Graphic Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer II

Company: State of North Carolina - Department of Public Safety

Location: Wake County, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting the Department of Public Safety's (DPS) mission by creating impactful print and digital design assets for marketing, instructional, and public awareness campaigns.

• The Graphic Designer II will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing visual designs that align with the department's brand positioning and strategic communication goals.

• This position requires a strong understanding of design principles and the ability to translate client needs into compelling visual narratives across various media.

• Collaboration with internal stakeholders and clients will be key to understanding project parameters, audience, and objectives to drive creative vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Graphic Designer II (S)" title and "NC07" grade suggest a mid-level position within the state's classification system, typically requiring a few years of specialized experience. The mention of "State Telework Program" and "Hybrid" work arrangement indicates a flexible work environment. The emphasis on "public safety mission" and "department-wide marketing, instructional and public awareness efforts" signals a focus on government communication and outreach strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of print and digital materials, including brochures, flyers, social media graphics, presentations, and web assets, to support departmental initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with internal clients and stakeholders to understand project requirements, target audiences, and communication objectives, providing expert design consultation.

• Maintain and evolve the visual identity and brand standards of the Department of Public Safety across all design outputs.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from initial concept through final delivery, ensuring timely completion and high-quality results.

• Stay current with design trends, software updates, and emerging technologies to continuously enhance creative output and efficiency.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients and customers by actively listening to their needs and providing effective visual solutions.

• Advise clients on the most appropriate visual media, methods, and scope for their communication needs.

• Translate complex information and subject matter into accessible and engaging visual designs for diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and client-facing consultation, typical for a Graphic Designer II role in a government setting. The need to "safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina" highlights the critical nature of the DPS's mission and the importance of clear, impactful communication from this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Visual/Graphic Design, Commercial Art, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution.

• Alternatively, an Associate's degree in Visual/Graphic Design, Commercial Art, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution AND two years of relevant visual/graphic design experience.

• Alternatively, a High School Diploma or GED AND four years of experience in visual/graphic design, commercial art, or a field related to the area of assignment.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience is expected, with a focus on creating both print and digital assets.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

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

• Ability to conceptualize and develop creative ideas from inception to final product.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective client consultation and relationship management.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Strong sense of design and understanding of its role in brand positioning and strategy.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of practices pertinent to graphic and visual design.

• Working knowledge of incorporating various application packages relevant to graphic design.

• Working knowledge of organizational principles of design and visual art elements.

• Experience with digital asset management and content creation for social media platforms.

• Familiarity with video editing or motion graphics software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Management Preferences" section directly translates into preferred skills, highlighting a need for candidates who not only possess technical proficiency but also a deeper understanding of design theory and application within an organizational context. The emphasis on "visual media promotion" and understanding "brand positioning and strategy" indicates that this role goes beyond basic execution to strategic communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of print and digital design projects is mandatory.

• Projects should demonstrate proficiency in conceptualization, execution, and problem-solving across various media.

• Include examples that highlight your ability to translate client objectives into effective visual communications.

• Showcase projects that illustrate your understanding of brand guidelines and consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your process for managing projects from brief to final delivery, including client consultation, concept development, revisions, and final output.

• Provide examples of how you have gathered requirements, assessed client needs, and proposed design solutions.

• Illustrate your approach to staying organized and managing multiple concurrent projects within defined timelines.

• Showcase your methods for incorporating feedback and iterating on designs to achieve optimal results.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. The "Description of Work" section implies a need for candidates who can consult with clients, understand project parameters, and drive creative vision, all of which should be evident in the submitted portfolio. The emphasis on "overall quality of creative work" suggests that the portfolio should reflect a high standard of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $37,377.00 - $65,408.00 annually

Benefits:

• State Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for comprehensive state benefits.

• Paid Time Off: Includes paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays, supporting work-life balance.

• Retirement Plan: Participation in a state-sponsored retirement savings plan.

• Health Insurance: Access to health insurance coverage.

• Telework Flexibility: This position qualifies for part-time teleworking under the State Telework Program, offering a hybrid work arrangement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time schedule: 40 hours per week.

• Typically Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with potential flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on the "Recruitment Range" specified in the job description. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the text, highlighting the advantages of state employment. The hybrid work arrangement is explicitly mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector, specifically Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a large state agency focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of North Carolina citizens through various divisions like Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, and Juvenile Justice.

