Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SMMA

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop strategic, client-focused graphics and visual communications to support the pursuit process, including proposals, qualifications, and presentations.

• Advance and maintain SMMA's brand standards by creating templates, design guidelines, and ensuring brand consistency across all external and internal communications.

• Create compelling visual formats for complex content, such as project sheets, resumes, charts, diagrams, and infographics.

• Design and produce a variety of marketing and promotional materials across print and digital platforms, including brochures, social media graphics, and website assets.

• Manage SMMA's digital asset management system (OpenAsset), focusing on asset organization, metadata tagging, and taxonomy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a marketing and communications function that directly supports GTM (Go-To-Market) efforts through compelling visual collateral for client pursuits and brand representation. The emphasis on proposals, presentations, and brand consistency highlights its strategic importance in client acquisition and retention.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead graphic support for pursuits by developing strategic, client-focused graphics and visual communications for proposals, qualifications, interviews, and presentations.

• Transform complex content into compelling visual formats, including project sheets, resumes, schedules, charts, diagrams, infographics, and data visualizations.

• Advance and maintain SMMA's brand standards by creating templates, design guidelines, and ensuring brand consistency across all external communications.

• Design and produce marketing and promotional materials across print and digital platforms, including brochures, portfolio books, conference materials, award submissions, website assets, social media graphics, and email campaigns.

• Support internal communications and firmwide initiatives through the development of presentations, handouts, and engagement materials.

• Assist with website design, content updates, and the creation and organization of digital content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and relevance.

• Manage and maintain OpenAsset, SMMA's digital asset management system, including asset organization, metadata tagging, album creation, and taxonomy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of tactical design execution and strategic brand management. The focus on "pursuit process" graphics and "digital asset management" points to the need for organized, efficient workflows and a deep understanding of how visual assets contribute to business development and client engagement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BFA or MFA in Graphic Design required.

Experience: 2+ years of professional graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Strong understanding of typography, color, and layout principles.

• Solid understanding of UX/UI best practices.

• Ability to transform complex content into clear, engaging, and impactful graphic solutions.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Experience working on a Windows platform. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with WordPress and Elementor for website design and content updates.

• Experience managing digital asset management systems (e.g., OpenAsset).

• Experience in data visualization and infographic creation.

• Familiarity with marketing and communications strategies in a professional services environment.

• Ability to iterate on concepts and incorporate diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a BFA/MFA and 2 years of experience suggests a role that demands both foundational design education and practical application. The specific tool proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Elementor) and understanding of UX/UI are critical for digital asset creation and web content management, aligning with modern GTM operational needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing creative design skills, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling and brand consistency.

• Demonstrations of ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging, and impactful graphic solutions across various media (print, digital, presentations).

• Examples of proposal graphics, marketing collateral, and digital assets that highlight strategic thinking and client focus.

• Case studies or examples demonstrating proficiency in managing and organizing digital assets. Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces that illustrate a systematic approach to design projects, from concept to final execution.

• Examples showing how design processes were iterated upon to meet project goals and incorporate feedback.

• Documentation or examples of how brand guidelines were developed and applied consistently across projects.

• Evidence of project management skills through the successful delivery of multiple design projects under deadline.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting GTM and marketing operations, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the ability to execute designs that serve specific business objectives, like supporting client pursuits and maintaining brand integrity. The emphasis on process and iteration is key for demonstrating a professional, operations-minded approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Employee-owned firm (ESOP)

• Hybrid work-from-home policy

• Competitive benefits package

• Company-funded MA Paid Family and Medical Leave

• 401(k) with company match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Mentor/protégé program

• Educational and licensure reimbursement

• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work-from-home policy indicating flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is in line with entry-to-mid-level graphic designer positions in the Cambridge/Boston metropolitan area, considering the required experience and educational background. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the ESOP and hybrid work policy, are significant draws for attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, Technology, and Design (AEC/Technology)

Company Size: SMMA is a multidisciplinary firm with a significant employee base, indicated by its extensive offerings and long history, likely placing it in the mid-to-large enterprise category.

Founded: 1955, indicating a long-standing reputation and deep-rooted expertise in its field.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will join a collaborative marketing and communications team.

• This team likely works closely with architects, engineers, technologists, and industry experts across various project sectors.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as the designer will support diverse professionals and firmwide initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven design approach, emphasizing how visual communication supports strategic goals and client engagement.

• Collaborative workflows to ensure design solutions meet the needs of various internal stakeholders and project requirements.

• Emphasis on brand consistency and strategic visual storytelling to enhance the firm's reputation and market presence.

Company Website: https://smma.bamboohr.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: SMMA's long history and multidisciplinary nature suggest a culture that values deep expertise, collaboration, and long-term relationships. The "employee-owned firm" status (ESOP) often fosters a strong sense of shared purpose and commitment to company success, which would extend to operational functions like marketing and design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-to-mid-level Graphic Designer position focused on supporting marketing and business development operations. It requires a foundational understanding of design principles and practical application in a professional services context.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the marketing and communications team, likely a Marketing Director or Communications Manager. They will collaborate broadly with project teams and firm leadership.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts SMMA's ability to win new business through compelling proposals and presentations, enhances the firm's brand reputation across all touchpoints, and supports internal engagement through clear communication materials. This role is crucial for operational efficiency in client acquisition and brand management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like proposal design, digital marketing assets, or data visualization.

