Graphic Designer - Program Marketing (Contractor)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Program Marketing (Contractor)

Company: Energy Trust of Oregon

Location: Portland, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-30T15:37:16.24

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid / Remote with On-site Requirements

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in developing compelling visual assets that support the marketing efforts for Energy Trust's diverse portfolio of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

• The Graphic Designer will translate marketing strategies into impactful visual communications across various channels, ensuring brand consistency and engagement.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design software, and an understanding of marketing campaign objectives within the energy sector.

• The role involves close collaboration with the Program Marketing team to conceptualize and execute creative assets that drive program awareness and customer participation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer," its placement within "Program Marketing" and the responsibilities outlined indicate a strong alignment with marketing operations, focusing on the visual execution of GTM strategies for energy programs. The contractor status suggests a project-based or defined-term engagement, potentially offering flexibility but requiring efficient project delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design a wide range of creative assets, including print collateral, signage, event displays, promotional giveaways, social media content, and advertisements, strictly adhering to brand guidelines and templates.

• Create new design templates and refresh existing creative assets to ensure alignment with evolving brand standards and campaign requirements.

• Design advertising materials for various media buys, optimizing visuals for different platforms and audience segments.

• Actively participate in early-stage campaign planning and creative ideation sessions to contribute visual concepts and innovative ideas.

• Edit video content for social media adaptation or other platform-specific needs, including simple animations or motion graphics.

• Coordinate with the brand team to manage and update visual asset libraries, ensuring efficient asset retrieval and version control.

• Execute all job functions safely and in accordance with company policies.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support the marketing team's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strategic component, involving participation in campaign planning. The emphasis on "brand guidelines" and "campaign planning" underscores the need for an operations-minded designer who can execute within established frameworks while also contributing creatively to GTM initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience working with in-house marketing teams or creative agencies, demonstrating a track record of successful project delivery. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expertise in creating visually appealing and effective designs for both print and digital media.

• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for comprehensive design execution.

• Branding & Brand Standards: Deep understanding of branding principles and the ability to consistently maintain brand integrity across all creative outputs.

• Typography & Color Theory: Strong knowledge of typography, color theory, and layout principles to create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs.

• Accessibility Standards: Familiarity with and application of accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) in design to ensure inclusivity for all audiences.

• Creative Brief Interpretation: Proven ability to understand and execute creative briefs, translating client needs into compelling visual solutions.

• Asana Proficiency: Experience using Asana for project management, task tracking, and workflow coordination.

• Page Proof Software: Familiarity with Page Proof or similar digital proofing tools for efficient review and approval processes.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Competency in using PowerPoint for presentations and potentially for creating design elements or templates.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing: Experience in editing video content for social media or other digital platforms.

• Animation & Motion Graphics: Ability to develop simple animations or motion graphics to enhance visual storytelling.

• 3D Design: Exposure or experience with 3D design principles and software.

• Experiential Marketing: Understanding or experience in designing for events, trade shows, or other experiential marketing initiatives.

• Omnichannel Marketing Support: Experience supporting integrated marketing campaigns that span multiple channels.

• Creative Vendor Coordination: Experience managing relationships and deliverables with external vendors like photographers and videographers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is robust, indicating a need for a designer who is not only artistically talented but also operationally focused on brand consistency, project management tools (Asana), and digital review processes (Page Proof). The preferred skills suggest opportunities for growth and a desire for a candidate who can contribute to more dynamic content formats like video and animation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Asset Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a wide array of design projects, including print collateral, digital ads, social media graphics, and branding materials.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Specific case studies or examples that illustrate your ability to work within and maintain strict brand guidelines, showing how you've adapted designs while preserving brand identity.

• Workflow Documentation: Evidence of your process in taking a project from brief to final delivery, highlighting your organizational skills and project management approach.

• Creative Ideation & Problem-Solving: Examples that showcase your ability to contribute to campaign planning and creative ideation sessions, demonstrating how you approach visual problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• Project Management Workflow: Demonstrate your understanding of project workflows, task prioritization, and collaboration using tools like Asana, with examples of how you manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Design Review & Approval Process: Showcase your experience with digital proofing tools (e.g., Page Proof) and how you manage feedback loops and revisions efficiently to meet deadlines.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Provide examples of how you ensure all designs align with established brand standards, including typography, color palettes, and logo usage.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you collaborate with marketing teams and other stakeholders to understand project objectives and deliver designs that meet strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor role, a portfolio is critical. This section emphasizes not just the final output, but the process behind it. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process, articulate their use of project management tools, and demonstrate how they ensure brand consistency and manage feedback, all crucial aspects of operations for a creative role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,400 - $80,500 per year (Commensurate with skills and experience)

Benefits:

• Contractual Engagement: While a contractor role, the description implies a full-time, exempt classification, suggesting consistent work and responsibilities.