Company Size: The Department of Public Safety is a substantial state agency, employing over 3,000 employees and 12,000 National Guard members, indicating a large, structured organization with diverse operational needs.

Founded: While the founding date of the Department of Public Safety specifically isn't provided, its operational scope within North Carolina government implies a long-standing commitment to public service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer II will be part of the DPS Communications Team, suggesting a centralized communications function supporting various divisions within the department.

• This team likely comprises professionals skilled in various communication disciplines, including writing, public relations, social media management, and graphic design.

Methodology:

• The DPS Communications Team's work will be driven by the department's mission to "safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina."

• Design work will support public safety objectives, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and impact in marketing, instructional materials, and public awareness campaigns.

• A data-informed approach is implied, as effective communication in public safety often relies on reaching specific audiences with targeted messages.

• The emphasis on "brand positioning and strategy" suggests a structured approach to visual communication and messaging.

Company Website: https://www.ncdps.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working for the "State of North Carolina - Department of Public Safety" is significant. It implies a mission-driven environment focused on civic duty and public service. The scale of the department suggests opportunities for broad impact and exposure to diverse projects related to law enforcement, emergency response, and justice systems. The team structure points towards a collaborative environment where design supports broader communication strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Graphic Designer II (NC07), indicating a mid-level position. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and software, along with the ability to work independently on projects and consult with clients. This level typically involves more responsibility and autonomy than an entry-level role but may not yet involve significant team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer II reports to the DPS Communications Team. While the specific reporting manager is listed as Katrina Akins, the broader structure places this role within a team of communication professionals. The work is reviewed for quality and design concept, suggesting oversight from a senior communication or design lead.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer II's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of the Department of Public Safety's communication efforts. By creating clear, engaging, and strategically aligned visual materials, this role contributes to:

• Enhancing public understanding of safety initiatives and services.

• Supporting internal training and awareness programs.

• Strengthening the department's brand identity and public trust.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital media, motion graphics, or data visualization relevant to public safety communications.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potential to lead design aspects of larger communication campaigns or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various public safety divisions, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to critical outreach efforts.

• State Career Progression: Advancement opportunities within the State of North Carolina's classification system, potentially to Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director roles, depending on performance and available openings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "S" in "Graphic Designer II (S)" often denotes a supervisory or specialized role within state government classifications. Given the responsibilities, it leans towards specialized expertise rather than direct supervision, but it signifies a level above a standard entry-level position. The growth potential in a large state agency like DPS is often structured and depends on performance and available positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting indicates a "Hybrid" work arrangement, suggesting a blend of on-site work at the specified location (512 N. Salisbury St, Wake County, NC) and remote work. This arrangement provides flexibility while maintaining essential in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is in Wake County, North Carolina, likely within the Department of Public Safety's facilities. Wake County is the state capital region, offering access to amenities and a central location within North Carolina.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: As part of the DPS Communications Team, the designer will work alongside other communication professionals, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for developing integrated campaigns.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided, supporting creative output. The description implies a need for proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues for brainstorming, feedback sessions, and project coordination, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The hybrid nature of the role allows for flexibility in managing work hours and location, aligning with the State Telework Program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect, indicating a modern approach to work within the state government. Wake County's location implies a professional office setting with access to state resources and a community of government professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a complete application through the Workday system, ensuring all relevant education and experience are detailed.

• Portfolio Submission: Be prepared to submit a portfolio that clearly demonstrates your graphic design skills, conceptual abilities, and project management experience. This is a critical component.

• Initial Screening: Human Resources and potentially the hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for minimum qualifications and desired skills.

• Interviews: Successful candidates will likely undergo one or more interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the Communications Team. These interviews will assess technical skills, creative approach, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical design exercise or case study may be administered to evaluate real-time design skills, problem-solving, and ability to work under pressure.

• Final Selection: Based on interview performance, portfolio review, and any assessments, the final candidate will be selected.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that align with government communications, public safety, or similar initiatives if possible.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, and the final outcome/impact.

• Highlight Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital work, showcasing your ability to adapt to different mediums.

• Quality over Quantity: A smaller selection of high-quality, impactful projects is better than a large collection of mediocre ones.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research the Department of Public Safety's mission, divisions, and current communication priorities.

• Design Principles: Be ready to discuss core design principles and how you apply them.

• Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a design challenge for a specific public safety campaign or initiative.

• Client Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed client expectations and incorporated feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan" and the detailed instructions on the Workday application process highlight the formal nature of state hiring. The mention of "PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions" is a critical compliance requirement for certain positions within DPS.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected, including:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and design of print materials (brochures, reports, flyers).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Particularly PowerPoint for presentations, Word for text integration, and potentially Excel for data visualization elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this Graphic Designer role, though understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing or communication platforms might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools for this role are clearly the Adobe Creative Suite applications. Proficiency is not just desired but implied as a fundamental requirement for executing the described responsibilities. The mention of "visual media promotion" suggests that the designer should be aware of how their creations will be used and potentially measured.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A strong commitment to serving the citizens of North Carolina through effective and impactful public safety communications.

• Integrity and Honor: Upholding the highest ethical standards in design work and professional conduct, reflecting the department's core values.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Communications Team and across different DPS divisions to achieve shared communication goals.

• Efficiency and Quality: Producing high-quality design work in a timely manner, ensuring that all materials are accurate, professional, and align with departmental standards.

• Innovation: Staying current with design trends and technologies to bring fresh perspectives and effective solutions to communication challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will collaborate with writers, communication specialists, and potentially subject matter experts from various public safety divisions to ensure design accurately reflects content and objectives.

• Feedback-Driven: An openness to constructive feedback from clients and team members is essential for iterating on designs and achieving optimal outcomes.

• Strategic Alignment: Working closely with communication strategists to ensure all visual elements support broader campaign goals and brand messaging.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing design expertise to team discussions and potentially sharing best practices with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are inferred from the department's mission statement ("safeguard and preserve the lives and property of the people of North Carolina through preparation, prevention, and protection with integrity and honor") and the general expectations of a public service organization. Collaboration is key in a large agency where diverse needs must be met.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing for a broad range of stakeholders, from the general public to internal staff and potentially specialized groups, requires adaptability in visual communication.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Bureaucratic Requirements: Navigating state government processes and approvals while maintaining creative integrity and strategic alignment.

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively communicating technical or sensitive public safety information through clear and accessible visuals.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving design software, digital platforms, and communication trends within the public sector.

• Resource Constraints: Potentially working with defined budgets and timelines typical in government operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses focused on areas like advanced Adobe Suite techniques, UX/UI design principles, or data visualization.

• Public Safety Communications Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of the nuances of communicating about public safety issues, which can inform more effective design strategies.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Exposure to projects from different DPS divisions, broadening understanding of governmental operations and communication strategies.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior communication professionals within the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are derived from the nature of working in a large government agency with a critical public safety mission, requiring clear and impactful communication to diverse audiences. Growth opportunities focus on skill development and exposure relevant to the specific sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict client requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on client consultation, compromise, and delivering results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate complex information to a broad audience?" (Discuss simplification, visual hierarchy, and audience analysis.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Department of Public Safety and contributing to its mission?" (Emphasize alignment with public service values and the impact of design.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them into your work, especially within a government context?" (Highlight continuous learning and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by highlighting your best work first.

• Storytelling: For each key project, tell a story: the problem, your solution (design process), and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate skills relevant to government communication, brand consistency, and effective visual storytelling.

• Be Prepared for Live Exercises: Understand that you might be asked to complete a small design task or critique existing designs during the interview.

• Discuss Tools: Be ready to talk about your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and how you leverage its features.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe the candidate's ability to translate creative skills into tangible results for a public service organization, emphasizing strategic thinking, client management, and adaptability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer II position:

• Complete Your Workday Application Thoroughly: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely, paying close attention to dates of employment and education. Do not rely solely on a resume.

• Prepare Your Design Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing your best print and digital design work. Be ready to share a link or files as requested. Highlight projects that demonstrate conceptual thinking, technical skill, and problem-solving.

• Tailor Your Resume (Optional but Recommended): While not a substitute for the application, a well-tailored resume can supplement your submission. Use keywords from the job description and highlight achievements relevant to graphic design, client consultation, and project management.

• Research the Department of Public Safety: Familiarize yourself with the agency's mission, divisions, and recent public communication efforts to better understand their needs and tailor your application and interview responses.

• Practice Your Presentation Skills: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects, design process, and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

⚠️ 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.