Graphic Designer - Marketing & Communications

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Marketing & Communications

Company: ANS

Location: Columbus, OH

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute high-impact visual content for digital, print, and social media channels to enhance the ANS brand narrative.

• Collaborate within a developing marketing team to shape brand presence and communication strategies.

• Maintain and refine established brand systems and design standards across all marketing materials.

• Support various marketing initiatives, from collateral production to internal communications and event materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a growing marketing and communications function. The emphasis on "developing marketing team" and "room to grow here as the function grows" suggests an opportunity for the candidate to contribute to the evolution of the team's processes and creative output. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce engaging graphics for LinkedIn, ensuring alignment with ANS brand guidelines and communication objectives.

• Develop and update marketing collateral, including one-pagers and supporting materials for both internal and external audiences.

• Format and enhance employee spotlight features, maintaining visual consistency with the overall brand voice.

• Create visual assets for the company intranet, "The Pulse," such as thumbnails, banners, and supporting imagery.

• Ensure visual consistency across all ANS materials and proactively identify and flag any deviations from established brand standards.

• Identify opportunities to refine and elevate existing design systems while working within their framework.

• Design or assist in the creation of conference and event collateral, including signage, print materials, and social graphics.

• Support the visual enhancement and organization of presentation decks for stakeholders.

• Assist in assembling and organizing assets for high-priority marketing initiatives.

• Undertake additional marketing and communications projects as team needs evolve, demonstrating adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution and foundational support within a marketing communications team. The emphasis on "taking direction and running with it" and "asking smart questions" points to a need for a proactive, yet guided, approach to design tasks. The role requires an understanding of how design directly supports communication goals, not just aesthetic appeal.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, OR equivalent demonstrated experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional design experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of digital, print, and brand-driven work.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).

• Expertise in Figma for design and prototyping.

• Strong understanding of visual communication principles and their application.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain brand consistency and work within established design systems.

• Comfort and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint and Word.

• Ability to take direction effectively and execute tasks independently, while knowing when to seek clarification.

• Portfolio demonstrating a range of digital, print, and brand-aligned design work. Preferred Skills:

• Light video editing or motion graphics experience (e.g., After Effects, Premiere).

• Experience with photography, including taking photos.

• Experience in a B2B, engineering, or professional services environment.

• Familiarity with intranet or internal communications design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly emphasize core design software proficiency and a strong portfolio. The distinction between "required" and "nice to have" skills provides a clear roadmap for candidates. The emphasis on "equivalent demonstrated experience" for education is a key point for candidates with non-traditional backgrounds.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, including digital assets (social media graphics, web banners), print materials (one-pagers, event collateral), and brand system applications.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project, highlighting how your design solutions addressed specific communication or marketing objectives.

• Demonstrate an understanding of brand guidelines and how to apply them consistently across various mediums.

• Include examples that show your ability to work within established design systems and identify opportunities for refinement. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a "process documentation" role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from initial concept and brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Be ready to explain how you manage incoming design requests, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery within a collaborative team setting.

• Highlight your approach to incorporating feedback and revisions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. The requirements emphasize not just the visual output but also the candidate's understanding of the strategic intent behind their designs and their ability to manage the design process efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Supportive, dynamic, and innovative team culture that values a people-first approach.

• Opportunity to directly shape and build a developing marketing team.

• Chance to influence the company's industry presence.

• Recognition as one of the "Best Places to Work" and "Top 10 Hottest Engineering Firms in the US."

• Featured in Inc. 5000 for significant growth (1,748%).

Working Hours: Full-time, likely 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The benefits listed are more focused on culture and growth opportunities, aligning with the company's emphasis on innovation and employee well-being. The "Best Places to Work" accolades are significant selling points.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Renewable Energy (Solar PV, Wind, BESS, High-Voltage Infrastructure).

Company Size: Established in 2005, ANS has experienced significant growth (1,748% according to Inc. 5000), indicating a medium-to-large, rapidly expanding organization. The mention of a "small, collaborative team" for marketing suggests a departmental structure within a larger firm.

Founded: 2005.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications.

• They will be part of a small, collaborative marketing and communications team.

• The role involves working closely with the Senior Manager for creative direction and execution.

• Cross-functional collaboration is implied, as design work supports various company initiatives. Methodology:

• Proactive, client-centered approach to service delivery.

• Value engineering, speed, and cross-disciplinary expertise.

• Embraces innovation and data-driven decisions.

• Allergic to bureaucracy, thrives on innovation.

• Intentionally uses technology, including AI tools, to work smarter and produce better output.

Company Website: https://www.ans.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: ANS operates within the critical renewable energy sector, offering engineering services. The company culture is explicitly described as innovative, fast-paced, and people-first, with an aversion to bureaucracy. The strategic use of technology, including AI, is a notable aspect of their operational methodology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-to-mid-level Graphic Designer role within the Marketing & Communications function. It is characterized by executing defined design tasks under creative direction, with opportunities to contribute to system refinement and take on new projects as the team grows.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, indicating a clear line of accountability and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences the company's brand perception, industry presence, and internal communications effectiveness. By producing compelling visual content, they contribute to the overall marketing and communication strategy's success, supporting business development and employee engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to expand skill set into light video editing, motion graphics, and potentially photography. Exposure to AI design tools and their application.

• Process Contribution: Chance to contribute to the development and refinement of design systems and workflows within a growing marketing team.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into a more senior design role or specialize in specific areas of marketing communications as the team and company scale.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Involvement in diverse projects across different departments and initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is tied to the team's development and the individual's initiative. Candidates looking for a structured environment with clear tasks and potential for expansion will find this appealing. The emphasis on "shaping and building a developing marketing team" suggests opportunities for leadership and process ownership over time.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site work arrangement in Columbus, OH. The company emphasizes a supportive, dynamic, and innovative team culture.

Office Location(s): Columbus, Ohio. The company also notes having offices strategically located nationwide, but this specific role is based in Columbus.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment within a small marketing and communications team.

• Access to established brand systems and creative direction from a Senior Manager.

• Exposure to a fast-paced, innovation-driven work atmosphere.

• Intentional use of technology, including AI tools, to enhance productivity and creativity.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely standard business hours, with an on-site requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Columbus, OH, is confirmed. The workspace is described as collaborative and dynamic, fostering innovation and efficient work practices, supported by modern technological tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Review: Detailed discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design rationale, execution, and impact. Expect to discuss specific projects, your role, and how you applied brand standards.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or practical exercise to evaluate proficiency in required software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and ability to work within brand guidelines.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion about cultural fit, work style, collaboration approach, and understanding of the company's mission and values. Questions may probe your ability to take direction and work autonomously.

• Final Round: May involve meeting with additional stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates digital, print, and brand-driven design. Include examples that align with B2B or professional services if possible.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your approach, the challenges, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate your thought process.

• Highlight Brand Application: Clearly demonstrate how you applied brand guidelines and maintained visual consistency. If you refined a brand system, show that.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement on social media, successful event turnout), mention it.

• Be Prepared for "Why": Expect to answer questions about your design choices, software proficiency, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with ANS Branding: Review their website, social media, and any available collateral to understand their current visual identity.

• Practice Core Software: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Figma.

• Prepare for Brand Alignment: Be ready to create a piece of content (e.g., a social graphic) that adheres strictly to ANS brand guidelines, or to critique and suggest improvements to existing materials.

• Think about Communication: Consider how design elements support messaging and communication goals, not just aesthetics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on portfolio assessment. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also articulate the strategic thinking behind their design decisions and their ability to work within established systems and under direction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop (Required)

• Figma: (Required)

• Microsoft Office Suite: PowerPoint, Word (Required)

• Video Editing/Motion Graphics Software (Preferred): After Effects, Premiere

• Photography Equipment (Preferred): For potential photography tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analytics role, understanding how design assets perform on platforms like LinkedIn or intranets would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified Adobe Creative Cloud applications and Figma is non-negotiable. Familiarity with presentation software (PowerPoint) and word processing (Word) is also essential for collateral and internal communications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Embraces new ideas and technologies (like AI tools) to improve work output.

• Collaboration: Works within a small, supportive team and collaborates with a Senior Manager.

• People-First: Values a positive and supportive work environment.

• Efficiency: Aims to "work smarter" and produce better work, avoiding bureaucracy.

• Client-Centered: While this role is internal-facing, the company's overall ethos is client-focused, implying a commitment to quality and responsiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Works closely with the Senior Manager for creative direction.

• Part of a small, collaborative marketing and communications team.

• Expected to take direction and execute tasks autonomously, but also to ask smart questions.

• Open to evolving team needs, suggesting adaptability and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a significant draw, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and a people-first approach, with a dislike for bureaucracy. Candidates who thrive in such an environment will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Direction and Autonomy: The role requires taking direction from a Senior Manager while also having the initiative to execute tasks efficiently and identify areas for improvement.

• Rapid Growth Environment: Working within a growing company and a developing marketing team means processes may evolve, requiring adaptability.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual outputs strictly adhere to established brand standards across diverse applications.

• Managing Incoming Requests: Juggling defined projects with incoming requests efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Software Proficiency: Deepen expertise in core design tools and explore motion graphics/video editing.

• AI Tool Integration: Learn to leverage AI tools for design efficiency and innovation.

• Brand System Evolution: Contribute to refining and improving the company's design systems.

• Marketing Strategy Exposure: Gain insights into broader marketing and communications strategies through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in balancing execution within defined parameters with the proactive mindset required in a growing team. Growth is directly linked to embracing new tools and contributing to process development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to execute a design project based on strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure accuracy and quality?" (Assesses adherence to standards)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to take direction from a manager or client. How did you interpret their needs and deliver the final design?" (Evaluates ability to take direction and collaborate)

• "How do you approach balancing multiple design requests with competing deadlines? Describe your workflow." (Assesses time management and prioritization)

• "What are your thoughts on using AI tools in graphic design? How might you incorporate them into your workflow at ANS?" (Gauges openness to new technology and strategic thinking) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to ANS and our mission in the renewable energy sector?" (Assesses interest in the company and industry)

• "Our culture is described as innovative and people-first, with an aversion to bureaucracy. How do you see yourself thriving in such an environment?" (Evaluates cultural fit)

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with a Senior Manager and team members." (Assesses collaboration style) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best exemplify the required skills (digital, print, brand adherence, Figma/Adobe proficiency).

• Narrative Arc: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Brand Focus: Emphasize how you applied or worked within brand guidelines.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently within the allotted time.

• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss your technical approach and software usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also the ability to work within a defined structure, collaborate effectively, and embrace the company's innovative and efficient culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and highlights projects most relevant to this role, showcasing digital, print, and brand-aligned work.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Microsoft Office, and your 3-5 years of relevant design experience. Highlight any experience in B2B or professional services environments.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio, your design process, and your approach to taking direction and working within brand standards. Be ready to articulate your interest in ANS and its industry.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ANS's website, mission, and current branding to understand their visual identity and company culture.

⚠️ 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.