Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company

Location: West Des Moines, IA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-12T17:12:28

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce a wide range of printed marketing collateral, ensuring consistent brand identity and effective communication of FMH products and services.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external agents to develop co-branded advertising materials and support agency marketing initiatives.

• Manage and maintain visual content for the company's e-commerce platform, optimizing the presentation of marketing and advertising materials.

• Analyze market trends and competitive positioning to inform design strategies and enhance the delivery of content for maximum market impact.

• Create compelling internal and external presentation materials to support training programs, meetings, and company events.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Marketing & Design Operations, bridging creative execution with strategic marketing objectives. The emphasis on print materials, co-branding with agents, and e-commerce maintenance suggests a need for both strong design skills and an understanding of marketing channel effectiveness. The "II" in the title, combined with the 3-7 years of experience requirement, indicates a mid-level position with significant responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute design concepts for brochures, flyers, social media graphics, logos, icons, and merchandise mock-ups, ensuring alignment with FMH's brand guidelines and strategic messaging.

• Support agency co-branding efforts by creating customized advertising materials that empower agents and enhance local market presence.

• Maintain and evolve the visual identity of FMH across all platforms, including logos, imagery, photography, and overall design aesthetic.

• Design and produce a variety of printed marketing materials such as newsletters, postcards, advertisements, and web graphics that effectively communicate product value and company offerings.

• Conceptualize and create engaging internal and external presentation materials, including slides, infographics, and visual aids for training sessions, conferences, and corporate meetings.

• Work in tandem with the e-commerce vendor to manage and update the online store, ensuring marketing and advertising materials are current, visually appealing, and easily accessible.

• Conduct competitive analysis of marketing materials and tactics within the agricultural insurance sector, providing actionable recommendations for design and content delivery to maintain a competitive edge.

• Provide foundational design support to various departments, fulfilling basic design requests and ensuring brand consistency across all internal communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking. The role requires not only artistic talent but also an understanding of marketing strategy, competitive analysis, and brand management within the agricultural sector. The mention of supporting agents and managing an e-commerce platform indicates a need for client-facing and digital commerce awareness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree in Design, Marketing, Graphic Arts, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree in a similar discipline is preferred.

Experience: 3-7 years of dedicated graphic design experience, with a proven track record in creating print materials, logos/icons, merchandise mock-ups, and social media imagery. Experience in agricultural marketing is considered a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, for professional design tasks.

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint for creating and designing presentation materials.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative graphic designs, compelling layouts, and effective visual communication.

• Excellent collaborative and team-oriented work ethic, with the ability to contribute positively to group projects and initiatives.

• Proven verbal and written communication skills, with a keen focus on understanding and addressing the needs of both internal and external customers.

• High degree of concentration and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all design outputs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with agricultural marketing or design for the agriculture industry.

• Familiarity with e-commerce platform maintenance or digital asset management for online stores.

• Understanding of competitive analysis methodologies within the marketing and design space.

• Experience in supporting co-branding initiatives or agency-specific marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-7 years of experience, coupled with an Associate's degree (Bachelor's preferred), firmly places this role at a mid-level. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint is standard for graphic design roles, but the specific mention of agricultural marketing experience and supporting agency co-branding points to a specialized need within FMH's operational context. The portfolio is crucial, needing to demonstrate not just artistic skill but also an understanding of marketing objectives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects that clearly demonstrate proficiency in creating print collateral, including brochures, flyers, and advertisements.

• Examples of logo and icon design, showcasing versatility and understanding of brand identity principles.

• Mock-ups or case studies of merchandise designs, illustrating an ability to translate brand elements to physical products.

• Samples of social media graphics, highlighting an understanding of digital design best practices and platform-specific requirements.

• Visual presentations that exhibit strong layout skills and the ability to convey complex information effectively. Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the design process from concept to final output for key projects, emphasizing problem-solving and strategic decision-making.

• Documentation of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across various design projects.

• Examples of collaborative design processes, illustrating how feedback from stakeholders (agents, internal departments) was incorporated.

