Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: RK&K

Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Contract/On-Call

Category: Graphic Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop high-quality graphics for print and digital platforms, including reports, presentations, infographics, social media content, and public outreach materials, ensuring strong visual storytelling.

• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to translate complex technical concepts into accessible, easy-to-understand visuals for diverse public audiences.

• Maintain brand consistency across all materials, adhering to RK&K and client brand standards and ensuring Section 508 compliance.

• Support proposal development and marketing efforts with compelling graphics, layouts, and visual narrative elements, contributing to business development objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines within a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is Graphic Designer, the emphasis on public outreach, community engagement, transportation initiatives, and translating technical concepts into accessible visuals suggests a strong alignment with Marketing Operations and GTM support functions, particularly in client-facing project delivery and business development. The mention of Section 508 compliance is crucial for public sector projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute creative design solutions for a wide range of collateral, including detailed reports, dynamic presentations, informative infographics, engaging social media graphics, and comprehensive public outreach materials.

• Partner closely with planners, engineers, communications specialists, and project managers to visually represent project goals, findings, and community impact.

• Develop compelling visual assets for public meetings, workshops, town halls, and stakeholder presentations that effectively communicate key messages and facilitate understanding.

• Ensure all designed materials adhere to established brand guidelines for RK&K and its clients, maintaining a consistent and professional visual identity.

• Transform intricate technical data, engineering plans, and project details into clear, digestible, and visually appealing graphics suitable for non-technical audiences.

• Contribute to the creation of winning proposals by designing impactful graphics, layouts, and visual narratives that enhance the overall proposal quality and persuasiveness.

• Proactively manage project timelines, workflow, and design priorities to ensure timely delivery of high-quality creative assets, even under tight deadlines.

• Research and implement current design trends, software updates, and best practices to continuously improve the aesthetic quality and effectiveness of visual communications.

• Create accessible documents and graphics that comply with Section 508 standards, ensuring usability for individuals with disabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills within a design context, emphasizing the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects and deliver under pressure, typical for operations-adjacent roles supporting project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrable track record of creating impactful visual communications.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, for professional-grade design output.

• A robust portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of layout design, branding principles, and compelling visual storytelling across various media.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Proven ability to balance creative vision with the practical requirements of project specifications, technical accuracy, and client needs.

• Demonstrated understanding of Section 508 compliance and best practices for creating accessible digital and print materials. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Geographic Information System (GIS) software or Computer-Aided Design (CADD) software to better interpret and visualize technical data.

• Prior experience developing materials specifically for public outreach, community engagement initiatives, or transportation-related projects.

• Experience supporting proposal development, marketing campaigns, or business development efforts within a professional services or engineering firm.

• Exposure to additional design software or video editing tools to expand creative capabilities.

• Comprehensive understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., ADA compliance) beyond Section 508 for public-facing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio, communication skills, and the ability to translate technical information into visuals are critical indicators for roles that require operational efficiency in client-facing deliverables and project support. The preferred skills suggest opportunities for candidates with a more integrated understanding of project lifecycle and data visualization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in layout design, branding, and visual storytelling for both print and digital applications.

• Include examples of infographics, reports, or presentations that effectively communicate complex information or technical data.

• Present case studies or project descriptions that highlight your role, the design process, and the impact of your visual solutions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating materials that adhere to specific brand guidelines or accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508).

• Highlight projects that involved collaboration with subject matter experts or cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a structured design process, from initial concept development and client briefing to final production and delivery.

• Examples of how you manage feedback and revisions to ensure client satisfaction and project accuracy.

• Documentation or discussion of how you ensure brand consistency and adherence to technical or regulatory requirements in your design workflow.

• Illustrate your approach to translating technical requirements or data into clear, impactful visual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio and process documentation is paramount for operations roles. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to demonstrate not just creative output, but also a structured, efficient, and collaborative design process that aligns with project delivery and client satisfaction standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $35 - $45 per hour. This range reflects a contract/on-call position with potential for full-time conversion. The specific hourly rate will be determined based on experience, skill level, and the scope of projects assigned.