• Skill Advancement: Develop advanced skills in UX/UI, web design, or digital asset management systems.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, potentially leading design projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of AEC industry projects and business development strategies through close collaboration with project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "pursuit process" and "brand management" within a professional services firm indicates a clear path for growth by demonstrating impact on client acquisition and brand equity. The ESOP structure also suggests opportunities for long-term career development and potential ownership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: SMMA offers a hybrid work-from-home policy, suggesting a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office environment in Cambridge is likely modern and designed to foster collaboration.

Office Location(s): Cambridge, Massachusetts (02138), a hub for innovation and professional services, offering accessibility and a vibrant work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative office spaces designed to encourage interaction among designers, marketers, and technical professionals.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware, including a Windows platform.

• Opportunities to work closely with project teams, gaining insights into diverse architectural, engineering, and technology projects.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid policy allows for a balance between structured office time for collaboration and focused remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, appealing to professionals seeking work-life balance. The Cambridge location places the designer within a dynamic professional ecosystem, facilitating networking and exposure to industry trends.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and how their work supports business objectives.

• Skills Assessment: Potential practical design exercise or case study focusing on proposal graphics, brand application, or data visualization.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with marketing team members and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with SMMA's values.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss role expectations and career growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that directly align with the responsibilities outlined (proposals, brand work, digital assets, data visualization).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the design process, challenges, and the final outcome, highlighting your problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any designs contributed to winning new work or increased engagement, mention it.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Demonstrate your ability to adhere to and evolve brand guidelines.

• Technical Proficiency: Clearly articulate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress/Elementor, and any other relevant tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing graphics for a complex proposal or how you would ensure brand consistency across diverse collateral.

• Familiarize yourself with SMMA's existing work and brand presence by reviewing their website and any accessible project examples.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and their strategic rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative talent but also strategic thinking and operational efficiency in their design work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (essential for all graphic design tasks).

• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Elementor (for website design and content updates).

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): OpenAsset (specific to SMMA, requires learning and management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for the designer, understanding how website analytics or engagement metrics inform design choices for digital assets would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of how marketing collateral fits into broader CRM and sales enablement strategies is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with WordPress/Elementor and a DAM system like OpenAsset are significant advantages, indicating the need for designers who can manage digital content and assets effectively within established systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, impactful visual communication.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Stewardship: Maintaining and advancing SMMA's brand identity with care and consistency.

• Client Focus: Creating visuals that effectively communicate SMMA's expertise and value proposition to clients.

• Innovation: Embracing new design trends and technologies to enhance visual storytelling.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and communicative, with a willingness to share ideas and incorporate feedback from colleagues across different disciplines.

• Proactive engagement with project teams and marketing staff to understand needs and deliver effective design solutions.

• A culture that values constructive critique and iterative design processes to achieve optimal outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of "Design Excellence," "Collaboration," and "Client Focus" are central to how this role contributes to SMMA's overall business operations and client engagement strategy. The ESOP structure likely reinforces a collective sense of responsibility and shared success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Deadlines: Juggling multiple design requests from various project teams and marketing initiatives simultaneously.

• Translating Technical Concepts: Visually representing complex architectural, engineering, and technology information in an accessible manner.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual output adheres to strict brand guidelines while remaining creative.

• Adapting to New Tools/Systems: Quickly learning and mastering SMMA's specific DAM system (OpenAsset) and web platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunities to attend workshops or training for specialized Adobe Suite features or new design technologies.

• UX/UI Specialization: Developing deeper expertise in user experience and interface design principles.

• Digital Asset Management Best Practices: Becoming an expert in DAM systems and information architecture.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging design trends, visualization techniques, and marketing communication strategies relevant to professional services.

• Mentorship: Participating in SMMA's mentor/protégé program for career guidance and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a graphic designer in a fast-paced, client-facing environment. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear pathways for skill enhancement and career progression within the operations and marketing functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a compelling visual for a complex technical proposal."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of marketing materials?"

• "Walk us through a project where you had to translate complex data into an infographic or data visualization."

• "How do you manage your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests from different teams?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SMMA's multidisciplinary approach and employee-owned structure?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers or technical experts?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work?"

• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on your design and how you responded." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, outlining the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase skills directly applicable to SMMA's needs (proposals, branding, digital assets).

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to discuss your design thinking and iterative steps.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used.

• Conciseness: Practice delivering your presentation within a set timeframe, allowing for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also an understanding of how design serves business objectives within a professional services context. Emphasizing collaboration, problem-solving, and brand stewardship will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with proposals, branding, digital assets, and data visualization, aligning with SMMA's core responsibilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress/Elementor, and any DAM system experience, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and contributions to business objectives. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to brand consistency and collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review SMMA's website, project portfolio, and company values to understand their work, culture, and client base, and prepare to articulate your alignment with their mission and ESOP structure.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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