demeanor with a positive, solution-seeking attitude and a high sense of personal responsibility.
Ability to manage simultaneous, varied assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining consistent quality and accuracy.
Experience in layout design for complex documents, particularly using InDesign. Preferred Skills:
Experience with video filming/editing and/or motion graphics creation.
Familiarity with Adobe Premier, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max, or Sketchup.
Web design experience, with WordPress proficiency and knowledge of HTML/CSS.
Experience working within established corporate branding guidelines for a large organization.
Background in a professional services or engineering firm environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are structured to highlight skills critical for operational efficiency in design, such as proficiency in specific software, document layout, and ability to manage multiple projects under pressure. Preferred skills suggest areas for advanced contribution and potential specialization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A curated online portfolio demonstrating a strong command of design principles and proficiency across various media (print, digital, multimedia).
Case studies or project examples that highlight successful collaboration with technical teams or the translation of complex information into visual narratives.
Evidence of experience in creating proposal graphics, reports, brochures, and digital marketing assets, showcasing versatility and brand adaptability.
Demonstrations of skills in photo simulation, aerial mapping, or other specialized visual exhibit creation relevant to engineering or consulting services.
Examples of e-blast or social media graphics that illustrate engagement strategy and execution. Process Documentation:
Ability to understand and work within established design workflows and production processes.
Capacity to adapt to and consistently apply corporate brand guidelines and project-specific templates.
Experience in managing design assets and ensuring version control for various project deliverables.
Familiarity with file preparation for large format printing and digital distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the need for a portfolio that not only showcases creative talent but also operational capability in design execution, process adherence, and asset management, crucial for roles supporting GTM and marketing operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Sarasota, FL, a competitive salary range is estimated between $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region and the specialized skills required.

Benefits:

Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Time Off: Generous personal leave, flexible scheduling options, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays to promote work-life balance.
Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses to reward contributions.
Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs to support career advancement.
Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources to support employees' personal lives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as required for business needs, especially when meeting project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on national averages for the role and adjusted for the specific location (Sarasota, FL) and experience level. The benefits package is detailed as provided, highlighting aspects particularly attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Consulting, and Design. Kimley-Horn operates within a highly technical and project-driven industry, where visual communication plays a vital role in client acquisition and project success.

Company Size: Large (Over 5,000 employees). This indicates a structured organization with established processes, a broad client base, and opportunities for specialization and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: 1945. With a long history, Kimley-Horn has developed a robust culture and a reputation for quality and client service, which influences its operational standards and employee expectations.

Team Structure:

The graphic design team is likely part of a larger marketing or business development department, comprising specialized roles in graphic design, content creation, and potentially digital marketing.
Reporting structure typically involves a Design Manager or Marketing Director, with designers collaborating closely with project managers and engineers.
Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring designers to work with technical staff to understand project details and translate them into compelling visuals for proposals and marketing materials. Methodology:
Data-driven design approach, utilizing market insights and client feedback to inform visual strategies and asset creation.
Workflow planning and optimization to manage multiple projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality collateral.
Automation and efficiency practices in design, leveraging software capabilities and templates to streamline production processes.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is inferred from the provided URL and industry. The description of company size and founding date helps frame the operational environment and culture for a designer.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is positioned for individuals who have moved beyond entry-level tasks and can independently manage design projects, contribute to strategy, and mentor junior designers if applicable. The scope includes complex document layouts and multimedia elements, indicating a significant level of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Marketing Manager, Communications Director, or a Senior Graphic Designer, with direct collaboration with project managers and technical leads. This structure emphasizes integration with business development and project execution teams.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts client perception, proposal win rates, and brand recognition. High-quality visuals are critical for differentiating Kimley-Horn in a competitive market, supporting sales enablement, and reinforcing brand messaging through consistent and professional collateral.

Growth Opportunities:

Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, video editing, interactive design, or data visualization for technical reports.
Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, or even a Design Manager role, overseeing a team, managing projects, and contributing to departmental strategy.
Skill Enhancement: Access to tuition reimbursement and internal training programs for continuous learning in new design software, techniques, and marketing trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines career progression within a design operations context, emphasizing how a designer contributes to broader business goals and can advance their career through skill development and increased responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment within a large, established firm. The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration among diverse teams, including engineers, project managers, and marketing staff.

Office Location(s): Sarasota, Florida. This location offers a specific regional context for the work environment and team dynamics.

Workspace Context:

The environment encourages collaboration, requiring designers to interact regularly with technical staff to understand project requirements and translate them into visual assets.
Access to necessary design tools and technology, including a PC-based system with Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite, is standard.
Opportunities for team interaction and knowledge sharing are present, especially within the marketing and design departments.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a focus on meeting project deadlines. The company offers flexible scheduling and half-day Fridays, indicating a commitment to work-life balance while maintaining operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description highlights the blend of creative and technical collaboration, essential for a graphic designer supporting a company like Kimley-Horn.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager reviews applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and creative fit.
Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may include a practical design exercise.
Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and collaboration capabilities.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Effectively: Showcase a diverse range of high-quality work, emphasizing projects relevant to proposals, reports, and marketing collateral.
Tell the Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your design.
Highlight Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and any other relevant software.
Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you've worked with technical teams or managed client feedback.
Be Prepared for Specifics: Expect questions about your experience with specific software, branding guidelines, and tight deadlines.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready for a design challenge that might involve creating a graphic for a hypothetical proposal section, social media post, or report cover, testing your ability to work under pressure and adhere to brand guidelines.
Prepare to articulate your design choices and justify them based on project objectives and target audience.
Practice explaining complex design concepts clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tactical advice for candidates on preparing their portfolio and navigating the interview process, focusing on demonstrating operational design capabilities and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat are essential.
Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint for document integration and presentations.
Adobe Premier / After Effects: (Preferred) For video editing and motion graphics.
3DS Max / Sketchup: (Preferred) For 3D modeling and visualization.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how visual content performs on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics) can be beneficial. CRM & Automation:
No direct CRM interaction expected, but understanding how marketing collateral supports sales processes is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the technical toolkit expected for a graphic designer, emphasizing the Adobe suite and highlighting preferred software for advanced multimedia capabilities, crucial for understanding the operational demands of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Quality & Accuracy: A commitment to delivering high-quality, error-free design work, especially critical for client-facing proposals and reports.
Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication, working effectively with engineers, project managers, and other marketing professionals.
Efficiency: A drive to optimize design processes, meet deadlines, and manage workloads effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Client Focus: Understanding that design serves business objectives and client needs, ensuring visual assets contribute to successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.
Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and staying updated with design trends and technologies to enhance visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to actively engage with technical teams, bridging the gap between engineering and marketing.
Feedback Exchange: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and improve processes.
Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design techniques, and tool proficiency within the design and marketing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the team's operational values and collaboration style based on the company's industry and the nature of the role, emphasizing the importance of efficiency, collaboration, and client-centricity in a design operations context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Creativity with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating complex engineering concepts and data into visually appealing graphics while adhering to strict branding and technical accuracy requirements.
Managing Multiple High-Priority Projects: Juggling numerous simultaneous assignments with tight deadlines for proposals, reports, and marketing campaigns, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.
Adapting to Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with new design software, techniques, and digital platforms to maintain a high standard of visual output.
Working with Diverse Stakeholders: Collaborating effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds (e.g., engineers, project managers, marketing specialists) who may have different communication styles and expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced InDesign features, motion graphics, 3D rendering) through internal training.
Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences or workshops to learn about new design trends and technologies.
Mentorship: Access to experienced designers and marketing professionals for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential challenges and outlines growth paths, focusing on how a designer can develop operational resilience and advance their career within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a time you had to simplify a complex technical concept for a visual presentation. What was your approach and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, clarity, and impact.)
"How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials, especially when working with multiple stakeholders or projects?" (Focus on process, attention to detail, and brand management.)
"Walk us through your process for designing a proposal cover or a key infographic for a technical report." (Focus on workflow, tool usage, and strategic design thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about Kimley-Horn and our work in the engineering/consulting sector?" (Show research into the company and its projects.)
"How do you approach collaboration with technical teams who may not have a strong design background?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and partnership.)
"How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple urgent deadlines?" (Focus on organizational skills and time management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the creative process, challenges, solutions, and the measurable impact or outcome.
Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of InDesign, Photoshop, and other software, demonstrating advanced techniques.
Emphasize Operations: Frame your contributions in terms of efficiency, process adherence, and supporting business goals (e.g., proposal wins, client engagement).
Be Prepared for Live Exercises: Have a plan for how you would approach a quick design task if presented.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, focusing on questions that assess operational design capabilities, collaboration skills, and strategic thinking relevant to a corporate environment like Kimley-Horn.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

Submit your application through the Kimley-Horn careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your online portfolio to prominently feature projects that align with Kimley-Horn's industry (e.g., proposal graphics, technical report layouts, corporate collateral) and highlight your proficiency in InDesign and Photoshop.
Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize achievements related to project management, deadline adherence, cross-functional collaboration, and proficiency with design software. Use keywords from the job description.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how your skills contribute to operational efficiency and business objectives. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Kimley-Horn's projects, values, and company culture. Understand their approach to client service and the engineering industry to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.

Graphic Designer