Benefits:

• Flexible work hours and potential for remote work on specific projects, offering a good work-life balance.

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful community and transportation projects, fostering a sense of purpose.

• Potential for conversion to a full-time role with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans.

• Professional development opportunities, including exposure to new design challenges and industry best practices.

• Collaborative work environment with opportunities to learn from experienced engineers, planners, and communications professionals.

Working Hours: Contract/On-call position with flexible hours. While the standard full-time equivalent is 40 hours per week, actual hours will vary based on project needs and availability. This allows for adaptability in managing workload and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly range is explicitly stated. The benefits are described in terms of flexibility and potential growth, typical for contract roles. The "working hours" section clarifies the on-call nature and its implications for workload management, a key operational consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Construction Management. RK&K operates as a full-service firm providing solutions across infrastructure, environmental, and community development sectors. This industry context means designs often need to communicate technical information to the public and stakeholders.

Company Size: RK&K is a substantial firm, with a significant number of employees, indicating a well-established organizational structure and diverse project portfolio. This size suggests opportunities for collaboration across various departments and access to a wide range of expertise.

Founded: Over 100 years of history. This long-standing presence signifies stability, a deep understanding of the industry, and a proven track record of client success and community impact.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Communications department, or potentially embedded within specific project teams.

• Collaboration will be frequent with planners, engineers, and communications staff, requiring strong interdisciplinary teamwork.

• The reporting structure for an on-call/contract role may be project-specific, reporting to a project manager or a design lead. Methodology:

• Design work will likely involve a data-driven approach, translating engineering data and community feedback into visual formats.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be crucial for managing multiple projects and meeting client deadlines efficiently.

• Automation and efficiency practices may be leveraged through template creation and streamlined design processes to support high-volume output.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and long history are critical context for a graphic designer, implying a need for professional, technically informed, and often public-facing designs. The team structure notes highlight the collaborative and project-centric nature of the work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer, requiring 3+ years of experience and proficiency in core design software. It's a specialized function supporting broader project delivery and business development efforts.

Reporting Structure: For contract/on-call roles, reporting is typically project-based, often to a Project Manager, Senior Designer, or Marketing Lead. This structure emphasizes task completion and project-specific goals.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is significant in translating complex technical information into accessible visuals that enhance client understanding, support community engagement, and contribute to successful proposal submissions. Effective design directly influences project perception and business development outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific design areas relevant to engineering and public outreach, such as data visualization, cartographic design (if familiar with GIS), or accessible document creation.

• Project Exposure: Gain experience across a diverse range of infrastructure and community development projects, broadening your portfolio and industry knowledge.

• Full-Time Conversion: A strong performance in this contract role could lead to a full-time position, offering more comprehensive benefits and long-term career stability within RK&K's operations.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Opportunities to learn about engineering, planning, and communications processes through close collaboration with subject matter experts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role not just as a design job, but as a critical support function within operations, with clear pathways for skill development and career progression, particularly the potential for full-time conversion.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Baltimore, Maryland. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and client meetings are expected.

Office Location(s): Baltimore, Maryland. Specific details about office amenities or accessibility would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with engineers, planners, and communications staff, requiring active participation in team discussions and feedback sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment and potentially advanced design software and hardware within the RK&K infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with design peers, project teams, and management to ensure alignment on project goals and creative direction.

Work Schedule: Contract/On-call with flexible hours, supporting a 40-hour work week on average. While the role is on-site, the flexibility allows for managing project demands and personal schedules, provided project deadlines and meeting commitments are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is clarified, alongside the flexible hours. The workspace context highlights the collaborative nature of the role, which is typical for operations teams that support broader project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A deeper dive into your portfolio with an interviewer (likely a hiring manager or design lead) to discuss specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills (e.g., software proficiency, Section 508 knowledge).

• Skills Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or case study related to public outreach or technical data visualization to assess practical application of skills.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion with potential team members or project leads to evaluate collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and alignment with RK&K's culture.