• Demonstrations of how design solutions contributed to specific marketing objectives or improved engagement metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to be more than just a collection of pretty pictures; it must tell a story about the candidate's design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of brand strategy, particularly within a regulated industry like insurance. The emphasis on print, social media, and co-branding suggests portfolio pieces should reflect these specific areas.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designer II roles in West Des Moines, IA, with 3-7 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Des Moines metro area and the specific requirements of the role, including proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and experience with print and digital marketing collateral.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.

• A competitive 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match, aiding long-term financial security.

• Hybrid work schedule, offering flexibility and work-life balance after the initial training period.

• Paid Parental Leave and Caregiver Leave to support employees during significant life events.

• Regular Employee Appreciation Events designed to foster a positive and engaged work environment.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential support and resources for personal and professional challenges.

• On-site cafeteria offering convenient and affordable meal options.

• On-site fitness center to promote employee health and wellness.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work schedule will allow for a mix of on-site and remote work days, providing flexibility in managing work hours and location.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since no specific salary was provided, a range was estimated based on typical market rates for a Graphic Designer II with 3-7 years of experience in the West Des Moines, Iowa area. This estimate uses data from various salary aggregators and considers the specialized nature of agricultural marketing. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the job description and are presented to highlight the comprehensive package offered by FMH.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Insurance industry, specifically focusing on agricultural insurance. This sector is characterized by stability, a strong emphasis on trust and reliability, and a deep understanding of the unique risks faced by farmers. FMH's position as "America's Crop Insurance Company™" and its long history (over 125 years) suggest a culture that values tradition, customer focus, and long-term relationships.

Company Size: Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company is a well-established organization with a significant presence, indicated by its comprehensive benefits package and on-site facilities. While specific employee numbers aren't provided, its scale suggests a stable corporate environment with defined processes and departments, offering opportunities for specialization and growth within operational functions.

Founded: Founded over 125 years ago, FMH has a rich history rooted in serving American farmers. This longevity implies a stable, experienced, and potentially conservative organizational culture that prioritizes long-term viability and customer loyalty. The company's ownership structure (owned by the farmers it insures) further reinforces a mission-driven approach centered on farmer success.

Team Structure: The Graphic Designer role likely sits within a Marketing or Communications department. This department would typically collaborate closely with Sales, Underwriting, Claims, and potentially IT departments to ensure cohesive messaging and brand representation across all company functions. The Graphic Designer would report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, working alongside other marketing specialists. The team structure would likely involve clear reporting lines and established communication channels to facilitate efficient project workflows.

Methodology: FMH's operations likely emphasize a methodical and detail-oriented approach, reflecting the nature of the insurance industry. For the design team, this would translate to:

• Data-Driven Design: Using market research and competitive analysis to inform design choices.

• Process Optimization: Implementing standardized design workflows and brand guidelines to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing materials that clearly communicate value and address the needs of farmers and agents.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a stable, customer-centric, and historically rooted organization. For a designer, this means understanding the agricultural audience and the importance of trust and reliability in their work. The "owned by farmers" aspect is a key differentiator that should be reflected in the brand's visual communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer II position represents a mid-level role within the broader marketing and communications operations of FMH. It requires a solid foundation of design skills and practical experience (3-7 years) and involves executing design projects that directly support marketing objectives, agent enablement, and brand consistency. The role is beyond entry-level, expecting independent contribution and problem-solving, but not yet at a senior or managerial level.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or a similar leadership role within the Marketing department. This structure allows for guidance, strategic direction, and performance feedback, while also providing opportunities for collaboration with peers in marketing, communications, and potentially other operational departments like sales support or product development.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work has a tangible impact on FMH's operations by:

• Enhancing Brand Perception: Through consistent and professional visual communication, the designer helps build and maintain trust and credibility with farmers and agents.

• Supporting Sales Enablement: By creating effective marketing collateral and co-branded materials, the designer empowers agents to better promote FMH products and services.

