Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Leidos

Location: Peoria, IL, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Creative Marketing Support: Develop and execute graphic design assets for marketing campaigns to drive participation and energy savings for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.

• Brand Consistency & Management: Ensure all marketing collateral adheres to established brand standards and corporate voice, maintaining a high level of brand awareness.

• Project Collaboration & Execution: Work closely with Marketing Project Managers and the broader Marketing Team to translate campaign objectives into compelling visual designs and manage project timelines.

• Cross-Functional Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to maximize marketing reach and support joint initiatives, fostering a strong sense of partnership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level Graphic Designer role, focusing on tactical execution within a larger marketing and operations framework for an energy efficiency program. The emphasis on "brand awareness" and "program participation" suggests a direct link to Go-To-Market (GTM) objectives, requiring designers to understand how their creative output contributes to business goals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of marketing creative assets, including digital graphics, print materials, and potentially social media content, in alignment with campaign objectives and performance goals.

• Assist in the development of annual marketing plans and the creation/maintenance of the annual design guide to ensure cohesive visual communication strategies.

• Conduct thorough review and quality control of all marketing collateral, verifying branding, consistency, and accuracy before dissemination.

• Collaborate with fellow Design Team members to brainstorm innovative design concepts and contribute to the overall creative direction of the program.

• Participate in regular cross-program meetings to identify marketing support needs and ensure timely execution of design requests.

• Assist in creating and tracking project timelines and design action items within a project management system to ensure efficient workflow and delivery.

• Support marketing efforts by collaborating with program partners to maximize marketing reach and execute joint marketing initiatives.

• Enforce brand standards rigorously to maintain a consistent, high-level corporate voice and enhance overall brand awareness for the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and operational project management. The emphasis on "tracking necessary project timelines" and "quality control" indicates that this role requires not just artistic skill but also an understanding of process efficiency and adherence to operational standards within a marketing context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience: 1+ year of prior work experience in design, marketing, or a related field; 1+ year of project management experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic design and production.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reporting, data management, and presentation needs.

• General knowledge of media production, communication techniques, and dissemination methods, including visual, written, and oral media.

• Exceptional organizational and management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines effectively.

• Strong creative development and conceptualization abilities to produce impactful designs.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and client interaction.

• A "can-do" attitude, strong will to succeed, and a genuine desire to learn and grow within the field.

• Exceptional attention to detail, commitment to quality, and strong follow-through on tasks.

• Professional demeanor and dedication to delivering unparalleled customer service to the client (Ameren Illinois).

• Strong collaboration spirit and ability to work effectively within a team environment.

• General knowledge of email marketing and design deployment systems. Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting energy efficiency programs or working within the energy sector.

• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and their creative asset requirements.

• Basic understanding of user experience (UX) principles in digital design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 1+ year of project management experience alongside graphic design experience is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates who can demonstrate an ability to manage their own workflow and contribute to project timelines will be highly valued. This bridges the gap between pure creative execution and operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a range of graphic design projects showcasing proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on marketing collateral and brand development.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight successful marketing campaigns or brand awareness initiatives where your design contributions were key.

• Showcase examples of project management contributions, such as timelines, task management, or process documentation related to design projects.

• Present visual examples of how you have applied brand standards and ensured consistency across different marketing channels. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal workflow for design projects, from initial brief to final delivery, emphasizing efficiency and quality control.

• Provide examples of how you have tracked project progress and managed design action items within a project management system.

• Be ready to explain your approach to reviewing and ensuring the accuracy and brand compliance of marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio emphasis is on demonstrating foundational design skills, an understanding of marketing objectives, and an aptitude for operational processes like project tracking and quality control, rather than extensive independent project management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35,750 - $64,625 annually.

Explanation of Range: This range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, market data alignment, and any applicable bargaining agreements will be considered when extending an offer.

Benefits:

• Career Advancement: Opportunities for professional growth and progression within Leidos.

• Growth Opportunities: Access to various avenues for skill development and career enhancement.

• Mentoring: Guidance and support from experienced professionals within the organization.

• Project Management Training: Formal and informal training to enhance project management capabilities.

• Certification Assistance: Support for obtaining pertinent professional certifications.

• Work/Life Balance: A culture that recognizes and prioritizes a healthy work/life balance.

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and benefits package.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive benefits packages, as detailed in Leidos's benefits information.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and includes a clear disclaimer about its use as a guideline. The benefits list is robust and tailored to professional development, which is a strong draw for candidates seeking growth in a specialized field like marketing operations or creative program support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Defense, and Infrastructure Consulting. Leidos operates within a broad spectrum of sectors, with this specific role supporting the energy sector through the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.

Company Size: Leidos is a large enterprise, indicated by its status as a major technology solutions provider. This means access to extensive resources, structured processes, and a wide network of professionals.

Founded: Leidos has a long history, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions, indicating stability and a well-established corporate structure.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a marketing team supporting the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. This team likely includes Marketing Project Managers, potentially other designers, and specialists in various marketing disciplines.

• The role reports to the Senior Graphic Designer and works closely with the Marketing Director, indicating a hierarchical structure with clear lines of guidance and oversight.

• Collaboration is expected across the broader program team, implying cross-functional interaction with individuals focused on energy efficiency initiatives, program management, and client relations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, the context of an "Energy Efficiency Program" implies that marketing efforts, including design, are likely measured against performance goals (e.g., program participation, energy savings).

• Process Optimization: The mention of project management and quality control suggests a focus on efficient workflows and adherence to established processes for creative production.

• Collaboration & Innovation: The company culture encourages collaboration among design team members and across the program to foster innovation and ensure comprehensive marketing support.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as fast-paced and focused on innovation ("outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo"). While this role is entry-level, understanding this overarching company ethos can inform how candidates approach their work and present themselves. The "Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program" context is crucial, suggesting a focus on tangible outcomes and client-specific needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level Graphic Designer role (0-2 years of experience). It serves as a foundational position within a marketing and operations support function, focused on executing creative tasks under supervision. The role is critical for ensuring the visual communication arm of the energy efficiency program is effective.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Graphic Designer and collaborates closely with the Marketing Director. This provides a clear reporting line for guidance, feedback, and project assignment.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the success of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program by creating compelling marketing materials that drive customer engagement, program participation, and ultimately, energy savings goals. This role bridges creative output with measurable program objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced skills in specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications or explore emerging design technologies relevant to marketing and energy efficiency.

• Project Management Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience in project management through tracking timelines and action items, potentially leading to formal project management certifications or roles.

• Marketing Strategy Acumen: Learn about annual marketing plan development and design strategy, gaining insights into how creative assets align with broader GTM and program goals.

• Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of the energy sector and energy efficiency programs, becoming a valuable asset in that niche.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and growth, opportunities may arise to take on more complex projects or mentor junior designers in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around developing both creative and operational skills. The emphasis on "project management training" and "certification assistance" suggests a structured approach to career development, making this role attractive for individuals looking to build a career in marketing operations or a related GTM support function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a mix of remote work and in-office presence, likely for collaborative sessions, team meetings, and access to specific resources.

Office Location(s): The primary preference is for the candidate to be located within the Ameren Illinois service territory (roughly the southern two-thirds of Illinois), including cities like Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, and the Metro East area. This proximity is important for supporting local program initiatives and potentially for in-person collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing Director, and the broader marketing and program teams. This suggests an open and communicative workspace designed for team interaction.

• Tools & Technology: Access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Microsoft Office applications is essential. The office environment will likely be equipped with the necessary hardware and software to support these tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular meetings and collaborative sessions are integral to the role, providing ample opportunities for interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in a hybrid model. This allows for structured work on projects while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role and the preference for candidates within the Ameren Illinois service territory highlight the operational need for localized support and potential in-person collaboration, even within a hybrid framework.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with basic qualifications.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or a take-home challenge that simulates real-world tasks, focusing on creativity, adherence to brand guidelines, and problem-solving within a marketing context.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews, likely including discussions with the Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing Director, and potentially other team members. These will assess technical skills, project management aptitude, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, project rationale, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss how your designs contributed to specific goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in graphic design, marketing collateral creation, and brand application.

• Showcase Process: For each project, articulate the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome, emphasizing how you met objectives.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "Design contributed to a 15% increase in click-through rates" or "Ensured brand consistency across all program materials").

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied or developed brand guidelines.

• Include Project Management Aspects: If possible, show how you managed timelines or collaborated within a team to deliver projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Leidos's brand guidelines and the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program's messaging and visual identity.

• Practice designing under time constraints, simulating a real-world project deadline.

• Be ready to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining the rationale behind your creative choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge underscores the practical nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative talent but also an understanding of marketing objectives and project execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of marketing collateral.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong knowledge of Word (for documentation, content integration), Excel (for data tracking, basic reporting), and PowerPoint (for presentations, internal communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• General knowledge of how design impacts marketing metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement).

• Familiarity with basic reporting needs for project tracking and performance updates. CRM & Automation:

• General knowledge of email marketing and design deployment systems is required. This suggests familiarity with platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar tools used for distributing email campaigns.

• Understanding of how design assets integrate into broader marketing automation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are clear: Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office. The "general knowledge" of email marketing systems and media production indicates a need for practical understanding of how designs are implemented and distributed, rather than deep technical expertise in these areas.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Oriented: A strong focus on achieving program goals, such as energy savings and increased participation, driving the need for effective marketing support.

• Customer Service Excellence: A dedication to delivering "unparalleled customer service" to the client (Ameren Illinois), emphasizing responsiveness and client satisfaction.

• Efficiency & Quality: A commitment to detailed work, quality control, and efficient project management to ensure timely and accurate delivery of marketing assets.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong spirit of collaboration is essential for working effectively within the design team and across the broader program.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to learn, grow, and adapt, as evidenced by the emphasis on training and development opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires working with various teams (Marketing Project Managers, Senior Graphic Designer, Program Managers) to ensure marketing support is integrated into overall program activities.

• Feedback-Driven: Expectation of participation in regular meetings and a willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback on designs and processes.

• Partnership Approach: Collaboration extends to external partners within the program to maximize marketing reach and joint efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of client service, operational efficiency, and collaborative innovation, all geared towards achieving the specific goals of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. Candidates should highlight their ability to work effectively in such an environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Program Goals: The primary challenge will be translating the program's energy-saving objectives and brand requirements into compelling and effective creative designs.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: As an entry-level role with project management experience required, juggling various design requests and meeting deadlines will be a key challenge.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Standards: Maintaining brand consistency across all collateral while still allowing for creative expression can be demanding.

• Adapting to Program Needs: The energy efficiency program may have evolving marketing needs or campaign shifts, requiring flexibility and quick adaptation in design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Design Software: Opportunity to hone skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and explore advanced design techniques.

• Understanding Marketing Strategy: Gain insight into how marketing campaigns are developed and how design contributes to their success in a real-world program.

• Developing Project Management Skills: Practical application of project management principles through daily tasks and potential training.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about the energy efficiency sector and the nuances of marketing for utility programs.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from a Senior Graphic Designer and Marketing Director, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the practical challenges of translating creative skills into tangible business outcomes within a structured program, emphasizing the learning curve and the support structure available for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative requirements with a client's specific brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Assesses ability to adhere to standards and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a marketing collateral piece, from initial concept to final delivery. How do you ensure quality and meet deadlines?" (Evaluates project management and workflow efficiency.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how might you apply them to a program focused on energy efficiency?" (Tests creativity, adaptability, and industry awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Leidos and specifically this role supporting the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members and stakeholders who may have different priorities or perspectives?" (Gauges teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe your understanding of brand awareness and how graphic design contributes to it." (Tests conceptual understanding of marketing.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (design), and the results. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., engagement rates, participation increases).

• Highlight Process & Collaboration: Explain your design workflow and how you collaborated with others, especially for projects involving project management aspects.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Present examples that clearly demonstrate your ability to work within and apply brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on bridging creative skills with operational understanding, particularly project management, client service, and the ability to contribute to measurable program goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Leidos careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in graphic design, marketing collateral creation, and any project management responsibilities, using keywords from the job description like "Adobe Creative Cloud," "brand standards," "marketing campaigns," and "project management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that showcase your skills in creating marketing materials and adhering to brand guidelines. Be ready to discuss your process and the impact of your work.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Leidos and the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, your approach to project management, and how you can contribute to the program's goals. Practice articulating your portfolio projects.

• Demonstrate Hybrid Work Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your experience and approach to working in a hybrid environment.

⚠️ 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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