Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: RR Donnelley (Williams Lea)

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: January 12, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to developing and executing compelling visual assets for clients across both print and digital channels, directly impacting client brand perception and marketing effectiveness.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating client business needs into creative design solutions, ensuring brand consistency while exploring innovative approaches.

• A key focus will be on the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization and storyboarding to final production and quality assurance of marketing and sales collateral.

• This position requires strong collaboration with clients and internal project management teams to deliver high-standard, visually appealing creative requests within defined project parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the job description and company context (Williams Lea by RRD specializing in business support services for legal, financial, and professional industries) indicate a strong emphasis on client-facing communication, brand stewardship, and production-level execution within a corporate services environment. This role is less about pure artistic expression and more about delivering precise, client-aligned design solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of print and digital marketing collateral, including brochures, direct mail, ads, product sheets, and PowerPoint presentations.

• Develop and execute original multimedia campaigns and forward-thinking design concepts that elevate client brands and explore innovative formats and media channels.

• Collaborate closely with clients and/or project management teams to deeply understand client business needs and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Ensure brand consistency across all deliverables while maintaining a fresh and innovative approach to design, artwork, and output.

• Perform Quality Assurance (QA) on own work and the work of others to uphold high standards of visual appeal, brand guidelines, and specifications.

• Manage client expectations regarding design limitations and restrictions, educating them on process constraints where necessary.

• Interact with clients directly via in-person meetings, phone calls, or electronic communication, maintaining professional conduct.

• Adhere strictly to Williams Lea policies and client site policies, ensuring cost-efficient use of equipment and supplies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative conceptualization and practical, deadline-driven production, typical of roles within service providers supporting diverse client needs. The inclusion of "essential function" (*) denotes critical duties that form the core of the role's expectations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-4 years of progressive work experience in the graphic design industry, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Excellent design knowledge and application, with a strong understanding of layout principles, aesthetic design concepts, and typography.

• Exceptional visual troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to storyboard and visually comp ideas effectively within the creative process.

• Conceptual creative and production skills for multimedia campaigns and extending brand "look and feel" across various marketing materials.

• Proficiency in the latest Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong emphasis on PowerPoint presentation design.

• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly.

• Dependable, detail-oriented, and well-organized, with proven time management skills to meet tight schedules and strict layout controls.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential documents and information with discretion.

• Capacity to make independent decisions aligned with business needs and policy, and to escalate issues appropriately.

• Must work well in a team environment and interact effectively with multi-functional and diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Skills:

• Web design experience is a significant plus, indicating broader digital design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "problem-solving," "client interaction," "presentation skills," and "team collaboration" points to a role that requires not just technical design prowess but also strong interpersonal and professional acumen. The "2-4 years" experience suggests a mid-level designer capable of working independently but also benefiting from senior guidance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of print and digital design projects, demonstrating proficiency in various media (brochures, ads, presentations, campaigns).

• Clear examples of how design solutions have met specific client business needs and objectives, with a focus on problem-solving.

• Demonstrations of brand consistency across multiple collateral types, highlighting an understanding of brand stewardship.

• Visual evidence of strong conceptualization, layout principles, typography, and aesthetic design application.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a "process documentation" role, candidates are expected to understand and adhere to design processes, including:

  • Workflow management for creative requests, from brief to final delivery.

  • Understanding and working within defined brand guidelines and production limitations.

  • Quality assurance and review processes for creative assets.

  • Client interaction protocols and expectation management throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is the primary "process and systems" demonstration. It should vividly illustrate the candidate's design workflow, from initial concept to final output, and their ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively within client parameters.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated pay for this role is $38 per hour.

• Based on a standard 40-hour work week, this equates to an annual salary of approximately $79,040.

Benefits:

• As a full-time employee, candidates can expect a comprehensive benefits package. While specific details are not provided in the listing, typical benefits for such roles at a global company like RR Donnelley/Williams Lea often include:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
  • Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
  • Potential for professional development and training opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Shift: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Total Hours: Standard 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While a fixed shift is provided, the role operates within a 24/7 operational environment, and the ability to work overtime as needed is a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate of $38/hour is specific and actionable. The benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time positions at large, established corporations, but candidates should confirm these details during the interview process. The fixed shift with potential overtime is a key detail for work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Support Services, Marketing & Communications, Document Production, Professional Services.

Company Size: RR Donnelley is a large, global corporation. Williams Lea, as a part of RRD, has thousands of employees globally (5,200+ mentioned). This indicates a structured, corporate environment with established processes and significant resources.

Founded: Williams Lea has a legacy of over 200 years, and RR Donnelley has a long history as well. This suggests a stable company with deep industry experience but also a need to continuously innovate.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger creative services or marketing support team within Williams Lea.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Creative Manager, Design Lead, or Project Manager overseeing client accounts.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary analyst role, designers are expected to understand client business needs and use data (e.g., brand guidelines, campaign objectives) to inform design decisions.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role involves managing multiple projects, adhering to schedules, and understanding production limitations, implying a need for efficient workflow management.

• Automation & Efficiency: While the core role is creative, understanding how designs integrate into production workflows and using tools efficiently contributes to overall operational efficiency.

Company Website: RR Donnelley Website

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on legal, financial, and professional services industries implies a need for discretion, precision, and a professional demeanor from designers. The scale of the organization suggests opportunities for exposure to large-scale projects and diverse client portfolios.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer role, suitable for individuals with 2-4 years of experience. It requires independent execution of design tasks and the ability to manage projects within defined parameters, but likely with guidance from senior team members or managers.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or lead within the creative services department. This structure provides a clear line of reporting and feedback, crucial for professional development.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the client's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and overall professional presentation.

• High-quality design contributes to client satisfaction, retention, and the ability of clients to achieve their business objectives through compelling collateral.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software (Adobe Creative Suite), explore new design trends, and potentially learn web design or motion graphics.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific client industries (e.g., legal, financial) or types of collateral (e.g., presentation design, digital campaigns).

• Leadership Potential: With significant experience and demonstrated leadership in project execution and client interaction, opportunities for senior designer, team lead, or management roles may emerge.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience in project management, client services, and production workflows can broaden career horizons within the business support services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to be focused on deepening design expertise, expanding the scope of projects handled, and potentially moving into more senior or specialized creative roles within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates at client sites or company offices that support "maximum of 24/7 operations." This suggests a dynamic, potentially high-volume environment where services are always available. The work is performed in a "professional work environment."

Office Location(s): New York, New York. Specific site details would depend on the client or internal Williams Lea office.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is professional and likely fast-paced, given the client base and operational hours.

• Collaboration is key, with expectations to work well in a team and interact effectively with diverse backgrounds.

• Access to standard office equipment, design software, and potentially specialized printing or production facilities would be expected.

• Business casual attire is required, reinforcing the professional atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A fixed Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM schedule is provided, offering a predictable routine. However, the need for overtime indicates flexibility will be required to meet project deadlines and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "24/7 operations" context suggests that while the direct shift is M-F, the overall business operates continuously, meaning deadlines can be tight, and the need for quick turnarounds is common.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.

• Skills Assessment/Test: A practical design exercise or test may be administered to evaluate your technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and your ability to meet specific design briefs under timed conditions.

• Interviews: Expect interviews with hiring managers, potential team leads, and possibly client representatives. These will assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, the rationale behind your creative decisions, and the impact of your work on client objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to the job description – print collateral, digital media, presentations, and campaigns.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the client's objective, your role, your design process, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact.

• Highlight Metrics: If possible, include any quantifiable results or positive feedback associated with your designs.

• Brand Consistency: Emphasize your ability to maintain brand integrity while offering creative solutions.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates strong command of typography, layout, color theory, and software proficiency.

• Tailor: If possible, include examples that align with the industries served by Williams Lea (legal, financial, professional services).

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself: Understand the typical outputs for a Graphic Designer in a corporate services environment (presentations, brochures, ads, digital assets).

• Practice Timed Exercises: Be ready for a design test that requires you to create a piece of collateral within a set timeframe. Focus on delivering a polished, on-brief solution.

• Articulate Your Thinking: Practice explaining your design choices concisely and clearly, as if presenting to a client or manager.

• Know the Tools: Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your portfolio. It's crucial to present your work not just as aesthetically pleasing but as strategic solutions that meet business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential and explicitly required. This includes:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and print production of brochures, flyers, and multi-page documents.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Specifically required for:

  • PowerPoint: High proficiency in creating professional presentations is a key requirement.

• Other Potential Tools (Implied):

  • While not listed, familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) or digital asset management (DAM) systems could be beneficial, given the corporate environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for the designer. The focus is on the creative output and collaboration within project workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The emphasis on PowerPoint highlights the importance of presentation design in this specific role and company context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: Given the client base (legal, financial, professional services), accuracy, attention to detail, and high-quality output are paramount.

• Client Focus: Understanding and meeting client needs is central, requiring strong communication and a service-oriented approach.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Operating within a 24/7 environment and tight schedules necessitates efficient work habits and meeting deadlines consistently.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor, adhering to company policies, and working collaboratively are key.

• Innovation (within bounds): While brand consistency is critical, there's also a drive to "push the boundaries" and explore "fresh and innovative design solutions."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers must collaborate effectively with project managers, account teams, and possibly production specialists to ensure seamless delivery.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to feedback on designs and the ability to incorporate revisions constructively are essential.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices, design trends, and technical tips within the creative team fosters collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "business support services" for regulated industries suggests a culture that values reliability, adherence to standards, and a professional, client-centric attitude.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands: Juggling requests from multiple clients with varying needs, brand guidelines, and deadlines.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring that creative output always aligns with established brand standards, especially across diverse client portfolios.

• Tight Turnaround Times: Meeting demanding project deadlines in a fast-paced environment, potentially requiring overtime.

• Managing Expectations: Effectively communicating design limitations and managing client expectations regarding creative possibilities and production constraints.

• Adapting to New Trends: Staying current with evolving design trends and technologies while adhering to established corporate branding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, exploring advanced features, and mastering new design software or techniques.

• Industry Specialization: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the design needs and best practices within the legal, financial, or professional services sectors.

• Professional Development: Access to workshops, online courses, or industry events focused on graphic design, branding, and digital media.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers or creative leads within the organization.

• Broader Creative Exposure: Potential to contribute to a wider variety of projects, including digital marketing, web design elements, or even motion graphics, based on demonstrated aptitude and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for designers in service-oriented roles, emphasizing the need for strong project management and client communication skills alongside creative talent. Growth opportunities focus on both technical refinement and strategic application of design skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial brief to final delivery." (Focus on steps, client interaction, and QA).

• Brand Stewardship: "How do you ensure brand consistency while still bringing a fresh perspective to design?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and creative problem-solving).

• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you faced a design challenge or limitation with a client's request. How did you address it?" (Showcase your ability to find solutions and manage expectations).

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience and comfort level with specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and PowerPoint.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Williams Lea/RR Donnelley?" (Research their history, values, and client focus).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize openness and a desire to improve).

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment and collaborating with different departments." (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design choices, not just the "what."

• Focus on Impact: Whenever possible, highlight the positive results or client satisfaction achieved through your work.

• Be Concise: Present your work efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

• Prepare for a Test: Be ready to complete a design exercise on the spot, demonstrating your ability to interpret a brief and execute quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will assess not only your technical design skills but also your professionalism, communication abilities, and how well you can integrate into a client-focused, corporate services environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and clearly showcases your best work relevant to print, digital, and presentation design. Be prepared to highlight projects that demonstrate brand consistency and client problem-solving.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the specific skills and experience mentioned in the job description, such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, client interaction, and managing deadlines. Use keywords from the job posting.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on your design process, client collaboration, and problem-solving capabilities. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with RR Donnelley and Williams Lea, their services, their target industries (legal, financial, professional services), and their company values to demonstrate your interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.