Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Boyd Gaming

Location: Dubuque, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-28T18:14:26.181

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to developing and executing visual communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders within the casino entertainment industry.

• The Graphic Designer II will be instrumental in conceptualizing and producing a diverse array of marketing collateral, ensuring brand consistency and impact across all materials.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills and project management capabilities to deliver high-quality assets within specified timelines.

• The role involves close collaboration with various departments and external production vendors to achieve project objectives and maintain brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer II," the context of Boyd Gaming, a casino entertainment company, suggests a focus on dynamic marketing and promotional materials. The "II" designation implies a need for solid foundational skills and the ability to work with some autonomy, but not necessarily senior-level strategic leadership. This role will likely support a broader marketing or creative team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of advertising and internal communication materials, including but not limited to: drawings, posters, Point-of-Purchase (POP) materials, signage, print advertising, direct mail pieces, certificates, and coupons.

• Manage design projects from initial concept development through to final production, ensuring all deadlines are met and project objectives are achieved.

• Collaborate with internal departments to understand their specific design needs and translate those requirements into effective visual solutions.

• Liaise with external production vendors to ensure accurate and high-quality execution of design projects, providing necessary specifications and collecting essential information.

• Perform typesetting, copywriting, and photo/illustration preparation for production as required, demonstrating versatility in creative tasks.

• Organize and maintain comprehensive digital and manual filing systems for all design projects, ensuring easy retrieval and version control.

• Participate in meetings with stakeholders to clarify job objectives, gather feedback, and ensure alignment on design direction.

• Identify and propose solutions for any signage needs across the property to enhance guest experience and operational clarity.

• Continuously maintain and advance professional graphic arts skills through ongoing training, independent research, and staying abreast of industry trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on production and project coordination. The mention of "internal communication materials" alongside advertising materials suggests a need for versatility in design style and application, from internal memos to high-impact promotional campaigns. The requirement to "maintain skill level consistent with correct graphic arts professional standards" points to an expectation of continuous learning and adaptation to new design tools and techniques.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Designer II role. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of graphic design experience is required.

• This must include at least one (1) year of experience working within an advertising agency or a newspaper environment, demonstrating exposure to fast-paced, deadline-driven creative production.

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience at a property level within Boyd Gaming (or a comparable organization) is implied for promotion from a Designer I role, suggesting familiarity with the company's operational environment. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation, retouching, and digital art creation.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Acrobat for PDF creation, editing, and pre-press preparation.

• Demonstrated experience with AI image generation tools, specifically Adobe Firefly.

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

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.

• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and quality in all design outputs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Express for quick design creation and social media assets.

• Familiarity with Sitecore for content management and digital asset integration.

• Experience with Adobe Workfront for project management, workflow automation, and collaboration.

• Basic copywriting and editing skills.

• Experience with pre-press processes and print production coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation and the specific experience requirements (3 years total, with 1 year agency/newspaper and 1 year at-property) suggest that candidates should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and production workflows, capable of working independently on most assigned tasks. The inclusion of AI tools like Adobe Firefly indicates a forward-looking approach to design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating versatility across different media (print, digital, signage, direct mail).

• Specific examples of projects that highlight conceptualization and problem-solving abilities, such as campaign development or internal communication initiatives.

• Visual evidence of proficiency with required software, particularly Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat, demonstrating advanced techniques and output quality.

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, from brief interpretation to final execution, including any challenges overcome.

• Examples of work that adhere to brand guidelines and maintain consistent visual identity. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process followed for key portfolio pieces, including briefing, concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• Documentation or examples of how projects were managed, including timelines, stakeholder communication, and coordination with production.

• Evidence of understanding and application of pre-press requirements for print projects to ensure successful outcomes.

• Examples of how feedback was incorporated and revisions were managed throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer II role, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic talent but also the ability to execute functional design solutions for business needs. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a clear design process and the ability to work within established brand frameworks, especially important in a corporate environment like Boyd Gaming.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Graphic Designer II with 3+ years of experience in a mid-sized market like Dubuque, Iowa, the estimated annual salary range is $55,000 - $75,000. This estimate considers the required software proficiencies, project management responsibilities, and the casino entertainment industry context.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and ongoing training in design software and industry trends.

• Employee discounts and perks related to Boyd Gaming's properties and services.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or salary increases.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are expected, though occasional overtime may be necessary to meet project deadlines or support special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on national averages for Graphic Designer II roles, adjusted for the specific location (Dubuque, IA) and industry (Casino Entertainment). Benefits are standard for full-time positions in a large corporation like Boyd Gaming. The working hours are typical for a creative role that requires meeting deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Casino Entertainment. Boyd Gaming operates a diverse portfolio of casino entertainment properties across the United States, focusing on delivering exceptional guest experiences. This industry demands high-quality visual branding and marketing to attract and retain customers.

