Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Peak Retirement Planning, Inc.

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design compelling visual assets for marketing campaigns, including brochures, digital ads, and event flyers, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

• Develop engaging branded content for social media, YouTube thumbnails, and email campaigns to enhance client engagement and brand visibility.

• Collaborate closely with marketing and leadership teams to conceptualize and execute innovative visual strategies that support business objectives.

• Maintain and update existing design assets, refining them for improved clarity, impact, and client appeal.

• Provide rapid, ad hoc design support for urgent requests, demonstrating agility and responsiveness within a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided information focuses on graphic design, the company's rapid growth in financial planning and emphasis on "white glove service" suggests this role will heavily support Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives. The Graphic Designer will be crucial in translating complex financial concepts into accessible and visually appealing marketing collateral, directly impacting client acquisition and retention strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create visually appealing graphics for a range of marketing materials, including but not limited to:

  • Brochures and informational packets
  • Digital advertisements (social media, search engine marketing)
  • Event flyers and promotional materials
  • Website banners and landing page visuals

• Develop and manage branded content for digital channels:

  • Design eye-catching social media posts and stories
  • Create engaging YouTube thumbnails to improve video click-through rates
  • Design visually consistent email campaign templates and graphics

• Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines, maintaining a cohesive and professional brand identity across all deliverables.

• Design and format internal documents and presentations, enhancing clarity and visual appeal for leadership and team members.

• Partner with the marketing team and senior leadership to brainstorm and develop new, impactful visual campaigns aligned with company goals.

• Update and refresh existing design assets to improve their effectiveness, engagement, and alignment with current marketing strategies.

• Provide prompt, high-quality graphic design support for urgent, ad hoc requests, demonstrating flexibility and efficiency.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, software updates, and best practices, proactively suggesting improvements to the company's visual brand and design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "scaling startup," "intense values," and "A+ Player" suggests this role requires more than just creative execution. The Graphic Designer will be expected to proactively contribute to brand strategy, optimize design processes for efficiency, and demonstrate a strong understanding of how visual elements drive engagement and conversion in a financial services context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

• Demonstrated experience in creating diverse marketing collateral and digital content. Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating high-quality graphics and layouts.

• Graphic Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Marketing Collateral Design: Proven ability to design effective brochures, flyers, digital ads, and other marketing materials.

• Brand Consistency Management: Skill in maintaining and enforcing brand guidelines across all visual outputs.

• Digital Content Creation: Experience designing for social media platforms, email campaigns, and web visuals.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing/Motion Graphics: Familiarity with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects for basic video editing or animated graphics.

• UI/UX Design Principles: Understanding of user interface and user experience design to create intuitive and engaging digital assets.

• Financial Services Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with design considerations specific to the financial planning or wealth management sector.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for effective teamwork with marketing and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's rapid growth and "start-up" nature, candidates with experience in environments that demand agility and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be highly valued. The ability to quickly adapt to evolving brand needs and contribute to strategic visual direction is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Marketing Collateral Showcase: Include examples of brochures, flyers, digital ads, and other marketing materials that demonstrate an understanding of target audience engagement and clear communication of value propositions.

• Digital Content Examples: Feature social media posts, email campaign graphics, and web assets that showcase creativity, brand alignment, and effectiveness in driving online engagement.

• Brand Consistency Case Studies: Highlight projects where you successfully maintained or developed brand consistency across multiple touchpoints, illustrating your ability to uphold brand identity.

• Process Optimization Examples: If possible, include examples where you improved a design process, streamlined asset creation, or contributed to a more efficient workflow that resulted in measurable time or cost savings.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process from brief to final delivery, including how you gather requirements, iterate on designs, and manage feedback.

• Asset Management Strategy: Demonstrate an understanding of how to organize, store, and version control design assets for easy retrieval and reuse.

• Collaboration Protocols: Explain how you typically collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., marketing managers, executives) to ensure design outputs meet objectives and receive timely approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "A+ Player" and "gets things done" implies that a portfolio showcasing not just creative output, but also efficiency, problem-solving, and a structured approach to design projects, will be highly regarded. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and how it contributes to business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and conferences to enhance design skills and stay current with industry trends.

• Team Building Events: Regular company-sponsored activities to foster a strong team culture and camaraderie.

• Fast-Growth Startup Environment: Opportunity to be part of a rapidly expanding company with significant potential for career advancement and impact.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday.

• Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team collaboration, but a strong commitment to core business hours is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($45,000-$60,000) is competitive for a mid-level Graphic Designer in the Columbus, Ohio area, considering the company's stated growth and the intensity they seek. The benefits package appears standard for a growing company, with a particular emphasis on professional development, aligning with the "Rocketship Mentality" and "Growth Mindset" values.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Financial Planning & Wealth Management)

Company Size: Growing rapidly, currently over 60 employees, with plans for significant expansion. This "scaling startup" environment means dynamic roles and opportunities for impact.

Founded: Approximately 4 years ago, indicating a relatively young but highly successful company.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to the Marketing Manager or Director of Marketing.

• The role involves close collaboration with the marketing team, sales teams, and potentially leadership members.

• As a growing company, cross-functional collaboration is expected to be high, with designers working closely with various departments to understand their visual needs. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's success in financial planning suggests a data-informed approach to business strategy, which likely extends to marketing effectiveness.

• Process Optimization: The company's rapid growth implies a continuous effort to refine processes for efficiency and scalability. The design function will be expected to contribute to this.

• Client-Centricity: The "White Glove Service" ethos highlights a strong focus on client satisfaction and experience, which the design output must support.

Company Website: peakretirementplanning.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Peak Retirement Planning's emphasis on being the "#1 fastest-growing private company in Columbus" and attracting "A+ Players" with "intensity" signals a high-performance culture. This is not a typical corporate environment; candidates should expect a demanding yet rewarding atmosphere focused on rapid advancement and significant individual contribution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, indicating a need for foundational skills and a few years of professional experience. It's a key contributor role within the marketing function.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, working within a growing marketing department. They will collaborate with various teams, including sales and leadership, to translate business needs into visual assets.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, client acquisition efforts, and internal communications. High-quality, consistent visual materials are critical for a financial services firm aiming for "white glove service" and rapid growth. Effective design can enhance lead generation, improve client engagement with marketing content, and strengthen internal team alignment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like digital marketing design, branding strategy, or UI/UX if skills and interests align.

• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, there may be opportunities to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, potentially leading design projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Movement: With a strong understanding of marketing and business objectives, there could be pathways into broader marketing roles or GTM strategy support.

• Skill Development: Access to training and resources to learn new design software, techniques, and stay ahead of industry trends, supporting continuous professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Rocketship Mentality" and "Growth Mindset" values suggest that ambitious individuals who demonstrate initiative and a desire to learn will find ample opportunities for advancement. The company's rapid scaling provides a fertile ground for individuals looking to grow their careers alongside the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Columbus, Ohio. The company emphasizes a collaborative and high-intensity in-person work environment.

Office Location(s): 3600 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214. This location is likely easily accessible within the Columbus area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction and idea sharing among team members. The company culture values "Foxhole Team Members" who support each other.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided. The company's rapid growth suggests investment in necessary technology to support its teams.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct collaboration with marketing colleagues, leadership, and other departments to understand project requirements and contribute to strategic initiatives.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, likely Monday to Friday. However, the "A+ Player" and "intensity" requirements suggest that occasional extended hours or weekend work may be necessary to meet project deadlines or urgent business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role and the company's culture of "intensity" and "foxhole mentality" indicate that this is not a role for remote work. Candidates should be prepared for a highly engaged, in-person environment where collaboration and immediate responsiveness are key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the company's values.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a portfolio review focusing on specific skills relevant to the role, such as creating marketing collateral or social media graphics. Expect this to be a practical demonstration of your abilities.

• Behavioral Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews with hiring managers and team members to evaluate your "A+ Player," "Foxhole Team Member," and "Rocketship Mentality" attributes. Be ready to provide specific examples demonstrating your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and collaborative spirit.

• Leadership/Final Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevant Work: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to create marketing materials, social media content, and maintain brand consistency. Include examples that show your impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, include metrics or results that highlight the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved click-through rates, successful campaign outcomes).

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your role, your design process, and the outcome. Focus on how your design solved a problem or met an objective.

• Demonstrate Brand Versatility: Show examples of how you've adapted designs for different platforms and audiences while maintaining a core brand identity.

• Highlight Efficiency: If you have examples of streamlining design processes or working efficiently under tight deadlines, be sure to mention them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Peak Retirement Planning's brand, target audience, and current marketing efforts.

• Anticipate Design Needs: Consider the types of visual assets a fast-growing financial planning firm would require.

• Prepare for "Intensity": Be ready to discuss how you handle pressure, tight deadlines, and demanding projects.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for a hypothetical or past project, emphasizing problem-solving and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's stringent hiring process ("we only hired 19 out of 5,400 applicants"), expect a rigorous interview process. They are looking for not just technical skill but also a deep cultural fit with their high-performance, intense environment. Your portfolio and interview responses should clearly communicate your "A+ Player" and "Rocketship Mentality."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: Key for layout design of brochures, flyers, presentations, and print collateral.

