Graphic Designer - Human Resources

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Human Resources

Company: Oakland County

Location: Waterford, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Human Resources Operations

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for enhancing internal communications within Oakland County's Human Resources department through compelling visual design.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating a diverse range of print and digital assets, ensuring consistent brand identity across all HR initiatives.

• This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending remote flexibility with in-office collaboration.

• The role demands proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software and a strong understanding of typography, photography, and print production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context provided (focus on HR initiatives, internal communications, and employee experience) strongly suggests this role operates within the "Human Resources Operations" or "Internal Communications Operations" sphere, impacting employee engagement and operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of internal communications materials, including presentations, newsletters, flyers, brochures, maps, posters, directories, logos, social media assets, intranet content, and displays, all aligned with HR initiatives.

• Utilize modern publishing and graphics software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) to integrate text, imagery, and design elements into polished, professional artwork for internal use.

• Prepare and edit photos through scanning, color correction, retouching, and optimization for both digital and print HR communications.

• Create original artwork and digital illustrations, including enhancing traditional sketches and existing graphics to support HR messaging.

• Develop compelling slideshow presentations and visual aids for HR presentations, internal events, and employee training sessions.

• Maintain and enforce the County’s brand identity, ensuring consistent application of fonts, colors, imagery, and design standards across all HR-related materials.

• Coordinate with printers and external marketing vendors to ensure accurate, high-quality production and timely delivery of printed HR collateral.

• Manage image sizing, cropping, formatting, and placement to support various departmental and divisional HR needs.

• Utilize countywide and department-specific software for managing, tracking, and completing creative assignments within the HR function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on internal operations and employee experience, rather than external marketing. The emphasis on "HR initiatives," "internal communications," and "employee experience" highlights the operational impact of this design role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with a major in graphic arts, graphic design, commercial art, or a closely related field.

• High school diploma or GED is a mandatory prerequisite.

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design software, including but not limited to Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.

• Strong understanding of typography, photography, and design principles.

• Experience in preparing and optimizing images for both print and digital media.

• Ability to combine text, imagery, and design elements effectively.

• Skill in creating original artwork and illustrations.

• Experience in presentation design and building visual aids.

• Knowledge of maintaining brand identity and consistency.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to strict deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of printing procedures and color separation.

• Familiarity with web design principles.

• Experience with video production.

• Proficiency in current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

• Strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with administrators, employees, vendors, and the general public.

• Ability to make routine decisions in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to follow complex written and oral instructions.

• A strong portfolio showcasing creative work in both print and digital media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (4 years) and the educational requirements suggest a mid-level Graphic Designer role. The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools and print/digital production knowledge is standard for this level. The "desirable qualifications" provide a clear roadmap for candidates to highlight relevant, advanced skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in print and digital media relevant to internal communications and HR.

• Include examples of presentations, newsletters, brochures, social media graphics, and branding elements.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of brand guidelines and consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design workflow, from initial client brief and concept development to final asset delivery and production coordination.

• Demonstrate an understanding of project management methodologies for handling multiple design requests and deadlines effectively.

• Show how you ensure quality control and adherence to brand standards throughout the design and production lifecycle.

• Be ready to explain your process for collaborating with stakeholders (e.g., HR department members, printers) to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is explicitly mentioned as a desirable qualification. For a role supporting HR, the portfolio should emphasize internal communication effectiveness and ability to translate complex information into accessible visuals. The process discussion should focus on workflow efficiency and stakeholder management within an organizational structure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,989 - $81,714 per year

Benefits:

• Competitive pay aligned with the provided salary range.

• Comprehensive benefits package, as detailed on the Oakland County Human Resources website.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

• Access to an education assistance program.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• This is a hybrid position, offering a blend of remote and in-office work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. The benefits are described generally but point to a specific external resource for detailed information. The "hybrid" work arrangement is confirmed. The union affiliation is a significant factor for compensation and benefits negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Public Administration. Oakland County is one of Michigan's largest and most dynamic county governments, dedicated to serving its residents.

Company Size: Large organization, serving nearly 1.3 million residents. This implies a structured environment with established processes and a significant internal audience for HR communications.

Founded: The founding date isn't explicitly stated, but Oakland County has a long history of public service, suggesting a stable and established organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Human Resources department, likely working within a sub-team focused on HR communications, employee engagement, or internal operations.

• This role will report to an HR manager or a lead within the HR communications function.

Methodology:

• The county emphasizes integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. This suggests a work environment that values ethical practices, forward-thinking solutions, and a commitment to community well-being.

• Design work will need to align with established county brand guidelines and HR communication strategies, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and accessibility.

• The "All Ways Moving Forward" slogan suggests an organization that embraces progress and continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a public service mission and a large organizational structure. For a graphic designer in HR, this means understanding the unique communication needs of a diverse workforce and adhering to governmental branding and accessibility standards. The "hybrid" nature suggests a modern approach to work flexibility within a public sector setting.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer role focused on internal operations within the HR department. It requires a strong foundation in design principles and software, with a focus on applying these skills to support organizational functions rather than external marketing.

Reporting Structure: The position reports within the Human Resources department, likely to a manager or supervisor responsible for HR communications, employee engagement, or HR operations. This structure offers direct exposure to HR leadership and strategic initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts employee experience by making HR information clear, accessible, and engaging. Effective internal communications can improve employee morale, understanding of policies, participation in programs, and overall organizational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore new design trends, and gain experience in emerging areas like UX/UI for intranets or digital employee platforms.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like employee engagement design, HR branding, or digital content creation for internal platforms.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and experience, there may be opportunities to lead design projects, mentor junior designers, or move into a Senior Graphic Designer or Design Lead role within HR or another county department.

• Cross-departmental Exposure: The hybrid nature and county-wide scope allow for potential collaboration and learning from design needs across different government functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within an established public sector organization. While traditional corporate advancement paths might differ, there's clear potential for skill development, specialization within HR/internal communications, and leadership in project execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid position, indicating a mix of remote work and on-site presence at an Oakland County office, likely in Waterford, Michigan.

Office Location(s): Primarily Waterford, Michigan. The specific office environment will likely be a professional, government office setting.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a standard office environment, possibly shared or individual depending on the specific setup.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration with HR colleagues will exist during in-office days, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with specific days in the office likely determined by departmental needs and team coordination. This flexibility supports better work-life balance while ensuring operational needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, suggesting a modern approach to work-life balance within a government entity. The office environment will be professional, and the collaboration will be focused on supporting HR operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, and the impact of their work. This may include a practical design challenge or case study related to HR communications.

• Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews with HR hiring managers and potentially design peers or HR leadership to assess cultural fit, problem-solving skills, and understanding of HR communication needs.

• Final Round: May involve a more in-depth discussion about strategy, collaboration, and long-term vision for HR design.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 strong projects that best represent your skills relevant to internal communications and HR. Prioritize clarity, impact, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the design process (ideation, execution), tools used, and the outcome or impact. Even for hypothetical projects, detail your thought process.

• Highlight HR Relevance: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into easily understandable visuals, design for employee engagement, or create materials for internal events.

• Digital & Print Mix: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of both digital assets (social media, web graphics, presentations) and print collateral (brochures, posters).

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your design decisions, how you handled feedback, and how your work supports organizational goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Simulation: Be ready for a hypothetical design brief, perhaps for an HR initiative, and outline your approach, key design considerations, and potential deliverables.

• Software Proficiency: Practice using key software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for common tasks such as creating a flyer, resizing images, or developing a simple infographic.

• Brand Consistency: Understand how to apply existing brand guidelines and maintain consistency across different applications.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a challenging design request or a situation where stakeholder feedback is conflicting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges is critical. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking regarding internal communications and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of publications (newsletters, brochures, directories).
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and optimization.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and icons.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For creating and managing PDFs, including interactive elements and form design.

• Desktop Publishing Software: General proficiency in tools used for creating camera-ready artwork.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is essential for integrating design work with text documents and presentations.

• Scanning & Image Editing Equipment: For preparing traditional artwork or photographic prints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined around the Adobe Creative Suite. Candidates should emphasize their mastery of these tools and their ability to leverage them for effective internal communications design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and communications.

• Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas and modern design approaches to HR initiatives.

• Public Service: A commitment to serving the employees of Oakland County through clear and effective communication.

• Quality & Consistency: Ensuring all design outputs are of high quality and adhere to established brand standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with HR colleagues and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency: Designing solutions that are not only visually appealing but also practical and easy to implement.

Collaboration Style:

• The role emphasizes collaboration with HR professionals, requiring clear communication of design concepts and willingness to incorporate feedback.

• A team-oriented approach is expected, working alongside colleagues on various HR projects and initiatives.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes will be key to success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are derived from the company's stated mission and the nature of public service. The emphasis on collaboration within the HR department is paramount for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand/Policy Constraints: Navigating the need for creative design solutions within the strict guidelines of government branding and HR policies.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively interpreting and implementing design requests from various individuals within the HR department and potentially other county entities.

• Adapting to Evolving HR Initiatives: Staying current with changing HR programs, policies, and communication needs, and translating them into compelling visuals.

• Prioritizing and Managing Workload: Juggling multiple design projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced departmental environment.

• Leveraging Hybrid Work Effectively: Maintaining strong collaboration and communication with the team while working remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to master new features or specialized applications within the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Workshops on Internal Communications: Learning best practices for designing effective employee communications, engagement materials, and training aids.

• Web Design & Digital Asset Creation: Developing skills in creating graphics for intranets, employee portals, and digital signage.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing abilities in managing design projects from conception to completion.

• Understanding of HR Functions: Gaining deeper insight into the various aspects of Human Resources, which can inform more effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the unique environment of a government entity and the specific demands of supporting HR. Growth opportunities focus on both design skill enhancement and deeper understanding of the operational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new employee onboarding packet that is both informative and engaging, considering our county's brand guidelines?" (Tests understanding of process, brand adherence, and audience.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict client requirements. How did you ensure both were met?" (Assesses problem-solving, negotiation, and client management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Oakland County and specifically in the Human Resources department?" (Assesses motivation and research into the organization.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to the overall employee experience at Oakland County?" (Connects design work to the broader organizational mission.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, walk through the problem, your creative solution, the tools you used, and the results or impact.

• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to create clear, engaging, and brand-consistent internal communications or HR-related materials.

• Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your design methodology, how you handle feedback, and your decision-making process.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs performed (e.g., increased engagement, higher attendance at an event), present it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of public sector communication, HR needs, and the ability to translate operational requirements into effective visual designs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the Oakland County job portal, ensuring all required fields are filled accurately.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your strongest design samples, prioritizing those relevant to internal communications, HR, and public sector work. Ensure it highlights your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, layout, typography, and image editing.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to prominently feature your years of experience in graphic preparation, desktop publishing, and proficiency with specific design software (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator). Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, clearly articulating your design process, rationale behind your creative choices, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Research Oakland County: Familiarize yourself with Oakland County's mission, values, and recent HR initiatives. Understand their brand guidelines and the importance of public service communication.

⚠️ 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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