• Competitive Compensation: A defined salary range is provided, indicating transparency and a commitment to fair pay based on qualifications.

• Pay Equity Focus: Energy Trust of Oregon emphasizes pay equity and fair employment practices, ensuring compensation is determined by a thorough review of skills, experience, and training, not past salaries.

• Potential for Growth: The stated full pay range suggests potential earnings growth with sustained high performance within the contract term.

• Work Location Flexibility: Offers a hybrid and remote work arrangement, with requirements for quarterly in-office presence in the Portland Metro Area.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, Exempt, Contract.

• The role is described as full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While remote work is offered, specific daily hours may need to align with team collaboration needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided upfront, which is excellent for transparency. The "Contractor" classification with "Full Time, Exempt" status is noteworthy, suggesting a stable contract position rather than gig work. The emphasis on pay equity is a strong positive indicator of company values. The salary range is competitive for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Portland.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Development. Energy Trust of Oregon operates within the vital sector of sustainable energy, serving utility customers across Oregon and SW Washington.

Company Size: The job posting doesn't explicitly state company size, but LinkedIn data suggests it's between 51-200 employees. This indicates a medium-sized organization, likely offering a balance between structured processes and a more agile, collaborative environment.

Founded: Founded in 2001, Energy Trust of Oregon has a significant history in promoting clean energy solutions. This longevity suggests stability and established operational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• Program Marketing Team: The Graphic Designer will be a key member of this team, reporting to the Marketing Lead – Energy Programs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires interaction with various internal teams, including the brand team, and potentially external creative vendors.

• Reporting Hierarchy: Direct reporting to the Marketing Lead, with potential for broader collaboration across the marketing department and program teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: While not explicitly stated for design, the organization's mission implies a focus on measurable outcomes, suggesting designers should consider how their work contributes to program participation and energy savings metrics.

• Brand Consistency Focus: A core methodology will be adhering to and evolving brand guidelines to ensure consistent messaging and visual identity across all marketing materials.

• Collaborative Ideation: Encouragement to participate in campaign planning and creative ideation sessions indicates a methodology that values input from design professionals in the early stages of strategy development.

Company Website: www.energytrust.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in clean energy and its commitment to diversity and inclusion are strong cultural indicators. The medium size suggests that a Graphic Designer can have a tangible impact and potentially influence creative processes. The emphasis on "program marketing" means designs will directly support specific initiatives, requiring an understanding of target audiences and program goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an intermediate to advanced level for a Graphic Designer, focusing on program marketing. It requires independent execution of design tasks, interpretation of briefs, and contribution to campaign strategy, moving beyond basic production.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing Lead – Energy Programs. This direct line of communication facilitates efficient feedback and project alignment.

Operations Impact: The visual assets created by the Graphic Designer are crucial for the success of marketing campaigns. Effective design directly influences customer engagement, program awareness, and ultimately, participation rates in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, thereby contributing to the organization's core mission and impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in video editing, animation, and motion graphics, expanding the designer's technical capabilities.

• Strategic Contribution: Potential to grow from executing designs to influencing creative direction and campaign strategy through active participation in ideation sessions.

• Industry Experience: Gaining specialized experience in marketing for the energy sector, a growing and important field, can enhance long-term career prospects.

• Portfolio Development: The diverse range of projects (print, digital, social, video) provides excellent material for building a robust and varied professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contractor role, the scope of responsibilities and the requirement for creative ideation suggest opportunities for professional development. The "growth" here is less about traditional career ladder progression within a single company and more about enhancing skills, gaining specialized experience, and building a stronger portfolio that can lead to future opportunities, whether with Energy Trust or elsewhere.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. The role is primarily remote but requires a minimum of quarterly in-office presence in the Portland Metro Area for team meetings and potentially representing Energy Trust in public settings or community events.

Office Location(s): Portland Metro Area, Oregon, USA. Specific office details are not provided, but the location is central for in-person collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: Offers the advantage of working from a home office, promoting work-life balance and reducing commute time for non-office days.

• Collaborative In-Person Time: Quarterly office visits facilitate team building, in-depth discussions, and face-to-face collaboration essential for cohesive campaign planning and creative synergy.

