Graphic Designer - Marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Marketing

Company: LJA

Location: Houston, TX; Katy, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute compelling visual assets for proposals, presentations, and marketing materials, ensuring alignment with LJA's brand identity and strategic objectives.

• Translate complex technical information into clear, persuasive graphics that enhance proposal narratives and support client communication goals.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, technical, and project management teams to deliver high-quality creative solutions in a fast-paced environment.

• Manage design projects from concept to completion, demonstrating ownership, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in all deliverables.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and innovation by staying abreast of design trends and advanced software capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer - Marketing," the core responsibilities heavily lean into proposal graphics and visual communication for technical content, often found in Sales Operations or Go-To-Market (GTM) support functions within professional services firms like AEC. This role bridges creative execution with operational sales enablement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-impact graphics, infographics, diagrams, and visual content for proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral.

• Collaborate closely with proposal coordinators, project managers, technical staff, and fellow designers to interpret project requirements and develop visually cohesive design strategies.

• Ensure all visual assets adhere to LJA's brand guidelines, maintaining consistency in typography, color palette, and overall visual hierarchy across all materials.

• Transform complex technical data, project scopes, and team qualifications into easily digestible and persuasive visual narratives for proposals and client-facing documents.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and deadlines effectively in a dynamic, client-driven environment.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance visual communication strategies and contribute innovative design ideas to improve proposal win rates and marketing effectiveness.

• Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions, providing and receiving constructive feedback to foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

• Stay current with industry design trends, presentation software advancements, and best practices in visual communication to continuously elevate the quality of LJA's creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proposal presentations" and "technical information" suggests a strong alignment with Sales Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) functions, where visual storytelling is critical for winning business. The role requires not just artistic skill but an understanding of persuasive communication in a business context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field from an accredited institution is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within corporate, consulting, architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), or similar professional services environments.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, including the ability to create sophisticated, visually engaging presentations, flowcharts, and infographics.

• Expert command of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating high-quality visual assets.

• Demonstrable experience with multi-page document design in Adobe InDesign, such as proposals, qualification packages, or reports.

• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles: branding, typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Proven ability to translate complex technical or data-driven content into clear, concise, and client-focused visual graphics.

• Excellent organizational skills, with a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in all work.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and gather project requirements effectively.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

• Demonstrated capacity for collaborative teamwork, including receiving and implementing constructive feedback.

• Proactive problem-solving skills and a willingness to take initiative to drive design solutions forward. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing comprehensive proposal documents or qualification packages from start to finish.

• Familiarity with other design or multimedia software relevant to marketing and presentation creation.

• Understanding of the AEC industry or professional services business development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for advanced PowerPoint proficiency, alongside Adobe Creative Cloud, is a critical indicator of the role's focus on creating polished, persuasive client-facing materials, typical of sales enablement and GTM support functions. The emphasis on "transforming technical content" highlights the need for analytical and interpretive design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory for consideration, showcasing a breadth of design capabilities.

• Must demonstrate excellence in print design, digital design, presentation design, and overall visual communication.

• Should include examples of how complex information was translated into clear, engaging graphics.

• Must highlight proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft PowerPoint, showcasing advanced application.

• Include case studies or examples of multi-page document design (e.g., proposals, reports). Process Documentation:

• Applicants are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate how feedback is incorporated and how revisions are managed within a project workflow.

• Provide examples of how design solutions were strategically aligned with project goals or proposal objectives.

• Showcase an understanding of version control and file management best practices for design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on transforming technical content strongly suggest that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to execute within a structured, results-oriented process, typical of operations roles supporting sales or marketing initiatives. The portfolio must demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but functional application in a business context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Houston/Katy, TX location, 2-5 years of experience, and the specialized skillset including advanced Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft PowerPoint for proposal graphics, a competitive salary range is estimated between $60,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for graphic designers in professional services, factoring in the specific demands of proposal development and technical communication.

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): A unique benefit where employees are owners, directly benefiting from the company's success.

• Generous Time Off: Includes Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year's.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and even pet insurance.

• Mental Health Support: Access to resources and support for mental well-being.

• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to support new parents.

• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in-house courses through the Learning and Development team.

• Referral Bonuses: Incentives for referring qualified candidates.

• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.

• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations and access to in-house training.

• Career Growth: Opportunities for internal mobility and advancement.

• Fun Culture: Participation in LJA social events, employee sports teams, and other engaging activities.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company culture mentions celebrating flexibility, suggesting potential for some adaptability within teams, though core hours will be critical for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on LJA's location in Houston, TX, the stated experience level (2-5 years), and the specific technical requirements (advanced Adobe Creative Cloud, advanced PowerPoint for proposals). Industry data for Graphic Designers in professional services firms in major Texas metropolitan areas was consulted. LJA's employee-owned status (ESOP) is a significant differentiator and should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: LJA operates within the professional services sector, primarily focused on engineering, consulting, and related fields (Architecture, Engineering, Construction - AEC). This industry context means a strong emphasis on client relationships, project delivery, and technical expertise.

Company Size: With over 3,000 employee-owners and nearly 100 locations, LJA is a large, established firm. This size offers stability, a wide range of projects, and structured career paths, while also implying a need for efficient processes and clear communication to maintain agility.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's growth to over 3,000 employee-owners suggests a history of consistent expansion and adaptation. This longevity is often indicative of a stable and evolving work environment.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing department, which is described as being "specific to our industry." This suggests a specialized marketing team focused on supporting the unique needs of engineering and consulting services.

• The team likely includes proposal coordinators, other designers, marketing specialists, and potentially content writers, all working collaboratively.

• The reporting structure will likely place the Graphic Designer under a Marketing Manager or Creative Director, with direct collaboration with project managers and technical staff from other departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, as the role requires close interaction with technical experts to translate their work into compelling visuals for proposals and presentations. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: While not directly responsible for data analysis, the designer must be adept at interpreting technical data and project metrics to create effective visualizations that support proposal strategies.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves managing multiple projects and deadlines, requiring efficient workflow planning and the ability to optimize the design process for speed and quality.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated, staying current with software capabilities implies an awareness of how technology can streamline design tasks and improve output efficiency.

Company Website: LJA.com (Derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's strong emphasis on being "employee-owned" and "client-focused" points to a culture that values dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to success. The mention of being a "Top Workplace" further reinforces a positive and supportive internal environment, particularly relevant for creative roles that thrive on collaboration and feedback.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Designer within the Marketing/GTM support function. It requires specialized technical design skills (Adobe Creative Cloud, PowerPoint) combined with the ability to understand and visually communicate complex technical information. The expectation is for the individual to work with a degree of autonomy on assigned projects, contributing strategically to proposal success.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Marketing department. This manager likely oversees marketing operations, content creation, and proposal support functions. Close collaboration with Project Managers and technical leads across various business units is a key aspect of the role's operational integration.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the perception of LJA's capabilities and expertise. By creating persuasive proposal graphics and presentations, they directly influence the success of business development efforts, contributing significantly to revenue generation and client acquisition. Effective visual communication can differentiate LJA from competitors and enhance the clarity and impact of technical proposals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in proposal development, presentation design, and visual storytelling for technical industries. This could involve mastering advanced features of design software or learning new visualization techniques.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in specific areas of design relevant to LJA's services, such as large-scale presentation design, complex infographic creation, or even branding for specific project types.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative, there may be pathways to become a lead designer, mentor junior staff, or take on more strategic project management responsibilities within the marketing or proposal team.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to various engineering and consulting disciplines provides opportunities to understand different business units and potentially transition into roles with broader operational scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is framed to highlight how a creative role directly contributes to core business objectives like revenue and client acquisition, aligning with the broader scope of Revenue Operations and GTM functions. The growth opportunities emphasize skill development within the operations and marketing support context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Houston or Katy, TX, suggesting a traditional office environment. LJA's culture emphasizes collaboration and flexibility within teams, implying that while the physical workspace is fixed, there may be some degree of dynamic work structuring.

Office Location(s): Houston, TX (77042) and Katy, TX (77449). These are significant metropolitan areas, offering accessibility and a vibrant local environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: LJA actively promotes a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared vision. The graphic designer will be part of a team that values idea sharing and feedback.

• Operations Tools and Technology: The role requires advanced proficiency in industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint), indicating access to necessary technological resources.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature facilitates direct interaction with designers, technical staff, proposal coordinators, and project managers, fostering strong working relationships and efficient communication crucial for proposal development.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While the company mentions celebrating flexibility, the on-site requirement and collaborative nature of proposal work suggest a need for consistent availability during core business hours to meet project deadlines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the blend of a structured, on-site office setting with a collaborative and evolving team culture, which is typical for GTM and marketing support roles in larger professional services firms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic. Applicants MUST submit a portfolio to be considered.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how they translated client needs or technical information into visual solutions. Expect questions about their proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and PowerPoint.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Discussions focused on teamwork, problem-solving, managing deadlines, and handling feedback. Expect questions about collaboration with technical teams and understanding project objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with hiring manager and key stakeholders from marketing or operations teams to assess cultural fit and strategic thinking regarding design's role in business development.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements: proposal graphics, presentation design, infographics, and translating complex information. Prioritize work from professional services or AEC environments if possible.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the challenges faced, and the solution implemented. Highlight how you collaborated with technical teams or interpreted their input.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and advanced Microsoft PowerPoint features. If possible, include examples of complex PowerPoint creations.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any of your designs contributed to proposal wins or significantly improved client engagement, be prepared to share that outcome. Focus on clarity, persuasiveness, and adherence to brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a hypothetical scenario (e.g., a complex technical concept to visualize, or a draft presentation to improve) to assess your problem-solving skills and design approach under time constraints.

• Presentation Practice: Be prepared to articulate your design choices clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a project manager or client. Practice explaining your thought process and how your design supports the overall objective.

