Graphic Designer - Infographic Specialist

Community Impact
Full-timeβ€’Pflugerville, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Infographic Specialist

Company: Community Impact

Location: Pflugerville, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: June 02, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Develop visually compelling infographics, charts, and maps to enhance editorial content, ensuring clear and engaging visual storytelling for a prominent community newspaper.

  • Master and apply industry-specific software, including Adobe Creative Suite and Content Management Systems, to produce high-quality design assets within established corporate design guidelines.

  • Collaborate effectively with editorial and sales teams to meet tight monthly deadlines for both newspaper layouts and client advertisements, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.

  • Maintain awareness of current design trends and leverage the latest industry software to consistently deliver accurate, creative, and easy-to-understand visual information.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role focuses on visual communication for a print and potentially digital media organization. While the "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" categorization isn't a direct fit, the emphasis on deadlines, client-facing work (advertisements), and supporting sales efforts suggests an alignment with the operational efficiency of a creative department that contributes to the company's revenue streams. The role requires a blend of creative execution and adherence to operational processes.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and lay out newspaper pages using Adobe InDesign, adhering strictly to the company’s established design guidelines, processes, and procedures.

  • Create original infographics, charts, and maps that accurately interpret and visually support editorial stories, transforming complex information into accessible graphics.

  • Collaborate closely with reporters and editors to gain a deep understanding of story nuances, ensuring visual representations are both accurate and impactful.

  • Prepare and save editorial graphics and online paper archives according to specifications to meet web deadlines at the end of each monthly production cycle.

  • Serve as a backup to the Advertising Specialist, working with the sales team to produce timely and effective advertisements that meet client needs, managing the review and approval process efficiently.

  • Ensure all in-paper advertisements and graphics are properly prepared for 4-color press output, and all web advertisements are correctly formatted for digital platforms.

  • Stay current with design trends and software advancements to maintain a high level of creative output and technical proficiency.

  • Manage time effectively to meet daily production, proofing, and final output deadlines with minimal supervision.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for process adherence, deadline management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are key operational concerns in a fast-paced media environment. The dual responsibility of editorial and advertising design underscores the importance of adaptability and efficiency.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a closely related field of study.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of prior professional experience in graphic design, with a demonstrable focus on creating visual assets for print and digital media.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign for layout design and page composition.

  • Expertise in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for graphic creation and manipulation.

  • Strong command of Adobe Acrobat Pro for document management and output preparation.

  • Proven experience creating infographics, charts, and maps that convey complex information visually.

  • Familiarity with file preparation for CMYK (4-color) press output.

  • Experience using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides (or equivalent Microsoft Office Suite applications).

  • Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all designs.

  • Strong time management abilities with a track record of meeting deadlines under pressure.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working within established corporate design guidelines and brand consistency.

  • Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) relevant to publishing workflows.

  • Understanding of visual storytelling principles and their application in news media.

  • Experience with file preparation for various digital formats beyond CMYK.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design software proficiency and specific output formats (CMYK), aligning with the operational needs of a print publication. The mention of CMS and Google Workspace indicates a need for integration into existing digital workflows, a common operational consideration.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating expertise in infographic design, chart creation, and map visualization, highlighting analytical interpretation and visual clarity.

  • Include examples of newspaper page layouts or magazine spreads, demonstrating an understanding of editorial design principles and adherence to layout specifications.

  • Present 2-3 examples of advertisement designs, illustrating the ability to create compelling client-facing materials that align with sales objectives and deadlines.

Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of workflow design, from initial brief analysis to final asset delivery, with emphasis on iterative feedback loops common in editorial and advertising production.

  • Illustrate experience with version control and asset management, particularly for multiple revisions and client approvals.

  • Showcase ability to document design processes and adhere to established production schedules and quality control measures.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role supporting operations, the portfolio should emphasize not just creative output but also efficiency, adherence to brand standards, and the ability to manage projects from concept to completion within defined timelines. This aligns with the operational efficiency expected in any role supporting a business.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 Annually.

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off: 112 hours annually, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

  • Paid Holidays: 10 designated holidays per year, plus an additional paid day off for your birthday, enhancing work-life balance.

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Ensuring health and well-being for employees and their families.

  • Employer-Paid Life Insurance: Providing financial security and peace of mind.

  • Supplemental Insurance Options: Including Accident and Critical Illness coverage for added protection.

  • Career Growth Opportunities: Access to professional development and advancement within the organization.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with a focus on meeting daily and monthly production deadlines. Flexibility may be required during peak production periods.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The specified salary of $45,000 aligns with entry-level to early-career graphic design roles in the Texas region, particularly for positions requiring specialized skills like infographic creation. The benefits package is robust, offering a comprehensive safety net and employee support, which are standard operational considerations for attracting and retaining talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Publishing (Community Newspapers).

Company Size: 50-200 Employees. This size typically allows for a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible, and cross-functional collaboration is common. For operations, it means processes may be more agile but require clear documentation as the company grows.

Founded: The company was founded with a mission to inform communities, suggesting a culture rooted in public service, local engagement, and journalistic integrity. This history likely influences a team that values accuracy, community impact, and collaborative problem-solving.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will be part of a creative team that likely includes other designers, potentially editors, and will work closely with reporters and the sales department.

  • Reporting structure is to a Product Manager or similar supervisor, indicating a clear line of accountability for project delivery and adherence to operational workflows.

Methodology:

  • Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data analyst role, the graphic designer will need to analyze editorial content and sales briefs to derive key information for visual representation.

  • Workflow Planning: Adherence to established design processes, production schedules, and deadline management is critical for operational efficiency.

  • Automation & Efficiency: Utilizing design software effectively and potentially exploring workflow efficiencies within the design process to meet publication demands.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's mission as a community-focused news organization is crucial. This context shapes the operational priorities towards accuracy, timely delivery, and serving both editorial integrity and client advertising needs. The company size suggests a dynamic environment where operational processes are important for scalability.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to early-career stage (0-2 years of experience). It's focused on executing specific design tasks within established operational frameworks rather than defining them. The emphasis is on developing core design skills and understanding production workflows.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Product Manager or similar supervisor. This indicates a supportive hierarchy where guidance on design execution, process adherence, and deadline management is provided, crucial for operational development.

Operations Impact: The role's impact on revenue operations is indirect but significant. High-quality infographics can increase reader engagement and ad effectiveness, while timely advertisement design directly supports sales efforts and revenue generation. Efficient design processes within the creative department contribute to the overall operational efficiency of the publishing cycle.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and gain specialized skills in infographic and data visualization design.

  • Process Mastery: Develop a strong understanding of print and digital publishing workflows, including pre-press preparation and web asset creation, enhancing operational knowledge.

  • Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialize in areas like digital design or advertising design management, leveraging foundational operational skills.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is primarily within the creative discipline, but success will be heavily influenced by the candidate's ability to operate efficiently within the company's established processes and contribute to the smooth functioning of the publishing operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based at the company's Pflugerville HQ, supporting multiple local teams. This indicates a traditional office setting designed for in-person collaboration and resource sharing.

Office Location(s): The role is based at 16225 Impact Way, Pflugerville, TX 78660-4403, supporting the Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Bastrop teams. This proximity to local communities is central to the company's mission.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with reporters, editors, sales staff, and potentially other designers. This environment facilitates quick communication and problem-solving essential for meeting publication deadlines.

  • Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided, enabling efficient execution of design tasks.

  • Opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and direct feedback are integral to the daily workflow, supporting both creative output and operational alignment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. However, the demands of daily editorial and monthly advertising deadlines may necessitate occasional flexibility to ensure timely delivery of critical assets, a common operational requirement in media environments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of direct collaboration and immediate access to resources, which are key operational considerations for roles requiring hands-on production and tight-turnaround times.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio will be conducted to assess your qualifications and design capabilities.

  • Skills Assessment: A practical design test, likely involving creating an infographic, chart, or advertisement, will be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and adherence to instructions.

  • Interview(s): Expect interviews with the hiring manager (Product Manager) and potentially team members. These will focus on your design process, problem-solving skills, experience with deadlines, and ability to collaborate.

  • Portfolio Review: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, discussing your process, design choices, and how you've met client/editorial objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your infographic, chart, and map design skills. Include examples of editorial layouts and advertisements.

  • Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, any challenges overcome, and the outcome or impact. This demonstrates your operational approach to design.

  • Showcase Accuracy & Clarity: Emphasize how your designs accurately represent data and are easy for the target audience to understand. This is critical for editorial content.

  • Demonstrate Workflow Adherence: Include examples that show you can work within brand guidelines and meet specific production requirements (e.g., CMYK preparation).

Challenge Preparation:

  • Practice Design Tests: Familiarize yourself with common infographic and chart design exercises. Focus on interpreting data accurately and presenting it visually within a limited timeframe.

  • Understand Company Context: Research Community Impact's publication style, target audience, and recent stories to better understand their visual needs.

  • Prepare for Collaboration Questions: Think about how you work with editors, reporters, and sales teams, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a design test and portfolio review highlights the practical, skills-based nature of this role, common in creative operations. Preparing to discuss your process and how you manage projects efficiently will be key.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for page layout and editorial design. Proficiency in its features for text flow, object manipulation, and print-ready output is expected.

  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector-based graphics, charts, and maps that require scalability and precision.

  • Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based visual elements.

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro: Necessary for managing and preparing final files for print and digital distribution, including pre-press checks.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to interpret data for infographics and how to prepare assets for web publishing (which may involve analytics tracking) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

  • Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides): Required for internal communication, data organization, and collaboration.

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): May be used interchangeably with Google Workspace for similar functions.

  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms used in publishing workflows is preferred, as it aids in understanding content integration.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for graphic design but the integration with Google Workspace and potential CMS exposure points to operational needs for digital workflow integration and efficient content management.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Accuracy and Integrity: A strong commitment to producing factually correct and visually honest representations of information, paramount in journalism.

  • Timeliness and Efficiency: A dedication to meeting strict deadlines for both editorial content and advertising placements, ensuring the smooth operational flow of the publication.

  • Collaboration and Communication: Valuing teamwork and open dialogue with editorial, sales, and management to achieve shared goals and resolve design challenges effectively.

  • Creativity and Clarity: A drive to produce visually appealing designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also clearly communicate the intended message to the community.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless interaction with reporters, editors, and sales staff, acting as a bridge between content creation and client-facing materials.

  • Feedback-Driven Process: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders to refine designs and ensure they meet diverse requirements.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing design best practices and insights, potentially contributing to the team's overall efficiency and skill development.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture values precision, speed, and teamwork, all critical operational components for a successful media organization. The emphasis on clear communication and feedback loops supports efficient project execution.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Effectively translating complex editorial stories and client needs into visually appealing designs while adhering to tight deadlines and brand guidelines.

  • Data Interpretation and Visualization: Accurately interpreting and visually representing data from various sources (news stories, sales briefs) into clear and engaging infographics, charts, and maps.

  • Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests and feedback from editorial, sales, and potentially clients, ensuring all requirements are met efficiently.

  • Adapting to Evolving Design Trends and Software: Staying current with design aesthetics and mastering new features in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools to maintain high-quality output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to hone skills in data visualization, infographic design, and advanced layout techniques.

  • Industry Software Mastery: Deepening expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite and potentially exploring new design or workflow automation tools.

  • Print Production Understanding: Gaining comprehensive knowledge of pre-press processes, CMYK color management, and digital file preparation for web deployment.

  • Exposure to Sales & Editorial Processes: Understanding the broader operational context of journalism and advertising, enhancing strategic design thinking.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are rooted in the operational realities of a fast-paced creative environment, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and continuous learning to maintain efficiency and quality.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for creating an infographic for a complex news story. How do you ensure accuracy and visual clarity?" (Focus on data interpretation, research, design steps, and proofing.)

  • "How do you manage competing deadlines when working on both editorial content and client advertisements simultaneously?" (Highlight time management techniques, prioritization, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Community Impact and our mission to serve local communities?" (Show research into the company's values and local focus.)

  • "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you balance those trends with corporate design guidelines?" (Assess your ability to innovate within established operational frameworks.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the outcome.

  • Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate the steps you took, the tools you used, and how you ensured accuracy and met deadlines. This showcases your operational discipline.

  • Demonstrate Flexibility: Be ready to discuss how you’ve adapted designs for different platforms (print vs. web) or client needs.

  • Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have metrics on engagement or ad effectiveness for past work, present them.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparing to discuss not just creative choices but the process behind them, including how you manage time, collaborate, and ensure accuracy, will be crucial for demonstrating operational readiness.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Infographic Specialist position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.paylocity.com platform.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature infographic, chart, and map design examples. Include at least one editorial layout and one advertisement design to showcase relevant skills for this role.

  • Resume Optimization: Highlight your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, your experience with CMYK file preparation, and any experience creating infographics or advertisements. Quantify achievements where possible, such as meeting deadlines or improving visual clarity.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, time management strategies, and collaborative experiences. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to the design test.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Community Impact's mission, recent publications, and their local community focus to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in graphic design and at least one year of professional experience. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and experience with CMYK output and infographic creation are essential.