Company Size: Boyd Gaming is a large corporation, employing over 10,000 individuals. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes and a significant marketing and creative department.

Founded: Boyd Gaming Corporation was founded in 1988. With decades of experience, the company has a well-established brand identity and operational history.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will likely be part of a larger Marketing or Creative Services department.

• This team may include other designers (at various levels), copywriters, art directors, marketing specialists, and project managers.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager, with direct collaboration with marketing leads and potentially property-level management.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving interaction with operations, promotions, and executive teams to ensure design aligns with business objectives. Methodology:

• Data-driven design: Utilizing market research and guest feedback to inform creative decisions and measure campaign effectiveness.

• Brand consistency: Strict adherence to established brand guidelines across all visual communications.

• Project management: Employing structured workflows and project management tools to ensure timely and efficient delivery of creative assets.

• Continuous improvement: Encouraging feedback and iterative design processes to enhance creative output and operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a large casino entertainment company like Boyd Gaming means being part of a fast-paced, guest-focused environment. The design team plays a critical role in shaping the brand's image and driving customer engagement through visually appealing campaigns. The emphasis will be on producing high-volume, high-impact creative assets that align with the company's brand strategy and operational needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level individual contributor (Designer II). It signifies a transition from entry-level design tasks to more independent project ownership, requiring a solid grasp of design principles, software proficiency, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion. The scope includes contributing to both internal and external creative needs.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will typically report to a Creative Director, Art Director, or Marketing Manager. They will work closely with marketing teams, property leadership, and potentially other creative professionals within the department.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer II's work directly impacts the company's brand perception, customer engagement, and promotional effectiveness. High-quality, on-brand visuals are critical for attracting guests, driving traffic to properties, and reinforcing brand loyalty, thereby contributing significantly to revenue generation and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas such as digital advertising, motion graphics, or brand identity development.

• Advancement: Progress to senior designer roles (e.g., Graphic Designer III, Senior Graphic Designer) or into specialized roles like Art Director, Creative Lead, or Marketing Specialist.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in new design software, AI tools, and emerging creative technologies. Access to training, workshops, and industry conferences.

• Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead smaller design projects, or contribute to strategic creative planning as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in Graphic Designer II suggests a career path with clear progression opportunities within Boyd Gaming's creative department. Candidates should express interest in growing their skills and taking on more responsibility. Highlighting an understanding of how design impacts business outcomes (revenue, guest engagement) will be key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, meaning the Graphic Designer II will be working from a physical office location within one of Boyd Gaming's properties or a dedicated corporate office. The environment is likely a professional office setting.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located at 501 Bell St., Ste. 102, Dubuque, Iowa. This location is part of Boyd Gaming's operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dedicated desk or cubicle within a shared design or marketing department.

• Access to necessary hardware (computers, monitors) and software, including the Adobe Creative Suite and other specified tools.

• Opportunities for collaboration with colleagues through in-person meetings, team brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions.

• A dynamic environment, potentially with exposure to the bustling atmosphere of a casino property, which can inspire creative concepts.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, requiring a standard 40-hour work week. While typical business hours are expected, flexibility may be needed to accommodate project deadlines, special events, or promotional launches that occur outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment within the casino industry. The location in Dubuque, Iowa, suggests a specific property or regional office setting. The potential for interaction with the casino floor environment could offer unique creative inspiration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, design process, software proficiency, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. This may include behavioral questions.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, discuss specific projects in detail, and potentially complete a design exercise or case study relevant to the casino entertainment industry. This is where you'll demonstrate your conceptual thinking, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with potential team members or cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., marketing managers) to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate with the broader team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Tailor this selection to showcase skills in print, signage, direct mail, and digital, relevant to Boyd Gaming's needs.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Highlight projects that demonstrate advanced techniques in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat. If you have AI experience, include relevant examples.

• Brand Awareness: Include projects that show an understanding of brand consistency and how to work within established guidelines, or how you developed a brand identity from scratch.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, how you handle feedback, and how you manage project timelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Industry: Research Boyd Gaming's brands, their target audience, and their current marketing campaigns.

• Anticipate Tasks: Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a new promotion, designing a piece of signage, or adapting an existing asset.

• Focus on Process: Even if the challenge is brief, articulate your thought process, your approach to problem-solving, and how you would ensure brand alignment.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a limited timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Graphic Designer II will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not just show their work, but to explain the "why" and "how" behind their design decisions, demonstrating strategic thinking and a deep understanding of design principles and their application in a business context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations. Expect to use advanced features for professional output.

• Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, retouching, digital painting, and creating raster-based graphics for print and web.

• Adobe Acrobat: Necessary for preparing print-ready files, creating interactive PDFs, managing document versions, and ensuring proper output settings.

• Adobe Firefly/AI Image Generation: Increasingly important for concept development, asset creation, and exploring new visual possibilities. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate practical application.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design assets perform (e.g., click-through rates on ads, engagement on social media) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards might be helpful for understanding campaign performance. CRM & Automation:

• Adobe Express: Preferred for quicker design tasks, social media content creation, and template-based design.

• Sitecore: Preferred for candidates with experience in content management systems, particularly for digital assets and web content.

• Adobe Workfront: Preferred for project management, workflow automation, task tracking, and team collaboration within a creative department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) is non-negotiable. The inclusion of Adobe Firefly/AI signifies a requirement for modern design skills. Experience with Adobe Express, Sitecore, and Adobe Workfront are strong preferences that will set candidates apart, indicating an ability to work within established corporate creative workflows and tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and pushing creative boundaries while staying aligned with brand objectives.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to producing high-caliber work that reflects positively on the Boyd Gaming brand.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared, and mutual support is provided across departments.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Delivering projects on schedule and optimizing workflows to meet the demands of a fast-paced industry.

• Guest Focus: Understanding that all creative efforts ultimately aim to enhance the guest experience and drive business success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing managers, promotion teams, and property leadership to ensure design solutions meet strategic goals.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive criticism to improve designs and project outcomes.

• Team-Based Problem Solving: Engaging in brainstorming sessions and collaborative efforts to overcome creative challenges.

• Clear Communication: Maintaining transparent and effective communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed of progress and to clarify project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Boyd Gaming, as reflected in its operations, likely emphasizes a strong work ethic, a focus on customer experience, and teamwork. For a designer, this means being adaptable, communicative, and able to translate business needs into compelling visual narratives that resonate with the casino entertainment audience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume Production: Managing a continuous stream of design requests from various departments, requiring efficient time management and prioritization.

• Brand Consistency Across Diverse Properties: Ensuring that design elements consistently reflect the overarching Boyd Gaming brand while also catering to the unique identity of individual properties.

• Rapidly Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with new design software, AI capabilities, and visual trends in the competitive casino entertainment market.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Translating marketing goals and operational needs into aesthetically pleasing and effective design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and explore new features and applications.

• AI Design Exploration: Learning to leverage AI tools like Adobe Firefly for ideation, asset creation, and workflow enhancement.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Attending events focused on graphic design, marketing, and the casino industry to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers and creative directors within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to refine design skills in a high-demand industry. The primary challenge will be maintaining quality and creativity under pressure and across a diverse brand portfolio. Growth will come from mastering new tools and understanding how design directly influences business success in the casino sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial brief to final delivery. Can you walk us through a specific example from your portfolio?" (Focus on workflow, ideation, execution, and stakeholder management).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing materials and for various properties?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and adaptability).

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from stakeholders, especially when it conflicts with your initial design concept?" (Demonstrate professionalism, communication, and problem-solving).

• "Given the fast-paced nature of the casino industry, how do you prioritize multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Showcase organizational skills and time management strategies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Boyd Gaming and the casino entertainment industry specifically?" (Research the company's brands, values, and recent campaigns).

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of a company like ours?" (Connect your skills to business outcomes like guest engagement and brand perception).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult team member or stakeholder. How did you manage the situation?" (Illustrate your teamwork and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by highlighting your strongest skills relevant to the job description.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the results (if quantifiable). Use storytelling to engage the interviewer.

• Showcase Technical Prowess: Be prepared to discuss the specific software and techniques used. If you have AI experience, be ready to show how you've applied it.

• Be Enthusiastic and Professional: Convey your passion for design and your professionalism in handling client/stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent, but also the ability to be a reliable, collaborative, and results-oriented team member within a corporate structure. Be ready to discuss your process, your problem-solving approach, and how your work directly contributes to business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating proficiency in print advertising, signage, direct mail, and internal communications, showcasing your ability to work with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and Adobe Firefly. Include examples that reflect brand development or adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, specific software proficiencies, and any relevant agency or in-house design experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X promotional materials leading to Y increase in engagement").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, project management approach, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to discuss your portfolio pieces in detail and research Boyd Gaming's brands and current marketing efforts.

• Company Research: Understand Boyd Gaming's position in the casino entertainment market, their various property brands, and their overall marketing strategy to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.