• Final Interview: May involve discussion with senior leadership or HR to finalize terms and confirm suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role, particularly those involving technical data, public outreach, or branding for professional services.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design process, your creative decisions, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use concise text and compelling visuals.

• Showcase Process: Include work-in-progress examples or explain your workflow to demonstrate how you approach design challenges from concept to completion.

• Highlight Technical/Accessibility: Explicitly point out projects where you incorporated Section 508 compliance or translated complex technical information.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished, reflecting your attention to detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is given, thoroughly read and understand the project brief, target audience, and objectives.

• Prioritize Visual Communication: Focus on making the information clear, accessible, and engaging for the intended audience, aligning with the role's core responsibilities.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process, design choices, and how you would approach execution, even if you can't fully complete the task within the given time.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across understanding the brief, conceptualizing, designing, and preparing your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice specifically tailored for a design role within an operations-focused context, emphasizing portfolio content, process demonstration, and communication of technical information.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and publication design (reports, presentations, infographics).
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word and PowerPoint for document integration and presentation design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how graphics will be used in reports and presentations means an awareness of how data is presented visually in these contexts. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how marketing or project management tools are used to request and track design work might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the core design software critical for the role, aligning with industry standards for graphic design professionals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong commitment to meeting client needs and delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions that support project success.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication to integrate design effectively with engineering, planning, and communications efforts.

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding high standards for accuracy, professionalism, and visual excellence in all design outputs.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new design approaches to enhance communication and engagement.

• Community Impact: A shared purpose in contributing to meaningful projects that improve communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with non-design professionals, requiring clear communication and a willingness to understand diverse project perspectives.

• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback is shared and received to refine designs and ensure project objectives are met.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share design insights and learn from the expertise of other disciplines within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style emphasize the operational aspect of design within a professional services firm, highlighting the need for teamwork, client-centricity, and clear communication across disciplines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Data: Effectively visualizing complex engineering concepts, data, and technical information for non-expert audiences presents a significant challenge that requires strong analytical and design thinking.

• Balancing Creative and Technical Requirements: Navigating the constraints of client brand guidelines, technical accuracy, accessibility standards (Section 508), and project deadlines while maintaining creative integrity.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling concurrent design requests from various project teams, each with unique needs and deadlines, requires robust time management and prioritization skills.

• Adapting to Diverse Project Needs: Quickly understanding the context and audience for a wide range of projects, from transportation infrastructure to community engagement initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in areas like data visualization, infographic design, or advanced accessibility compliance.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the engineering, transportation, and public sector industries through project work.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers or project leaders within RK&K.

• Software Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially exploring new design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the practical challenges and learning opportunities inherent in a design role supporting complex operations, framing them as chances for skill development and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical information into a clear and engaging visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects and for different clients?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and systematic approach.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you collaborated closely with engineers or planners. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and project management.)

• "How do you approach creating accessible documents that comply with Section 508 standards?" (Demonstrate knowledge of accessibility best practices.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about RK&K and our work in community engagement and transportation?" (Research RK&K's projects and values.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to iteration and collaboration.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a collaborative team." (Align your response with RK&K's team structure and culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the client/project, the objective, your role, the problem you solved, your design solution, and the results.

• Highlight Process: Be ready to explain your workflow, from initial concept and research to final execution, and how you integrated feedback.

• Emphasize Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement," "clarified complex data," "supported successful proposal").

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that best match RK&K's industry and the specific requirements of this role (e.g., public outreach, technical translation).

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and any experience with accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates showcase not just their design skills, but also their operational capabilities, collaborative spirit, and understanding of the company's specific needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the RK&K careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating expertise in technical data visualization, public outreach materials, and adherence to branding and accessibility standards (like Section 508). Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a link to an online portfolio).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and any experience relevant to engineering, transportation, or public sector projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and how you translate complex information into accessible visuals. Prepare to answer questions about Section 508 compliance and your experience with client-facing deliverables.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with RK&K's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those related to community engagement and transportation initiatives. Understand their commitment to client success and community impact.

⚠️ 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.