• Stakeholder Communication: Think about how you would engage with non-designers (engineers, project managers) to understand their needs and ensure your designs effectively communicate their message.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is described with an emphasis on practical application, process, and demonstrating skills relevant to GTM support—specifically, translating technical information for persuasive communication in proposals and presentations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and page layouts.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Advanced proficiency is critical for developing polished, professional presentations, including the creation of complex diagrams, infographics, and visually consistent slide decks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, the designer must be able to interpret data and metrics presented by other teams to create effective visualizations. Tools for creating charts and graphs within PowerPoint or Adobe suite may be utilized. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design assets are stored, managed, and deployed within a company's marketing or proposal management systems could be beneficial, though not explicitly stated as a requirement. Understanding the end-use of the created assets is key.

• Integration with proposal management software or DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems might be a part of the workflow, requiring an understanding of how assets are shared and updated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint" alongside Adobe Creative Cloud is a key differentiator, indicating that the role is heavily focused on presentation design for sales and business development, a critical component of Sales Operations and GTM enablement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Focused: A core value at LJA, meaning designs must always serve the purpose of effectively communicating LJA's value to clients, particularly in proposals.

• Collaboration: The company emphasizes working together. Designers are expected to actively collaborate with technical staff, project managers, and proposal coordinators, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Continuous Learning: LJA champions personal growth. Designers should be eager to learn new design techniques, software features, and industry best practices to improve their craft and output.

• Efficiency & Impact: While creativity is key, the role requires producing high-quality work efficiently, ensuring designs have a tangible impact on proposal success and marketing objectives.

• Fun and Passion: LJA aims for a culture where employees are passionate about their work, have fun, and make an impact, suggesting a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work closely with individuals from technical disciplines (engineering, etc.) and project management, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate technical jargon into accessible visuals.

• Feedback Culture: The team environment encourages sharing ideas and valuing feedback. Designers should be open to constructive criticism and iterative design processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a supportive team environment where ideas are shared implies a culture of collective improvement and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style described are highly relevant to operational roles that require strong interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to integrate with diverse teams to achieve common business goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: A primary challenge will be taking highly technical or complex information from engineers and consultants and translating it into clear, compelling, and visually appealing graphics for a non-technical or semi-technical audience.

• Managing Competing Deadlines: In a fast-paced proposal environment, juggling multiple projects with tight and often shifting deadlines will require excellent time management and prioritization skills.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring all designs adhere to LJA's brand standards while also meeting the specific strategic and aesthetic requirements of individual proposals and marketing materials.

• Evolving Software and Trends: Keeping up-to-date with the latest versions of Adobe Creative Cloud and PowerPoint, as well as emerging design trends and visualization techniques, to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into the proposal development lifecycle and the strategic role of visual communication in winning business. This can extend knowledge beyond pure design into GTM strategy.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the AEC and professional services sectors provides exposure to diverse projects and client needs, broadening understanding of business operations.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to learn from experienced marketing professionals and senior designers, with opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead specific design initiatives as experience grows.

• Formal Training: LJA offers tuition reimbursement and in-house courses, providing avenues for formal skill development in design, project management, or other relevant areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed to highlight how this role, while creative, is deeply embedded in operational processes and offers pathways for professional development within the broader GTM and operations ecosystem.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical document and transforming it into a clear, persuasive visual graphic for a proposal." (Focus on your methodology, tool usage, and how you ensure accuracy and impact.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with technical subject matter experts who may not have a strong visual communication background?" (Highlight communication strategies, active listening, and how you manage feedback.)

• "Walk us through a challenging presentation design project you worked on. What were the objectives, what were the obstacles, and how did your design contribute to the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study showcasing problem-solving and results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about LJA, particularly our employee-owned structure and our work in the AEC industry?" (Research LJA's projects, values, and ESOP model.)

• "How do you maintain brand consistency across multiple projects and team inputs?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines and your approach to managing them.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new software features, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, guide the interviewer through the context, your role, the challenges, your creative solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific techniques in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and especially your advanced PowerPoint skills. Demonstrate how you leverage these tools effectively.

• Focus on Relevance: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to proposal graphics, presentation design, and translating technical information. Quantify success where possible (e.g., "This visual helped clarify the complex process, leading to positive client feedback").

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to sketch out ideas or discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design problem related to LJA's services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating not just design skills but also operational competencies like process management, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic thinking within a business development context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Ultipro.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of proposal graphics, presentation design, and your ability to translate complex technical information into clear visuals. Tailor your selection to highlight advanced PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Cloud skills.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your experience in professional services (AEC preferred), your proficiency with key software (Adobe Creative Cloud, advanced PowerPoint), and your experience in proposal development or marketing collateral creation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, collaboration style, and how your work contributes to business objectives. Be ready to discuss specific portfolio pieces and how you would handle design challenges in a proposal environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LJA's services, recent projects, company culture (especially ESOP and Top Workplace recognition), and overall mission to articulate your interest and cultural fit effectively.

⚠️ 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.

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