Graphic Designer

PUBLIC STRATEGIES INC
Full-timeβ€’Oklahoma City, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: PUBLIC STRATEGIES INC

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop and execute visually compelling graphic designs for a diverse range of marketing materials, including digital, social media, print collateral, and promotional content, ensuring brand consistency across all platforms.

  • Collaborate effectively with the Senior Manager of Design, project managers, and clients to translate project requirements and feedback into impactful visual solutions that communicate concepts and strategic objectives clearly.

  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail from conceptualization through to final print-ready or digital delivery.

  • Stay abreast of current industry trends, design software advancements, and emerging technologies to continuously enhance design quality and efficiency, contributing to the overall innovation within the design team.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a marketing and communications firm that emphasizes a "doing good well" ethos, suggesting that the graphic design output will likely support social impact initiatives and public good projects. The "Graphic Designer" title, when placed within a consulting and project management firm like Public Strategies, indicates a need for operations-minded design professionals who can translate complex project requirements into clear, actionable visuals for both internal teams and external clients.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Conceptualize, design, and produce original graphic content, including illustrations, multi-page layouts, posters, infographics, and logos, adhering to or developing brand guidelines for Public Strategies and its clients.

  • Refine images, select appropriate typography, and meticulously adjust layouts using advanced graphic design software to achieve desired visual effects and communicate concepts effectively.

  • Generate creative ideas that clearly portray project concepts and effectively advertise products, services, or initiatives for a wide array of marketing tactics.

  • Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager of Design and other team members to incorporate feedback and iterate on designs until final approval, ensuring client satisfaction and strategic alignment.

  • Prepare and package final design layouts for various print vendors, ensuring technical specifications, color profiles, and file formats are correct for optimal production outcomes.

  • Maintain an organized system for design assets, project files, and brand assets, facilitating efficient retrieval and reuse across multiple projects.

  • Assist in the development and refinement of visual assets for social media campaigns, digital advertising, and online content, ensuring platform-specific optimization.

  • Contribute to the creation of visual materials for training and technical assistance programs, ensuring clarity and engagement for diverse learning audiences.

  • Undertake other assigned duties as required, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to supporting broader project and organizational goals.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for a designer who can not only create aesthetically pleasing graphics but also manage the technical aspects of print production and digital asset delivery, aligning with operations-focused execution. The mention of "course curriculum" and "training and technical assistance" suggests that the designer might also be involved in instructional design support, requiring an ability to visualize educational content effectively.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is required.

  • Alternatively, candidates with a minimum of 4 years of equivalent work experience in a relevant marketing and design capacity will be considered. Experience:

  • A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in a marketing and communication capacity, with a proven track record in graphic design.

  • Experience working within a consulting, project management, or agency environment is highly desirable. Required Skills:

  • Portfolio of Original Design Work: A strong portfolio showcasing at least ten diverse samples of original graphic design work, demonstrating proficiency in concept development, execution, and problem-solving.

  • Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

  • Typography & Layout: Deep understanding and application of typography principles and multi-page layout design for both print and digital mediums.

  • Visual Communication: Ability to translate complex concepts, brand messages, and data into clear, compelling visual narratives through illustrations, infographics, and other design elements.

  • Brand Guideline Adherence: Proven ability to create designs that adhere to established branding guidelines or to develop new guidelines when necessary.

  • Project Management & Organization: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain organization in a fast-paced, deadline-sensitive environment.

  • Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, absorb constructive criticism, and collaborate effectively with team members and clients.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design production, from initial concept to final file preparation.

Preferred Skills:

  • Social Media & Digital Media Expertise: Outstanding skills in designing for social media campaigns, digital advertising, and web content, with an understanding of platform-specific requirements.

  • Photography Skills: Experience with photography, including image editing and manipulation for marketing materials.

  • Video Production Support: Familiarity with video production workflows or the ability to create motion graphics for video content.

  • Writing Samples: Experience providing writing samples or understanding of copy-design synergy.

  • Customer Service Acumen: Experience in customer service, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills in client interactions.

  • Flexibility: Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and some weekends, as project demands require.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio of "at least ten samples of original graphic design work" is a critical operational checkpoint for candidates. This indicates that the hiring team will be evaluating not just creativity but also the breadth of experience and the ability to execute diverse design projects, a key indicator of an operations-minded designer who can handle varied client needs.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrated Design Versatility: Showcase a minimum of ten distinct projects that highlight proficiency across various design mediums, including digital assets (social media, web banners), print materials (brochures, posters), infographics, and logo design.

  • Brand Guideline Implementation: Include examples where you successfully applied existing brand guidelines or developed new ones, demonstrating an understanding of brand integrity and strategic communication.

  • Process Workflow Documentation: For select projects, briefly outline your design process from brief to final delivery, including how you incorporated feedback and managed revisions.

  • Problem/Solution Focus: Present design challenges faced on specific projects and articulate the visual solutions you implemented, emphasizing how design addressed a specific need or objective.

  • Technical Execution: Demonstrate attention to detail in final file preparation for print or digital distribution, which may be referenced in project descriptions.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you optimize your design workflow to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple project streams efficiently.

  • Feedback Integration: Articulate your process for receiving, interpreting, and implementing constructive criticism from clients and senior designers.

  • Asset Management: Discuss your approach to organizing and managing design files and assets to ensure easy retrieval and consistent application across projects.

  • Print Production Readiness: Be ready to explain your understanding of preparing files for print vendors, including considerations for color profiles, bleed, and resolution.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with at least ten samples and the expectation to discuss process workflows and feedback integration points directly to an operational requirement for designers who can manage their work systematically and adapt to client-driven changes, which is crucial for a consulting firm.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Oklahoma City, OK, the estimated salary range is approximately $50,000 - $65,000 annually. This range reflects the cost of living in Oklahoma City and the typical compensation for roles requiring a bachelor's degree and specialized design skills in a marketing and communications context. Benefits:

  • Full-Time Employment: Standard full-time benefits package, likely including health, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Paid Time Off: Accrual of paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

  • Retirement Plan: Potential for a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan, possibly with employer matching.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and attendance at industry conferences to stay current with design tools and trends.

  • Diverse Project Exposure: Opportunity to work on a wide array of projects for federal, state, and local clients, as well as direct service initiatives, offering broad experience.

  • Collaborative Work Environment: Access to a team of creative, strategic, and research-oriented professionals.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, primarily during standard business hours (Day Shift).

  • The role requires flexibility, with the potential for evening and some weekend work as needed to meet project deadlines and client demands.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on data from reputable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Glassdoor for Graphic Designer roles in Oklahoma City, adjusted for the specified experience level (2-5 years) and the company's industry (consulting/marketing). The benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in professional services firms and are common offerings to attract and retain talent in specialized creative roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Consulting, Project Management, Marketing, and Direct Services. Public Strategies Inc. operates at the intersection of strategic communications, research, and public impact, serving a diverse clientele ranging from government entities to community-focused initiatives. This unique blend offers exposure to a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities.

Company Size: Public Strategies Inc. is a mid-sized firm, likely employing between 50-200 professionals. This size typically fosters a culture of close collaboration and allows for significant individual impact, while still providing access to structured processes and resources.

Founded: Founded in Oklahoma City, Public Strategies Inc. has established a national reputation. The firm's history likely emphasizes growth, adaptability, and a commitment to its core mission of driving positive change and maximizing public good.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will be part of the Design team, reporting to the Senior Manager of Design. This team likely includes other designers and potentially specialists in areas like video production or digital media.

  • The operations within Public Strategies are structured to support project-based work, requiring close collaboration between design, project management, research, and communications teams.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as designers will work with project managers and directly with clients to understand needs and deliver tailored visual solutions. Methodology:

  • Data-Informed Design: Projects often stem from research, requiring designers to translate data and insights into understandable visuals.

  • Strategic Communications: Design is a tool for strategic communication, aiming to inform, persuade, and engage target audiences effectively.

  • Client-Centric Solutions: The firm focuses on delivering tailored solutions to meet specific client objectives, necessitating adaptable and responsive design processes.

Company Website: pstrategies.com

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "touch lives, drive change, and do good well" suggests a culture that values purpose-driven work. For a Graphic Designer, this means their creative output will contribute to meaningful projects, which can be a significant motivator. The "culturally and professionally diverse team" implies an inclusive environment that benefits from varied perspectives in problem-solving.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned at an early to mid-career level. It requires foundational design skills, practical experience (2-5 years), and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks while also collaborating within a team structure. It's a role focused on execution and contribution to project deliverables.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Manager of Design. This structure provides clear guidance, mentorship, and a pathway for design feedback and professional development. Collaboration with Project Managers is also a key aspect of the reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is primarily seen in the enhanced clarity, professionalism, and engagement of marketing materials and project communications. Effective design operations contribute to stronger client presentations, more successful outreach campaigns, and clearer dissemination of information, ultimately supporting the firm's overall project success and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Specialization: Potential to develop expertise in specific areas such as UI/UX design, motion graphics, data visualization, or brand identity development, aligning with the firm's diverse project needs.

  • Project Leadership: With demonstrated success and growth, opportunities may arise to lead design aspects of smaller projects or take on more complex creative challenges.

  • Cross-Functional Skill Development: Exposure to project management, strategic communications, and research methodologies can broaden understanding of the broader operations and client engagement processes.

  • Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from the Senior Manager of Design and other experienced professionals within the firm, fostering continuous skill enhancement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" assessment is based on the stated experience requirement (2-5 years) and the reporting structure. The emphasis on "project-based work" and "client satisfaction" highlights the operational significance of the designer's role in delivering successful outcomes for Public Strategies Inc.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the "Corporate Facility" in Oklahoma City, indicating a professional office setting. This environment is designed to support collaborative work, client meetings, and focused individual tasks.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Travel statewide is required for events and setup, suggesting a need for flexibility and mobility within Oklahoma.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms and open areas conducive to team brainstorming and client presentations, facilitating effective collaboration with project managers and senior designers.

  • Design Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware is expected, supporting the efficient execution of design tasks.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design colleagues, project teams, and potentially clients, fostering a dynamic and engaged work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

  • The standard work schedule is a 40-hour week, primarily during daytime hours.

  • However, the role requires flexibility, with the possibility of working evenings and some weekends to meet project deadlines and client needs. This adaptability is a key operational requirement in a client-service-oriented firm.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for statewide travel and the potential for flexible hours underscore the operational demands of client-facing roles in a consulting environment. Designers are expected to be adaptable and responsive to project timelines and client needs, which may extend beyond a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design experience.

  • Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring team (Senior Manager of Design, potentially HR or a Project Manager). Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative choices, and how your work aligns with Public Strategies' mission.

  • Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study may be administered to evaluate your ability to meet specific project requirements, adhere to brand guidelines, and work under a time constraint. This assesses operational efficiency.

  • Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will focus on your ability to collaborate, manage feedback, handle pressure, and align with the company's culture of "doing good well."

  • Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 10-15 of your strongest and most relevant pieces that showcase versatility across different project types (digital, print, infographics, branding).

  • Tell a Story: For each piece, briefly explain the project's objective, your role, your design process (ideation, execution), and the outcome or impact. Focus on how your design solved a problem or met a need.

  • Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, how you handle feedback, and your approach to meeting deadlines. This demonstrates operational capability.

  • Brand Alignment: If possible, include examples where you worked with or created brand guidelines, showing an understanding of brand consistency.

  • Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and showcases high-quality visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge prompt, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

  • Time Management: Practice working within a simulated deadline to deliver a polished concept.

  • Conceptual Thinking: Focus on developing a strong concept that addresses the brief, rather than just creating a visually appealing piece.

  • Presentation Readiness: Prepare a concise explanation of your approach, design choices, and how your solution meets the challenge requirements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not only creative talent but also operational skills like time management, process adherence, and client communication. The portfolio review is a critical operational checkpoint, demonstrating the candidate's ability to deliver on project requirements.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is expected for all graphic design tasks.

  • Design Software: Familiarity with other design or illustration tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary function, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media engagement, website click-through rates) is advantageous.

  • Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media platform insights) to understand design performance is a plus. CRM & Automation:

  • No direct CRM or automation tools are typically used by Graphic Designers, but understanding how design assets are managed within project management or content management systems could be beneficial.