• Technology Integration: Candidates must be comfortable using digital tools for communication, project management (Asana), and design collaboration (Adobe Creative Suite, Page Proof).

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Exempt, Contract. Standard professional working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While remote, maintaining availability during core business hours for team collaboration and timely project completion is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key operational aspect. Candidates must be comfortable with remote work but also prepared to travel to the Portland office quarterly. This structure is designed to balance flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and representation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of resume and cover letter via the Energy Trust website.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant design work.

This is a critical component for evaluating design skills, brand adherence, and creative ideation.

• Interviews: Expect multiple interview rounds, potentially including:

  • An initial screening with HR or a hiring manager.
  • A technical interview focusing on design skills, software proficiency, and creative process.
  • A session with the Marketing Lead and potentially other team members to assess fit with the Program Marketing team and understand campaign collaboration dynamics.
  • A discussion about how your skills align with the company's mission and values.

• Background & Reference Checks: Standard procedure for all offers of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to create impactful marketing collateral for diverse audiences, especially for programs similar to energy efficiency or public services.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines or developed new assets that align perfectly with an established brand.

• Showcase Process: For a few key projects, briefly explain your design process, from understanding the brief to execution and final delivery. Mention the tools used (Adobe Suite, Asana, Page Proof).

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of print, digital, and social media designs. If you have animation or video editing experience, highlight those projects.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable campaign success (e.g., increased engagement, sign-ups), briefly mention it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Creative Brief Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design challenge based on a hypothetical or real marketing brief. This would assess your ability to interpret requirements and deliver a relevant design concept under a time constraint.

• Brand Guideline Application: Practice applying brand guidelines quickly and accurately.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach designing for complex or niche programs, or how you would adapt a design for different channels.

• Video/Animation Samples: If you have them, have readily accessible examples of your video editing or animation work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is paramount. The "Application Instructions" emphasize submitting a resume and cover letter via the company website. The process hints at a thorough evaluation, with a strong focus on how design skills translate into marketing outcomes and adherence to brand standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks. Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a must.

• Asana: Required for project management, task tracking, and workflow coordination. Candidates should be comfortable navigating and utilizing Asana for daily operations.

• Page Proof: Necessary for digital proofing and managing design revisions with stakeholders. Familiarity with this or similar proofing software is expected.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Required for presentations and potentially for creating design elements or templates.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a required tool for the designer, understanding how design impacts marketing metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement on social media) is beneficial. The designer may receive data or reports from the marketing team that inform design choices. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly a responsibility of this role, but understanding how marketing assets integrate into broader CRM or marketing automation platforms can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Asana, Page Proof, PowerPoint) are core to the role's operational execution. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency and potentially discuss their experience using these tools to manage design projects efficiently and collaboratively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Mission: A strong alignment with Energy Trust's mission of promoting clean, affordable energy for everyone. Designs should reflect this purpose.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The organization actively seeks to address a lack of diversity in the industry and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds. This value extends to inclusive design practices.

• Pay Equity: A commitment to fair and equitable compensation, ensuring all employees are paid based on their skills and experience, not past salaries.

• Efficiency and Effectiveness: As a non-profit focused on program delivery, there's an implicit value placed on efficient operations and effective marketing that drives results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with the Program Marketing team and the brand team, necessitating strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Creative Input: Valued for participating in ideation sessions, suggesting a collaborative environment where design perspectives are sought early in the campaign process.

• Feedback Exchange: The use of tools like Page Proof suggests a culture that embraces feedback and iterative design processes to refine creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on DEI and pay equity are significant cultural indicators. The collaborative nature of the role, with participation in ideation and use of project management/proofing tools, points to an operational culture focused on teamwork and process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Effectively designing within strict brand guidelines while still producing fresh, engaging, and innovative creative assets for diverse programs.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design requests from different program marketing initiatives simultaneously, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Adapting to Program Needs: Understanding the specific goals and target audiences of various energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to create tailored and effective visual communications.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong communication and creative synergy with the team while working in a hybrid/remote capacity, ensuring quarterly in-office presence is impactful.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Opportunity to develop and refine skills in video editing, animation, and motion graphics, enhancing the designer's versatility.

• Industry-Specific Marketing Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of marketing strategies within the energy sector, a field with unique challenges and opportunities.

• Campaign Strategy Input: Developing a stronger strategic perspective by contributing to early-stage campaign planning and creative ideation sessions.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The diverse project scope offers significant opportunities to build a robust and impressive professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical