Graphic Designer - Chicago, on-site

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Alexander Group

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-04

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead visual brand identity and market positioning for a leading global go-to-market consulting firm.

• Develop high-impact digital assets, marketing collateral, and executive-level presentations to support thought leadership and demand generation initiatives.

• Drive innovation in creative operations by integrating modern design software, workflow tools, and AI-driven creative technologies.

• Maintain brand consistency and elevate visual storytelling across all client-facing and internal communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the marketing function, with a strong emphasis on supporting the firm's go-to-market consulting services. The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating complex consulting strategies into compelling visual narratives, requiring a deep understanding of B2B marketing principles and corporate branding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and refresh a wide array of marketing collateral, including whitepapers, case studies, digital research reports, and campaign assets, ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines.

• Create cutting-edge digital assets for website features, interactive user experiences, and high-converting social media campaigns, including custom video thumbnails and motion graphics.

• Format, polish, and optimize high-stakes PowerPoint presentations and pitch decks for executive leadership and external client engagements, ensuring clarity and visual impact.

• Develop and maintain customizable presentation templates to standardize and elevate internal design quality across the firm.

• Manage and curate the firm’s digital asset and image libraries, ensuring efficient organization and accessibility for all stakeholders.

• Proactively research and integrate modern design software, workflow tools, and AI-driven creative tools to enhance speed, efficiency, and creative iteration in design processes.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, balancing fast turnaround times with high-quality output in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high-stakes PowerPoint presentations and pitch decks for leadership and external events" suggests a need for advanced PowerPoint skills beyond basic template usage, including data visualization, animation, and strategic messaging integration. The "AI-driven creative tools" requirement indicates a forward-thinking approach to design operations, expecting candidates to be proficient in leveraging emerging technologies for efficiency and innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles with this experience level and responsibility.

Experience: 5+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for backgrounds in professional services, B2B marketing, or agency environments.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, with a focus on advanced PowerPoint formatting, design, and presentation capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict brand consistency across all visual touchpoints and marketing collateral.

• Strong understanding of visual hierarchy, typography, and modern design principles relevant to B2B and corporate communications.

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects with fast turnaround times.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in interacting with cross-functional team members and leadership.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive problem-solving attitude when navigating feedback and shifting priorities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for or working within WordPress or Elementor website platforms.

• Practical experience using generative AI design tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly) to optimize workflows, ideate, and increase productivity.

• Experience with motion graphics and digital ad creative development.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for WordPress/Elementor experience suggests the Graphic Designer might be involved in website updates or content creation for the company's web presence, beyond static assets. The strong emphasis on "AI-driven creative tools" indicates a desire for candidates who are not only skilled in traditional design software but also eager to explore and leverage new technologies to enhance creative output and efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, curated portfolio demonstrating creative, modern B2B/corporate design work.

• Examples of web graphic design, including mockups or live site components.

• A robust collection of marketing collateral, such as whitepapers, case studies, and digital reports.

• Demonstration of polished and executive-ready presentation designs, showcasing data visualization and strategic messaging.

• Evidence of maintaining brand consistency across diverse project types. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process from concept to final delivery, highlighting workflow optimization strategies.

• Examples of how they have managed multiple projects, prioritized tasks, and incorporated feedback to achieve project goals.

• Demonstration of how they have leveraged design tools and technologies (including AI) to improve efficiency and creative outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is critical for this role. Applicants should focus on showcasing projects that reflect a sophisticated understanding of B2B consulting audiences and the ability to translate complex business concepts into clear, visually appealing designs. Projects involving data visualization, executive presentations, and digital marketing assets will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Bonus eligibility, indicating performance-based incentives.

• (Additional benefits typically include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, etc., which are assumed but not explicitly detailed in the provided text.)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $75,000-$85,000 for a Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in Chicago, IL, is competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for this level of expertise in a major metropolitan area. The bonus eligibility suggests a performance-driven culture where contributions are recognized financially. Research on cost of living in Chicago indicates this salary range offers a comfortable standard of living for an individual.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Management Consulting (Go-to-Market Strategy)

Company Size: Alexander Group has served over 3,000 companies, with a significant portion being Fortune 500 corporations, indicating a large client base and likely a substantial internal team structure. The company was founded in 1985, suggesting established processes and a long-standing reputation.

Founded: 1985.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will join a dynamic marketing team, working alongside other marketing professionals and collaborating closely with consultants and leadership.

• The role requires interaction with cross-functional team members, implying a matrixed or project-based team structure common in consulting environments.

• A reporting structure to a Marketing Manager or Director is highly probable. Methodology:

• The company's core methodology revolves around practical, executable solutions for commercial teams, informed by over 40 years of experience and a rich repository of industry data.

• Emphasis is placed on data-driven recommendations and maximizing growth opportunities for clients globally.

• The marketing team likely supports this by creating assets that communicate these data-driven insights and strategic solutions effectively.

Company Website: alexandergroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Alexander Group's focus on "go-to-market consulting" and "revenue growth" means the marketing team, including the Graphic Designer, plays a crucial role in visually communicating complex business strategies and data-driven insights to a sophisticated B2B audience. The culture is likely professional, results-oriented, and fast-paced, reflecting the demands of the consulting industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor within the marketing function, focusing on specialized creative execution. It's a mid-level to senior position within the design discipline.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Director, working collaboratively with a broader marketing team and directly with consulting staff and leadership on specific projects.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the firm's market perception, brand authority, and effectiveness of its demand generation and sales enablement efforts. High-quality visuals are critical for conveying expertise and building trust with C-suite clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, web design, or AI-driven creative workflows.

• Leadership: Potentially move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, Art Director, or lead design initiatives on major client-facing projects or internal brand campaigns.

• Skill Expansion: Develop skills in areas like UX/UI design or digital marketing strategy through internal projects or external training.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role likely involves taking on more complex and strategic design projects, mentoring junior designers (if the team expands), and becoming a subject matter expert in visual branding for the consulting industry. The company's global reach and diverse client base offer opportunities to work on a wide range of challenging and impactful creative initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, located in Chicago, IL, at One North Wacker Drive. This suggests a professional corporate office setting.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States (One North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606). This central location offers accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with marketing colleagues, consultants, and leadership.

• Access to modern design software and technology, including potentially advanced workstations and AI tools, is implied.

• The office setting will likely foster a professional atmosphere conducive to focused design work and team collaboration.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines, especially common in consulting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a prominent Chicago address emphasizes a traditional corporate work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with in-office collaboration, in-person meetings, and a structured workday, which can be beneficial for team synergy and direct mentorship in design execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience. Expect questions about your design process and relevant project examples.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially involving a design brief for a marketing collateral piece, presentation refinement, or a critique of existing designs, focusing on speed, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion about your experience, how you handle feedback, collaborate with stakeholders, and integrate new technologies (like AI) into your workflow. Case studies from your portfolio will be a key discussion point.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior marketing leadership or department heads to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment with the company's brand vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight B2B corporate design, with a strong emphasis on projects for professional services or similar industries.

• Include examples of marketing collateral (whitepapers, case studies), digital assets (web graphics, social media), and polished presentation decks.

• For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you solved, your design process, and the impact or outcome. Quantify results where possible.

• Showcase your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and your ability to maintain brand consistency.

• If you have experience with WordPress/Elementor or AI design tools, include relevant examples. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for a consulting audience – how do you convey expertise and build trust visually?

• Practice refining existing designs (e.g., a poorly formatted slide) to demonstrate your polish and attention to detail under time constraints.

• Familiarize yourself with Alexander Group's current branding and marketing materials to understand their visual language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely place significant weight on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to "walk through" their portfolio, explaining their design decisions, problem-solving techniques, and the impact of their work. Demonstrating an understanding of how design supports business objectives, particularly in a consulting context, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (advanced proficiency required).

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint (advanced formatting, design, and presentation capabilities), Word, Excel.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly analytics roles, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website click-through rates, social media engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics concepts (e.g., Google Analytics) is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with content management systems like WordPress or Elementor is preferred for web design tasks.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems is a plus for library management. Emerging Technologies:

• Generative AI design tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly) are highly desirable, indicating a need for candidates who can integrate these into their workflow for ideation, asset creation, and efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint is non-negotiable. The explicit mention of AI-driven creative tools suggests the company is forward-thinking and seeks designers who can adapt and leverage new technologies. Experience with WordPress/Elementor indicates potential involvement in website content updates or design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Delivering high-quality, polished, and impactful design work that reflects the firm's premium consulting services.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with marketing colleagues, consultants, and leadership to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Proactively integrating modern design tools and workflows, including AI, to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• Client Focus: Understanding that design serves business objectives and client perception, ensuring brand consistency and strategic messaging.

• Adaptability: Remaining flexible and positive when faced with changing priorities or feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with content creators, marketing strategists, and subject matter experts (consultants).

• Open communication and a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback are essential.

• The team likely values a proactive approach to problem-solving and a shared commitment to elevating the firm's brand presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Alexander Group, as a leading consulting firm, is likely professional, results-driven, and intellectually stimulating. The marketing team supports this by ensuring the firm's visual communication is as sharp and strategic as its consulting advice. Candidates should demonstrate a professional demeanor and a strong work ethic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Managing fast turnaround times for design requests while maintaining high standards of visual excellence and brand consistency.

• Translating Complex Concepts: Visually representing abstract consulting methodologies and data-driven insights in an accessible and compelling manner.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating emerging design tools, particularly AI, into established workflows.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing feedback and expectations from diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and consultants with varying design sensibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like motion graphics, video editing, or advanced data visualization.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Becoming an expert in leveraging AI for design ideation, asset generation, and workflow automation.

• Web Design Expansion: Further developing skills in WordPress/Elementor or UX/UI principles.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deeper insight into the go-to-market consulting industry and its visual communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be maintaining a high level of creative output in a demanding B2B consulting environment. Growth opportunities will stem from taking on increasingly complex projects and becoming a go-to expert for visual strategy within the firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a whitepaper or research report from initial brief to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, research, design choices, and client collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of marketing materials?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and your systematic approach.)

• "How have you leveraged AI or other modern tools to improve your design process or creative output?" (Be ready to share specific examples and discuss your experience with generative AI.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving, and professionalism.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Alexander Group and our go-to-market consulting services?" (Research the company's website, services, and recent publications.)

• "How do you see design contributing to the success of a consulting firm like ours?" (Connect your skills to business objectives and market positioning.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members." (Align your response with the company's professional and collaborative culture.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare a concise narrative for each portfolio piece, focusing on the problem, your solution, your process, and the outcome.

• Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "This design contributed to a 15% increase in landing page conversion rates").

• Be ready to discuss your technical skills and how you used specific software features.

• If you have AI or WordPress/Elementor experience, be prepared to showcase relevant projects and explain your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical design skill, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the B2B consulting landscape. Your ability to articulate your process and the business impact of your design work will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paylocity.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in B2B corporate design, marketing collateral, and presentation design, with a specific emphasis on professional services or agency backgrounds.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint), and any experience with WordPress/Elementor or AI design tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear communication of your design process, problem-solving skills, and the business impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with brand consistency and modern design trends.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Alexander Group's website, services, and recent publications to understand their brand, target audience, and consulting approach. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.