Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Kimley-Horn

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the creation and execution of visual assets that support Kimley-Horn's marketing and business development efforts, particularly within proposals and reports.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating complex technical information into compelling visual narratives, ensuring adherence to both corporate and client branding guidelines.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills and operational efficiency to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• The graphic designer will collaborate extensively with technical staff, including engineers and project managers, to understand project requirements and deliver high-quality visual solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context provided (proposals, reports, technical staff interaction, corporate branding) strongly indicate a role within a Marketing Operations or Creative Services function, with a focus on supporting B2B sales enablement and client communication in a professional services environment. The emphasis on technical information translation and adherence to strict branding guidelines is typical of operations-adjacent creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually engaging covers, templates, and layouts for complex proposals and technical reports, ensuring clarity and professional appeal.

• Develop compelling multimedia graphics and presentations to effectively communicate project details and company capabilities.

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

• Produce unique and impactful brochures, print collateral, digital brochures, and trade show graphics that align with marketing campaigns and branding standards.

• Design graphics for e-blast campaigns and social media platforms to support outreach and engagement initiatives.

• Manage large-format printing production and ensure quality control for all physical marketing materials.

• Actively participate and contribute as a valued member of a large, creative, and specialized marketing team.

• Engage effectively with engineers, project managers, and other technical staff to gather requirements and translate complex information into understandable visuals.

• Diligently work within and uphold both corporate and client branding guidelines across all design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Graphic Designer supporting a professional services firm's business development and marketing operations. The emphasis on technical illustrations (photo simulations, aerial maps) and proposal/report design points to a critical role in the sales enablement process, directly impacting the visual quality and persuasiveness of client-facing documents.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate environment or an agency serving B2B clients.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe InDesign (essential for complex document layout), Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Adobe Acrobat Proficiency: Skilled in using Acrobat for document preparation, editing, and output.

• Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) on a PC-based platform, as Kimley-Horn operates in a PC environment.

• Layout and Composition: Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and layout principles for print and digital media.

• Branding Adherence: Proven ability to work within established corporate and client branding guidelines, ensuring consistency and brand integrity.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, crucial for interacting with technical teams and stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving Attitude: A positive, solution-seeking mindset with a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative.

• Deadline Management: Demonstrated ability to manage simultaneous, varied assignments under tight deadlines while maintaining high quality and accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Production: Experience with video filming and editing.

• Motion Graphics: Proficiency in creating animated graphics and motion design.

• Specialized Software: Familiarity with Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, 3DS Max, or Sketchup for advanced visual production.

• Web Design: Experience in web design, with a preference for WordPress, and knowledge of HTML/CSS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required" skills emphasize core design software and business acumen, while "Preferred" skills highlight areas that would allow the candidate to contribute more broadly to multimedia and digital initiatives, aligning with modern marketing operations needs. The mention of PC-based environment is a critical technical detail for operations candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Visual Showcase: A curated online portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects, including proposals, reports, brochures, and digital assets.

• Process Improvement Examples: Evidence of how design solutions have improved clarity, engagement, or effectiveness of technical information.

• Branding Consistency: Projects that clearly illustrate adherence to strict branding guidelines, showcasing adaptability to different visual identities.

• Technical Visualizations: Examples of complex data visualization, before-and-after simulations, or map exhibits that translate technical concepts effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Showcase an understanding of design workflows, from initial brief to final delivery, highlighting efficiency and collaboration stages.

• System Implementation: Examples of how design elements integrate with broader marketing campaigns or proposal development processes.

• Performance Analysis: While direct metrics might be scarce for design, demonstrate how design choices contributed to project success (e.g., proposal win rates, engagement on digital assets).

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, a portfolio is not just a showcase of aesthetics but also of process, efficiency, and impact. This section emphasizes demonstrating how design contributes to business outcomes and operational efficiency within a structured environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Columbus, OH, and considering Kimley-Horn's standing as a Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" honoree, a competitive salary range is estimated between $65,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the required proficiencies in Adobe CC, Microsoft Office, and specialized design tasks, as well as the corporate environment and potential for overtime.

Benefits:

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

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options designed to support employee well-being.

• 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 program within the 401(k) and performance-based bonuses to support financial goals.

• Professional Development: Commitment to employee growth through tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.

• Family Support: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and access to childcare resources to support employees through significant life events.

Working Hours: Typically a 40-hour work week, with flexibility for periodic work outside normal hours and travel as required for business needs, often associated with proposal deadlines or trade shows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for this role and location, adjusted for the company's reputation and the comprehensive benefits package offered. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are highlighted for their value to professionals. The working hours note addresses the flexibility requirement mentioned in the original description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Design Consulting. Kimley-Horn operates within the professional services sector, providing a wide range of planning, design, and construction management services across various markets including transportation, environmental, water resources, and land development. This context means graphic design work is heavily tied to client proposals, technical documentation, and business development.

Company Size: Kimley-Horn is a large, established firm with a significant employee count, indicating a robust organizational structure and ample resources for its marketing and creative teams. This size often translates to structured processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, Kimley-Horn's consistent placement on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 19 years suggests a long-standing history and a deeply ingrained, positive corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team," implying a dedicated department with various roles (e.g., marketing specialists, proposal managers, other designers).

• The reporting structure likely involves a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with a dotted line to project managers and technical leads for specific assignments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring close interaction with engineers, project managers, and technical staff to understand project nuances and translate them visually. Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: While creative, the design process is grounded in understanding client needs and project requirements, often involving analysis of technical data and project scopes.

• Process Optimization: The team likely follows established workflows for proposal development, marketing collateral creation, and brand management to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Quality Assurance: Emphasis on accuracy, adherence to branding, and high-quality output is paramount, especially in client-facing deliverables.

Company Website: www.kimley-horn.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the "Why Kimley-Horn?" section and general knowledge of engineering consulting firms. The "Industry" and "Company Size" notes are crucial for understanding the operational context of a graphic design role within such an organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level within the operations and marketing support functions. It requires independent execution of design tasks, a solid understanding of design principles, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. The expectation is for the designer to contribute significantly to proposal quality and marketing collateral, working with minimal direct supervision on day-to-day tasks but collaborating closely with project leads.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the marketing or creative services department. They will also work closely with project managers and technical staff across various engineering disciplines, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills to navigate different project needs and stakeholder expectations.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the perception of Kimley-Horn's technical expertise and project capabilities. High-quality, visually compelling proposals and marketing materials directly influence client decision-making, contributing to win rates for new projects and strengthening the company's brand reputation. Effective visual communication can simplify complex technical information, making it more accessible and persuasive to clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas like advanced data visualization, 3D rendering, motion graphics, or web design, aligning with emerging industry trends and company needs.

• Skill Development: Access to extensive internal training programs and tuition reimbursement for acquiring new software skills (e.g., advanced 3D modeling, video editing) or design methodologies.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design aspects of major proposals, or contribute to the strategic development of marketing collateral and branding initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Graphic Designer role within an operational context, highlighting its impact on business development and client acquisition. The growth opportunities are tailored to how a creative professional can advance within a large, structured organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an in-office opportunity based at Kimley-Horn’s Columbus office. The environment is likely a professional, collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork and efficient project execution.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located at 7965 North High Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43235. This location is within a business area, likely offering accessibility via major roads and public transport, with potential for ample parking.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is part of a "large, creative, and specialized marketing team," suggesting a dynamic workspace where designers interact regularly, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.

• Technology Access: As a PC-based company, designers will have access to the necessary hardware and software infrastructure, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite, essential for their daily tasks.

• Team Interaction: Regular engagement with engineers, project managers, and technical staff is expected, facilitating a rich exchange of information and fostering a deep understanding of project requirements.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely aligned with typical business hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM or 9 AM - 6 PM), totaling 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to periodically work outside normal hours to meet project deadlines, a common requirement in proposal-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description explicitly states "in-office opportunity" and provides the address, allowing for a clear definition of the work environment. The context of collaboration with technical teams is emphasized as a key aspect of the daily workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, crucially, your online portfolio to assess relevant experience and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth discussion where you'll present your portfolio, explain your design process, highlight your contributions to specific projects (especially proposals and technical graphics), and demonstrate proficiency with Adobe CC and Microsoft Office. Expect to discuss how you handle tight deadlines and client branding.

• Behavioral & Team Fit Interview: This stage will assess your communication skills, problem-solving approach, attitude, and ability to collaborate with engineers, project managers, and the marketing team. Questions will likely focus on your "professional demeanor," "solution-seeking attitude," and "personal responsibility."

• Final Interview (Potentially): A final discussion with a hiring manager or senior team member to confirm fit and discuss the role's strategic importance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements of this role, with a strong emphasis on proposal design, technical illustrations (maps, simulations), and corporate branding.

• Showcase Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process you followed, the tools used, and the outcome or impact (e.g., how your design enhanced proposal clarity or effectiveness).

• Highlight Technical Collaboration: If possible, include examples where you successfully collaborated with technical teams to translate complex information into digestible visuals.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio visually demonstrates your command of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, and mention proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Professional Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio smoothly, confidently, and professionally, answering questions about your design decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a graphic element for a hypothetical proposal or adapting existing branding.

• Focus on demonstrating efficiency, adherence to constraints (branding, technical information), and clear communication of your design choices under time pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, emphasizing the critical importance of the portfolio in operations-adjacent creative roles and outlining a typical interview process for such positions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency is mandatory, with specific emphasis on:

  • InDesign: For complex document layout, proposal generation, and report design.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating raster graphics.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency on a PC platform, including Word, PowerPoint (for presentations), and Excel.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for design, familiarity with how design assets are used in digital marketing (e.g., e-blasts, social media) is beneficial. Understanding basic analytics for social media engagement could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): Understanding how design assets are used within CRM-driven marketing campaigns or proposal management systems is advantageous.

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Marketo): Experience designing for e-blasts and digital campaigns managed through these platforms would be highly relevant.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how design files are managed and distributed within project management or proposal software.

Preferred/Advanced Tools:

• Adobe Premiere: For video editing tasks.

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animation.

• 3DS Max / Sketchup: For 3D modeling and rendering, potentially for visualizations.

• Web Design Tools: WordPress, HTML, CSS for web-related design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the essential software toolkit for a graphic designer in this role, distinguishing between mandatory and preferred tools. It also connects design tools to broader operational systems like CRM and marketing automation, reflecting the integrated nature of modern marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A core value, especially critical for client-facing deliverables like proposals and reports. This means meticulous attention to detail in design and content.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role emphasizes working closely with engineers, project managers, and the marketing team. A collaborative spirit and willingness to share knowledge are essential.

• Client Focus: All design work ultimately serves to support client needs and business development objectives, requiring an understanding of client expectations and branding.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: The ability to manage deadlines and deliver high-quality work consistently, even under pressure, is a key expectation.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor, positive attitude, and a high sense of personal responsibility in all interactions and work output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with technical experts who may not be visually oriented. The ability to translate their needs into design and provide constructive feedback is key.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that likely involves constructive feedback on design work from project managers, marketing leads, and potentially technical staff to ensure accuracy and alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a large team, there are opportunities to share best practices, design techniques, and learnings from various projects to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the company's likely values and collaboration style based on the provided description and the nature of a professional services firm's marketing department. It highlights how these values translate into day-to-day operations for a designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be converting highly technical engineering information into visually understandable and appealing graphics for diverse audiences.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements and tight turnaround times, requires excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying corporate and client branding guidelines across a wide range of materials while maintaining creative integrity can be demanding.

• Evolving Software & Techniques: Keeping pace with the latest design software, trends, and digital technologies to ensure deliverables remain current and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Access to formal training programs and tuition reimbursement to master specialized software like After Effects, 3DS Max, or Premiere.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning from experienced colleagues on the marketing and technical teams, and potentially attending industry conferences or webinars on design, marketing, or proposal best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers or marketing professionals, gaining insights into career progression and strategic design thinking.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Working with various engineering disciplines provides exposure to different project types and client needs, broadening understanding of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in the role and company context, framing them as opportunities for skill development and professional growth, which is a key aspect for operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Proposal Design Strategy: "Describe your process for designing a complex proposal document. How do you ensure technical accuracy and visual appeal simultaneously?" (Focus on InDesign workflow, collaboration with technical writers/PMs, and iterative feedback.)

• Branding Adaptation: "How do you approach designing for a client whose brand guidelines differ significantly from your company's?" (Highlight your ability to adapt, research client brand, and maintain professionalism.)

• Problem-Solving Scenario: "Imagine you're given a complex technical diagram that needs to be simplified for a client presentation within 24 hours. How would you approach this task?" (Demonstrate your thought process, prioritization, and communication plan.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kimley-Horn and our role in the engineering consulting industry?" (Research their projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with technical professionals?" (Provide examples of effective communication and teamwork.)

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with a company's overall marketing and business development goals?" (Connect your design output to business impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story: Problem/Objective -> Your Role/Process -> Solution/Deliverables -> Outcome/Impact.

• Quantify When Possible: If you can attribute increased engagement, a proposal win, or improved clarity to your design, highlight it.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your software proficiency, design choices, and how you handle feedback or revisions.

• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to handle various design needs, from print collateral to digital graphics and technical illustrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section offers direct, actionable advice for interview preparation, focusing on common themes in operations and creative roles within professional services firms.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, easily navigable, and prominently features projects that align with the responsibilities outlined, especially proposal design, technical graphics, and corporate branding examples.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of corporate/agency experience, proficiency in Adobe CC (especially InDesign), Microsoft Office Suite, and any experience with video, motion graphics, or web design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and working under deadlines.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kimley-Horn, understanding their services, market position, and company values. Be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for their culture and how your skills can contribute to their business development efforts.

⚠️ 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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