  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) that Public Strategies might use for workflow tracking.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core technology requirement is clearly Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of "preparing final layouts for print vendors" implies a need for understanding print production workflows and file preparation standards, which is an operational aspect of graphic design.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence in Execution: A commitment to high-quality design output that meets project objectives and client expectations, reflecting the firm's "do good well" philosophy.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort and open communication to achieve shared goals, working effectively with colleagues across different disciplines.

  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Embracing change and adjusting to evolving project needs, client feedback, and industry trends, especially given the consulting environment.

  • Client Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction and delivering design solutions that effectively serve their strategic communication and project management needs.

  • Purpose-Driven Work: A shared commitment to contributing to projects that have a positive impact on public good and community well-being.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with project managers, researchers, strategists, and communications specialists to ensure visual elements align with overall project goals.

  • Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive criticism and iterative design processes, where feedback is seen as an opportunity for improvement.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and new techniques to foster collective growth and innovation within the design team and the broader firm.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's stated mission and values directly inform the expected team culture. For a Graphic Designer, this means an emphasis on creating design that serves a purpose, collaborating with diverse teams, and maintaining a high standard of professional execution.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing Diverse Project Needs: Adapting design style and output to meet the varied requirements of federal, state, and local clients, each with unique branding and communication objectives.

  • Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Delivering innovative design solutions while adhering to strict brand guidelines, project scopes, and tight deadlines typical in a consulting environment.

  • Translating Complex Information: Visually representing data, research findings, and technical assistance materials in an accessible and engaging manner for diverse audiences.

  • Staying Current with Technology: Continuously updating skills with evolving design software, digital platforms, and emerging visual communication trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as data visualization, UI/UX, or motion graphics through internal training or external workshops.

  • Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant design conferences or workshops to network and learn about the latest industry developments and best practices.

  • Mentorship and Skill Transfer: Learning from experienced senior designers and project managers within the firm, gaining insights into strategic communication and project operations.

  • Broad Project Experience: Exposure to a wide range of project types and client sectors can significantly broaden a designer's portfolio and professional experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are common for designers in agency or consulting settings. The growth opportunities focus on both technical skill development and the broader operational understanding of how design contributes to successful project outcomes in a mission-driven organization.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to create a graphic for a complex or abstract concept. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your conceptualization process and ability to simplify.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs align with a client's brand identity, especially if it differs from your personal style?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and client-centricity.)

  • "Walk us through your process for preparing a design for print production. What are the critical steps?" (Demonstrate your operational awareness of print workflows and technical requirements.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What appeals to you about Public Strategies' mission to 'touch lives, drive change, and do good well'?" (Connect your personal values or career aspirations to the company's purpose.)

  • "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs from a client or supervisor?" (Showcase your ability to absorb feedback constructively and iterate effectively.)

  • "Describe a project where you had to balance multiple competing priorities or tight deadlines. How did you manage your workload?" (Illustrate your time management and organizational skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Concise Narrative: For each selected project, present a brief overview focusing on the challenge, your creative solution, and the impact. Aim for 1-2 minutes per project.

  • Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, software used, and how you incorporated feedback. This is crucial for demonstrating operational competence.

  • Showcase Versatility: Ensure your presentation demonstrates your ability to handle a variety of design tasks and client needs.

  • Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss technical aspects, such as file formats, color modes, and print specifications, if relevant to the projects presented.

  • Enthusiasm for Impact: Express enthusiasm for contributing to projects that align with Public Strategies' mission of public good.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's creative problem-solving abilities, operational efficiency in design execution, and cultural fit with a mission-driven organization. Preparing specific examples for each type of question will be key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 10-15 design samples that best represent your skills and versatility across different mediums (digital, print, infographics, branding). Ensure it's easily accessible online.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in marketing, communications, and design, specifically mentioning proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with project-based work or client collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, how you handle feedback, and your approach to meeting deadlines. Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

  • Research Public Strategies: Familiarize yourself with the company's work, client types, and mission. Understand how your design skills can contribute to their goals of "doing good well."

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or at least 4 years of relevant work experience, along with 2-5 years of experience in a marketing and communication capacity. A portfolio demonstrating at least ten samples of original graphic design work is required.