• Improving Communication Clarity: Well-designed presentations and informational materials ensure that complex insurance products and company updates are easily understood by internal and external stakeholders.

• Driving E-commerce Engagement: Visually appealing content on the online store can improve user experience and potentially increase the uptake of marketing materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as agricultural branding, digital marketing design, or advanced print production techniques.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Potential to collaborate with various departments, gaining insights into different aspects of the insurance business and how design supports them.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, there may be opportunities to lead design aspects of larger marketing campaigns or take ownership of specific project types.

• Advancement to Senior Designer: With continued performance and skill development, progression to a Graphic Designer III or Senior Graphic Designer role is a potential career path.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Graphic Designer often involves deepening technical skills, broadening strategic understanding, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized creative roles. For FMH, growth might also involve understanding the nuances of insurance marketing and how visual communication supports regulatory compliance and customer trust.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in West Des Moines, IA, and offers a Hybrid work schedule after the initial training period. This indicates a corporate office environment that supports both on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility. The presence of an on-site cafeteria and fitness center suggests a well-equipped corporate campus designed for employee convenience and well-being.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in West Des Moines, IA. This location is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, offering access to a significant business hub within Iowa. For hybrid employees, proximity to the West Des Moines office will be necessary for designated on-site days.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the role's responsibilities (supporting agents, working with departments) imply a need for effective collaboration, both in-person and remotely. The office likely has meeting rooms and shared spaces conducive to teamwork.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with the necessary hardware (computers, monitors) and software licenses for Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. Access to company networks, shared drives, and potentially a digital asset management system would be expected.

• Team Interaction: On-site days will provide opportunities for direct interaction with marketing colleagues, managers, and potentially individuals from other departments, fostering team cohesion and facilitating quick communication.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing employees to balance their work responsibilities with personal commitments, while ensuring that critical in-office collaboration and tasks are completed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work, and understand that on-site days are crucial for team collaboration and specific project needs. The on-site amenities suggest a company that invests in its employee experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience, design philosophy, understanding of brand identity, and how your skills match FMH's needs. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or in-depth review of your portfolio, potentially involving a discussion of specific projects, design choices, and problem-solving approaches. This is where you'll demonstrate your creative process and technical skills.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues or stakeholders from other departments (e.g., marketing, sales support) to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with leadership, followed by a potential job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best showcase the skills required for this role, focusing on print design, branding, and any relevant agricultural or B2B marketing examples.

• Tell a Story: For each project, be ready to articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design process, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact of your work.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Emphasize how you maintained brand guidelines and created a cohesive visual identity across different assets.

• Showcase Versatility: Include a mix of project types (e.g., brochure, social graphic, logo) to demonstrate your range.

• Prepare for Digital Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio digitally, either via screen share or by providing a link to an online portfolio. Ensure all links are functional.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand FMH's Brand: Research FMH's current marketing materials, website, and mission to grasp their brand identity and target audience.

• Anticipate Design Prompts: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a flyer, social media post, or a simple logo for a specific FMH product or campaign.

• Focus on Process: Even if a full design isn't required, be ready to discuss your approach to such a challenge, including initial research, concept development, and rationale for design decisions.

• Practice Articulating Rationale: Develop concise explanations for your design choices, focusing on how they serve the business objectives and resonate with the target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a designer typically involves a strong emphasis on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their work, explaining their thought process and the impact of their designs. The potential design challenge is a critical component for assessing practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in InDesign (for print layout and publishing), Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation), and Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, and icons). This is the core toolkit for the role.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Required for creating internal and external presentation materials, indicating a need for strong slide design and visual storytelling skills within this platform.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary requirement, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media performance, website click-through rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics tools used for web and social media content performance would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• E-commerce Platform: The role involves working with an "Online Store (e-Commerce) vendor." This suggests a need to understand how design assets are uploaded, managed, and presented within an e-commerce environment, even if direct management of the CRM is not required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard for graphic design roles. The specific mention of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator indicates the expected level of technical skill. The inclusion of Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations and the reference to an e-commerce vendor point to the practical application of these tools in a corporate marketing context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on serving the needs of farmers and agents, reflected in the design of materials that are clear, helpful, and professional.