• Figma/Sketch (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with collaborative design tools like Figma or Sketch is increasingly valuable for modern design workflows, especially for digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics (Basic Understanding): Familiarity with how website traffic and engagement are tracked can help in designing more effective web assets.

• Social Media Analytics Tools: Understanding how to interpret engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments, click-through rates) on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube is beneficial for optimizing social content.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot - Basic Understanding): Awareness of how marketing collateral might be integrated into CRM campaigns or used in sales enablement.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Understanding the design constraints and best practices for email campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. While other tools are beneficial, the core requirement revolves around expert use of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of visual assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• A+ Player: Expect a culture that highly values top performers who are elite in their craft, incredibly hard-working, gritty, and driven to succeed. B and C players are not tolerated.

• Foxhole Team Member: Emphasis on a servant's heart, loyalty, and willingness to go above and beyond for teammates and clients. This translates to a supportive yet demanding team environment where mutual assistance is paramount.

• Rocketship Mentality: A culture that embraces rapid growth, innovation, and a "growth mindset" in all aspects of life. Employees are expected to be excited about scaling a startup and eager for personal and professional development.

• "Lifer" Mentality: The company seeks long-term commitment, encouraging employees to see their role as more than just a job, but a career path for 30+ years.

Collaboration Style:

• Intense & Direct: Collaboration is likely to be fast-paced, direct, and focused on achieving objectives efficiently.

• Supportive & Team-Oriented: Despite the intensity, the "Foxhole Team Member" value ensures a strong emphasis on mutual support and teamwork.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing, sales, and leadership, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate diverse needs into cohesive visual designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are central to their culture and hiring process. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these traits in their work ethic, teamwork, and long-term commitment. This is a culture that rewards high achievers and team players who are driven by a shared mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Performance Demands: Adapting to the intense work environment and consistently delivering "A+ Player" quality work under pressure.

• Rapid Scaling Environment: Navigating the changes and evolving needs of a fast-growing startup, requiring flexibility and adaptability in design tasks and processes.

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Rigidity: Ensuring creative designs align with strict brand guidelines and marketing objectives, especially in a regulated industry like financial services.

• Quick Turnaround Requests: Managing a steady stream of ad hoc design requests while maintaining focus on larger, strategic projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, explore new design software, and learn advanced techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience in the fast-paced financial services and startup sectors.

• Growth into Leadership: Potential to grow into senior design roles, project lead positions, or even contribute to broader marketing strategy as the company scales.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing professionals and leadership within a high-growth organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly tied to the company's unique culture and rapid growth. Embracing these challenges as opportunities for learning and development will be key to success in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to deliver a high-quality design under an extremely tight deadline. How did you manage the pressure and ensure the outcome was successful?" (Assesses "A+ Player" and "Gritty" traits)

• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across a wide range of marketing materials and digital platforms?" (Assesses technical skill and brand management)

• "Imagine we need to create a visual campaign to explain a complex financial product to a new audience. Walk us through your design process from concept to final delivery." (Assesses design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for a fast-growing startup like Peak Retirement Planning, and how do you embody a 'Rocketship Mentality'?" (Assesses cultural fit and ambition)

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it comes from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Assesses collaboration and communication)

• "Describe a situation where you went above and beyond to help a teammate or client. How does this align with the 'Foxhole Team Member' value?" (Assesses teamwork and service orientation) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (marketing collateral, digital content) or by the impact of your work.

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects to discuss in detail. For each, focus on the objective, your process, your role, and the results.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to discuss any metrics or positive outcomes your designs contributed to.

• Explain Your "Why": Be prepared to articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices.

• Showcase Brand Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your style while maintaining brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to answer questions that probe your work ethic, resilience, and ability to thrive in a high-intensity, growth-focused environment. Your portfolio should not only showcase your design skills but also your ability to problem-solve and contribute to business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Peak Retirement Planning careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to financial services marketing and digital content creation. Focus on clean design, clear communication, and brand consistency.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with fast-paced environments or marketing collateral. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for the "Intensity": Research the company's values ("A+ Player," "Foxhole Team Member," "Rocketship Mentality") and prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities.

• Research the Company: Understand Peak Retirement Planning's mission, target audience, and their position as a rapidly growing financial planning firm. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.