Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Transwestern

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-29

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating compelling visual assets that support marketing, leasing, and business development initiatives within the commercial real estate sector.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating complex data and property information into clear, impactful visuals across various mediums, directly influencing client perception and deal progression.

• This position requires a strong understanding of brand consistency and visual storytelling to enhance property marketing campaigns and communicate value propositions effectively to stakeholders and potential clients.

• The role demands proficiency in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality collateral that aligns with Transwestern's brand standards and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily a creative design position, its impact on revenue operations is significant. The visual assets produced directly support sales enablement, lead generation through marketing collateral, and client engagement during the leasing and investment process. Therefore, it falls under the broader umbrella of Marketing & Design Operations within a GTM framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a comprehensive range of marketing materials, including property brochures, offering memoranda, pitch decks, and proposals, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and strategic marketing objectives.

• Develop and maintain property-specific brand identities, defining elements such as fonts, colors, logos, patterns, and illustrations to create cohesive and impactful visual narratives.

• Create engaging digital assets for property websites, email campaigns, social media platforms, and online advertisements, optimizing for user experience and conversion.

• Produce clear and informative infographics, maps, stacking plans, and floor plans, transforming complex data into easily digestible visual representations for leasing and research teams.

• Design and manage the production of event collateral, including signage, promotional merchandise, and environmental graphics, to enhance brand presence and attendee experience at industry events and property showings.

• Ensure all creative output is meticulously proofed, adheres to quality control standards, and is optimized for final print or digital deployment.

• Proactively manage and update project statuses within the project management tool, maintaining detailed records and ensuring all tasks are completed efficiently to meet deadlines.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, brokerage, leasing, and research teams to understand project requirements and deliver design solutions that effectively support property marketing and business development goals.

• Present multiple design concepts to stakeholders, incorporating feedback constructively to refine and optimize visual content for maximum impact.

• Support internal communications, leadership initiatives, and executive presentations by creating professional, visually consistent collateral that reinforces company messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management, crucial for operations roles. The emphasis on transforming complex information into visuals and managing multiple projects under deadlines points to the need for strong organizational and analytical skills, akin to those required in operational roles focused on efficiency and output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are essential for creating high-quality print and digital assets.

• Typography & Layout Expertise: Demonstrated excellence in typography, visual hierarchy, and layout design across both print and digital mediums.

• Brand Identity Development: Ability to understand and apply brand guidelines, and potentially contribute to defining or evolving brand elements.

• Print & Digital Production: Solid understanding of preparing files for both print (including large-format) and digital deployment, with knowledge of asset optimization.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, utilizing project management tools.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse internal teams (marketing, brokerage, leasing, research) and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Web Design & Development: Working knowledge of HTML/CSS, and experience with web platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace.

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing: Experience with motion graphics and video editing tools such as Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro.

• Microsoft Office Suite & Presentation Software: Proficiency with PowerPoint for creating compelling presentations, and strong command of Word, Excel, and Outlook for communication and data handling.

• Responsive Design Principles: Understanding of how design adapts across different screen sizes and devices.

• Commercial Real Estate/B2B Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the visual language and marketing needs of the commercial real estate or B2B sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in typography and layout, combined with 3+ years of experience, suggests this role is not entry-level. The preference for B2B or CRE experience indicates a need for candidates who can quickly grasp industry-specific visual communication needs. Proficiency in web platforms and motion graphics points towards a role that supports modern digital marketing strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Storytelling Excellence: Showcase a portfolio that clearly demonstrates the ability to translate complex information (e.g., property data, market insights) into compelling visual narratives.

• Cross-Medium Proficiency: Include examples of work across various mediums, such as print collateral (brochures, offering memoranda), digital assets (web graphics, social media), and potentially environmental graphics or signage.

• Brand Consistency Application: Present projects that highlight adherence to established brand guidelines while also showcasing creative problem-solving within those constraints.

• Process Improvement Examples: If possible, include case studies or project descriptions that illustrate how your design process led to improved efficiency, clearer communication, or enhanced marketing outcomes for previous projects.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow: Be prepared to articulate your design process from brief to final delivery, including how you gather requirements, develop concepts, incorporate feedback, and manage revisions.

• File Management & Organization: Demonstrate an understanding of how to organize and manage design files, assets, and templates efficiently, especially within a collaborative environment.

• Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Be ready to explain how you solicit, receive, and integrate feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role supporting GTM and operations, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic quality but also the strategic thinking behind the design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design work supports business objectives, such as driving leads, facilitating sales conversations, or enhancing brand perception.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 per year

Explanation of Range: This salary range is based on the provided job posting information and aligns with typical compensation for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, particularly within specialized industries such as commercial real estate. Factors influencing placement within this range include the depth of experience, specific skill set (e.g., motion graphics, web design), and demonstrated portfolio impact.

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Savings Plan: Likely includes a 401(k) or similar plan, potentially with employer matching contributions, to aid in long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, providing work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and potentially support for industry certifications to foster career growth.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: May be offered based on individual and company performance, aligning with GTM success.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• First Shift (United States of America) indicates a traditional daytime work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and useful. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US, but specific details about 401k matching, PTO accrual rates, and any unique company perks would enhance this section. The mention of "Empowering Good People to do Extraordinary Things Together" suggests a culture that values employee well-being and development, which can be inferred as part of the benefits package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate. Transwestern operates within a dynamic and competitive market, focusing on investment, development, hospitality, and brokerage/asset services. This industry demands a sophisticated understanding of market trends, client needs, and the ability to communicate complex financial and property information effectively.

Company Size: Transwestern is a significant player in the commercial real estate market, operating with offices nationwide and global alliance partners. This implies a well-established structure with diverse resources and a broad reach, offering opportunities for professional growth and exposure to a wide array of projects.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Transwestern's description emphasizes its established presence and integrated approach, suggesting a company with a history of sustained growth and adaptation within the evolving real estate landscape.

Team Structure:

• Marketing & Design Hub: This role is likely part of a marketing or design team that serves multiple brokerage teams or business units. The team structure probably involves collaboration with marketing specialists, digital content creators, and potentially research analysts.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Graphic Designer will work closely with brokerage teams, leasing agents, business development professionals, and leadership. This requires strong communication and the ability to translate diverse stakeholder needs into visual solutions.

• Reporting Line: The designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or a similar leadership role within the marketing or operations department, overseeing the creative output for various projects.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on transforming data and complex information into accessible, compelling visuals to support leasing and investment decisions.

• Brand-Centric Approach: Strict adherence to and potential contribution to brand standards to ensure consistency and professional representation across all marketing materials.

• Collaborative Workflow: A methodology that encourages input and feedback from various departments to ensure design solutions meet diverse business objectives and stakeholder requirements.

• Agile Project Management: Given the fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, projects are likely managed using agile principles, with a focus on iterative development and timely delivery.

Company Website: http://www.transwestern.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "Empowering Good People to do Extraordinary Things Together" suggests a culture that values teamwork, individual contribution, and collective success. The commercial real estate context means design work must be professional, sophisticated, and directly tied to business outcomes like securing deals and attracting investment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of experience and the ability to work independently on projects while also collaborating effectively within a team. The scope includes handling a variety of design tasks from concept to completion, demonstrating a level of autonomy and responsibility beyond entry-level positions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or a Senior Operations Lead responsible for marketing collateral and visual communications. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for creative freedom in execution. The role involves close collaboration with brokerage teams, leasing agents, and business development personnel, requiring effective communication across different functional areas.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a critical role in supporting the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating visually compelling materials that:

• Enable Sales: High-quality pitch decks, offering memoranda, and brochures are essential tools for brokers to engage potential clients and close deals.

• Drive Lead Generation: Visually appealing digital assets for websites and social media can attract new leads and enhance brand visibility.

• Enhance Brand Perception: Consistent and professional design across all touchpoints reinforces Transwestern's reputation for excellence and sophistication in the commercial real estate market.

• Facilitate Decision-Making: Clear infographics and data visualizations help clients and investors understand complex property and market information, aiding their decision-making process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas like environmental graphics, motion graphics, or digital campaign design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Senior Designer/Creative Lead: Progression to a Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially leading creative initiatives.

• Marketing Management: With experience in B2B marketing and GTM support, there's potential to move into broader marketing management roles, overseeing strategy and execution.

• Cross-functional Moves: Leveraging design and communication skills, opportunities may arise in related fields like marketing coordination, project management, or even business development support within Transwestern.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests that success in this role can lead to greater responsibility within the creative function or broader marketing and operations leadership, emphasizing the strategic value of design in a GTM context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setup is typical for roles requiring close collaboration, access to specific equipment, and immediate team interaction.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL, specifically at the 200 W Madison address. This location places the designer in a major business hub, facilitating interaction with brokerage teams and potentially clients.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting will likely foster direct interaction with marketing colleagues, brokerage teams, and potentially leadership, promoting idea exchange and real-time feedback.

• Access to Resources: Employees will have access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially specialized printing or large-format production resources available through Transwestern.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project-specific discussions, which are crucial for aligning design efforts with business goals.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week, with a "First Shift" designation, implying traditional business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM).

• While primarily a set schedule, the fast-paced nature of commercial real estate marketing may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines for proposals or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and direct access to resources, which can be beneficial for design roles that involve iterative feedback and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative proficiency.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, discussing your design process, creative choices, and how your work has supported business objectives in previous roles. Be prepared to articulate your approach to typography, layout, and visual storytelling.

• Technical & Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or a discussion about your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools. This may involve a timed challenge or a review of specific technical skills.

• Behavioral & Situational Questions: Questions will assess your collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and how you handle feedback and deadlines, particularly in a cross-functional environment.

• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to discuss Transwestern's values and culture, and for you to determine if it's a good fit for your career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to commercial real estate marketing (e.g., brochures, pitch decks, digital ads, branding).

• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design process, and the outcome or impact (e.g., how it supported a sale, improved engagement, or enhanced brand perception). Use quantifiable results where possible.

• Highlight Process: Be ready to walk through your design thinking, demonstrating your understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and how you made specific design decisions.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that showcase your ability to work across different mediums (print, digital, environmental) and adapt to various brand styles.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital or physical presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with Transwestern's brand, their market position, and the types of marketing materials they produce.

• Practice Design Principles: Brush up on core design principles, especially typography, layout, and color theory, as these are foundational.

• Prepare for Data Visualization: Since a key responsibility is transforming complex data, practice creating clear and effective infographics or data visualizations.

• Craft Your Narrative: Be ready to tell the story behind your design choices and demonstrate how your work contributes to business goals, not just aesthetics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and a potential design challenge highlights the critical nature of visual execution and strategic thinking for this role. Candidates should prepare to discuss the business impact of their design work, not just the creative process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe InDesign (for layout and print production), Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations), and Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and digital assets).

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: For creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, including preparing print-ready files and interactive forms.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Crucial for creating high-impact pitch decks, presentations, and proposals for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook for general business communications, data handling, and project coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Familiarity (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how marketing collateral is used within a CRM context can be helpful, though direct CRM management is not expected.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Experience designing email campaigns within these or similar platforms is advantageous for digital marketing responsibilities.

Web & Digital Tools:

• Web Platforms (Preferred): Working knowledge of HTML/CSS, and experience with platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace for website design and updates.

• Motion Graphics/Video Editing (Plus): Experience with Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro for creating dynamic video content or animations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The preferred skills in web platforms and motion graphics indicate that Transwestern values designers who can contribute to their evolving digital marketing efforts and create more dynamic content.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empowerment & Collaboration: Reflecting Transwestern's core purpose, the team likely values empowering individuals to take initiative while fostering a collaborative spirit where team members support each other to achieve extraordinary results.

• Service Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work and exceptional service to internal stakeholders (brokerage teams, leadership) and external clients, ensuring that all design output is professional and effective.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging creative thinking and innovative design solutions that not only meet project requirements but also push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to property marketing.

• Detail-Oriented Execution: A focus on precision, accuracy, and quality control in all design work, recognizing that even small details can significantly impact brand perception and client trust.

• Solutions-Focused Mindset: Approaching challenges with a positive, problem-solving attitude, actively seeking effective design solutions that align with business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A style that emphasizes seamless collaboration with various departments, understanding their unique needs and integrating their input into the design process.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to continuously improve design quality and project outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment, manage expectations, and resolve issues efficiently.

• Shared Ownership: A sense that design projects are a shared responsibility, with the design team acting as a strategic partner to marketing, sales, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose, "Empowering Good People to do Extraordinary Things Together," is a strong indicator of its cultural values. For a designer, this means being a proactive team player who can contribute creatively while also supporting the broader business objectives through effective visual communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Consistently producing innovative designs while adhering to established brand guidelines and meeting diverse stakeholder expectations.

• Managing Shifting Priorities: Navigating a fast-paced commercial real estate environment where project deadlines and priorities can change rapidly, requiring strong organizational and time management skills.

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively visualizing intricate data, market analysis, and property details into clear, concise, and compelling graphics that resonate with target audiences.

• Staying Current with Design Trends & Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software, techniques, and digital marketing trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies.

• Industry-Specific Design Workshops: Learning how to best apply design principles within the commercial real estate context, focusing on effective property marketing and investor communication.

• Project Leadership: Opportunities to lead design on significant projects, gaining experience in project management and client interaction.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or marketing leaders within Transwestern to guide career development and skill enhancement.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of sales enablement, leasing strategies, and investment principles through close collaboration with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a mid-level designer in a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities focus on both deepening creative skills and expanding into strategic or leadership roles, aligning with typical career progression in operations-adjacent creative functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data into a visually compelling graphic. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on clarity, data visualization techniques, and impact.)

• "How do you approach balancing creative freedom with strict brand guidelines?" (Highlight your understanding of brand consistency and how you innovate within constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Transwestern and the commercial real estate industry?" (Research Transwestern's market position, recent deals, and company values.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork, communication, and ability to give/receive feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design process), and the result/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presented projects showcase your proficiency in typography, layout, brand application, and cross-medium design.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects most relevant to commercial real estate marketing (e.g., brochures, pitch decks, digital ads, branding for properties or services).

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your specific tool usage, file preparation, and design software knowledge.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in Transwestern's work and how your design skills can contribute to their success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize the intersection of design skill and business acumen. Candidates need to demonstrate how their creative output directly supports Transwestern's GTM and operational goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Transwestern careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience most relevant to commercial real estate, B2B marketing, and the specific responsibilities outlined. Ensure your portfolio showcases strong typography, layout, and visual storytelling across print and digital mediums.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with web design or motion graphics. Use keywords from the job description such as "commercial real estate," "brand identity," "pitch decks," and "digital design."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and discussing how your work has contributed to business objectives. Prepare to answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, deadline management, and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Transwestern, their market position, recent projects, and company values. Understand their brand aesthetic and identify how your design style aligns with their overall image and objectives.

⚠️ 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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