• Reliability and Trust: As an insurance company, FMH likely values dependability, accuracy, and integrity in all its operations, including visual communications. Designs should convey stability and trustworthiness.

• Efficiency and Effectiveness: The role's responsibilities, such as analyzing competitive positioning and supporting agents, suggest a drive for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also achieve specific marketing and business objectives efficiently.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The hybrid work model and the need to support various departments highlight the importance of working effectively with colleagues, sharing ideas, and contributing to collective goals.

• Brand Integrity: Maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity is crucial, ensuring all visual communications reinforce FMH's established reputation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Graphic Designer will need to collaborate closely with marketing peers, sales teams, and potentially product development or underwriting to understand project needs and ensure designs are aligned with business goals.

• Feedback-Driven Process: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs to refine them and ensure they meet objectives effectively. This involves being open to revisions and incorporating input from various stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where team members share best practices, design trends, and insights to collectively elevate the quality of work and foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and industry strongly influence its values. For a designer, this means understanding that their work contributes to building trust and supporting the agricultural community. The emphasis on collaboration is key for a hybrid role supporting diverse internal needs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Juggling the need to maintain a strict brand identity across all materials while also accommodating specific requests from agents and various internal departments.

• Adapting to Agricultural Market Nuances: Understanding the specific visual language, messaging, and audience considerations relevant to the agricultural sector, which may differ from broader consumer or B2B markets.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Stakeholders: Effectively prioritizing and managing design requests from various sources, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

• Staying Current with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software features, digital marketing trends, and evolving visual communication best practices to keep FMH's materials fresh and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Workshops: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses focusing on agricultural marketing design, advanced print techniques, or digital asset management.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend marketing or design conferences (virtual or in-person) to gain insights into industry best practices and network with professionals.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior design or marketing professionals within FMH to develop strategic thinking and advance career objectives.

• Cross-Training: Exposure to other marketing functions or learning about the insurance product lifecycle to better inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for this role are tied to the specific industry and the nature of corporate design work. Growth opportunities should focus on both technical design skills and strategic marketing understanding within FMH's operational context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with a client's unique design request. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses ability to adhere to brand while being flexible)

• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate complex information, particularly for audiences less familiar with technical terms or products?" (Tests clarity and audience-awareness in design)

• "Walk me through your process for creating a piece of marketing collateral, from initial brief to final delivery. What steps do you take to ensure it meets objectives?" (Evaluates systematic approach and strategic thinking) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about FMH and our mission to support American farmers? How would your design work contribute to this mission?" (Tests research and mission alignment)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment, especially when working with teams from different departments?" (Assesses teamwork and communication skills)

• "Our company values reliability and trust. How do you translate these values into visual design?" (Connects personal values to company culture) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem, your solution (design choices), and the impact/results. Use FMH's mission as a guiding principle for discussing your work's purpose.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Be ready to discuss your sketches, wireframes, or early concepts. This demonstrates your problem-solving approach.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on how a design performed (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates), present it. For FMH, consider how designs might support agent success or customer understanding.

• Tailor Your Examples: Highlight projects that are most relevant to FMH's needs – print materials, B2B marketing, agricultural themes, or strong branding examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions for designers often probe their creative process, problem-solving skills, and ability to align design with business objectives. For FMH, understanding the agricultural context and the company's values will be crucial for demonstrating cultural fit and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest work in print design, branding, and any experience relevant to B2B or agricultural marketing. Ensure it is easily navigable and visually appealing.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly showcase your 3-7 years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint, and any relevant agricultural marketing background. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale behind your creative choices, and how your skills align with FMH's mission. Prepare to discuss specific portfolio pieces in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company, its mission, values, and current marketing efforts. Understand their target audience (farmers and agents) and their position in the agricultural insurance market.

⚠️ 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.