📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Avant Communications LLC
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Design Management / Graphic Design
Date Posted: 2025-06-09T18:51:01
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: Hybrid
🎨 Role Summary
- Lead and mentor a team of design professionals, overseeing creative projects across digital, print, event, and video platforms.
- Act as a hands-on individual contributor, developing high-quality designs, illustrations, and infographics while ensuring strict adherence to established brand equity.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated brand experiences that span diverse media channels and marketing initiatives.
- Drive continuous improvement in design practices by staying current with evolving industry trends and emerging design technologies.
🖼️ Primary Responsibilities
- Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of design projects, from initial concept and ideation through final delivery, maintaining rigorous brand consistency and output quality across all marketing channels.
- Create original, impactful visual content, including designs, illustrations, and infographics, that effectively communicates the brand message and reinforces brand equity.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and constructive feedback to the design team, fostering creative excellence, consistency, and supporting individual career development goals.
- Partner closely with cross-functional marketing teams (events, social media, web, video, content) to ensure design deliverables are cohesive and aligned with overall brand strategy.
- Research and integrate the latest design trends, methodologies, and software to enhance the team's capabilities and optimize design workflows.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related design field is required, providing a foundational understanding of design principles, theory, and practice. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications in design management or specific design disciplines are a plus.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior design capacity is essential, with a preference for candidates who have demonstrable managerial experience leading design teams. A strong portfolio showcasing versatility across multiple design mediums and a proven ability to maintain brand equity is critical for demonstrating the required level of expertise and leadership potential.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional proficiency with industry-standard design software, particularly the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro), demonstrating mastery of graphic design, illustration, and potentially motion graphics or video editing.
- Proven ability to manage and mentor a design team, including providing constructive feedback, guiding professional development, and fostering a collaborative creative environment.
- Experience with overseeing design projects from conception to completion, including planning, resource allocation, timeline management, and quality assurance.
- Strong understanding and application of brand guidelines and visual identity systems, with a track record of maintaining brand consistency across diverse marketing materials and channels.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with content management systems, specifically WordPress, for website design and content integration is beneficial.
- Experience utilizing project management software like Monday.com or JIRA for tracking design projects, managing workflows, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Previous design experience within the Channel or Technology sectors, demonstrating an understanding of the industry landscape and target audience.
🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate versatility across a range of design mediums, including digital (website, social media graphics, banner ads), print (brochures, flyers, event materials), event design, and potentially video or motion graphics.
- Include comprehensive case studies that outline your design process, from initial problem definition and research through ideation, iteration, and final execution, highlighting your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Showcase your ability to work within and maintain established brand equity, presenting examples where you successfully applied and evolved brand guidelines across different projects.
- Include examples of work where you acted as an individual contributor, particularly in website, presentation, and content design, illustrating your hands-on design capabilities.
Process Documentation:
- For each case study, clearly articulate the research and discovery methods used to understand the project requirements and target audience.
- Detail your ideation and iteration process, including sketches, wireframes, mockups, and how you incorporated feedback to refine your designs.
- Explain your validation and testing approaches, if applicable, demonstrating how you ensured your designs met user needs and business objectives.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: While a specific salary range was not provided, based on industry data for Design Manager roles in Chicago, Illinois, with 5-10 years of experience in the IT Services and Consulting sector, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $85,000 and $120,000. This estimate can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and the scope of responsibilities within the organization. Chicago's cost of living is higher than the national average, which is factored into typical salary ranges for professional roles in the area.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance coverage to support employee health and well-being.
- Dental Insurance to cover routine and necessary dental care.
- Vision Insurance to assist with eye care expenses.
- Commuter Benefits program to help offset the costs of commuting to the office.
- 401K Match program to support retirement savings with company contributions.
- Unlimited PTO policy, offering flexibility for rest and personal time.
- Generous Parental Leave policy to support new parents.
Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically involving standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While the role is hybrid, requiring one day per week in the Chicago office, the unlimited PTO and focus on project delivery suggest a degree of flexibility in managing work schedules to accommodate creative workflows and deadlines.
🎯Team & Company Context
🏢 Company & Design Culture
Industry: Avant Communications operates within the IT Services and IT Consulting industry, specifically as a distributor of next-generation technologies. This context means the design team supports marketing efforts for complex technology solutions, requiring an understanding of B2B marketing principles and the ability to translate technical concepts into visually compelling materials.
Company Size: With approximately 51-200 employees according to LinkedIn, Avant Communications is a mid-sized company. This size often means a dynamic environment where design professionals have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and have a direct impact on the company's brand presence.
Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the company's focus on "next generation technologies" suggests a forward-thinking approach, likely influencing the design culture towards innovation and adaptability.
Team Structure:
- The Design Manager will oversee a team of three designers, indicating a focused and potentially collaborative team environment.
- The reporting structure is likely within the Marketing department, requiring close collaboration with marketing leadership and specialists.
- Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, working with teams involved in events, social media, web, and content creation.
Methodology:
- The emphasis on "overseeing design projects from conception to delivery" suggests a structured project management approach, likely incorporating elements of agile or waterfall methodologies depending on the project type.
- The requirement for a portfolio showcasing process indicates a value placed on understanding the designer's thought process and problem-solving approach.
- Collaboration with content and web teams implies an iterative design process that integrates feedback from various stakeholders.
Company Website: https://goavant.net
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Design Career Level: This role is positioned at a management level within the design function, suitable for a seasoned designer with significant experience and a desire to lead and mentor others while remaining involved in hands-on design work. It represents a step up from a Senior Designer role, focusing on team performance, project strategy, and cross-functional influence.
Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP within the Marketing department, indicating a clear path for upward communication and strategic alignment with marketing objectives. Managing a team of three designers establishes a leadership layer within the design function.
Design Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on Avant Communication's brand presence and marketing effectiveness. By overseeing design projects across various channels and ensuring brand consistency, the Design Manager plays a crucial role in shaping how the company is perceived by its target audience and partners.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for advancement to higher-level leadership roles within the Marketing or Creative departments, such as Director of Design or Creative Director, depending on company growth and structure.
- Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital design strategy, brand development) or expand into related fields like marketing strategy or content creation.
- Growth in leadership skills through managing and developing a team, gaining experience in performance management, project delegation, and fostering a positive team culture.
🌐 Work Environment
Studio Type: The role is based in a professional office environment in Chicago, IL, with a hybrid work model requiring one day per week in the office. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and the flexibility of remote work for the remainder of the week.
Office Location(s): The primary office location is 2 N Riverside Plz, Chicago, IL 60606, US. This downtown location offers potential accessibility via public transportation and is situated in a business district.
Design Workspace Context:
- The hybrid model suggests the office environment likely includes dedicated workspace for the design team, potentially with collaborative areas for brainstorming and project discussions.
- Access to necessary design software and hardware will be provided, both in the office and for remote work setups.
- The in-office day facilitates direct interaction with the design team and other cross-functional colleagues, fostering stronger relationships and spontaneous collaboration.
Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with typical business hours. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for focused work remotely and dedicated in-person time for team meetings, presentations, and collaborative sessions.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Design Interview Process:
- The initial stage likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess your experience, skills, and the quality of your design work.
- Successful candidates may have an introductory call with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background and interest in the role.
- Subsequent rounds will likely involve interviews with the hiring manager, potentially other members of the marketing team, and key stakeholders you would collaborate with. These interviews will likely delve into your experience managing design teams, your design process, and your ability to maintain brand consistency.
- A design challenge or case study presentation may be required to evaluate your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate your design decisions.
- Final interviews may involve discussions with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in managing design projects across various media (digital, print, video, events) and your ability to maintain brand equity.
- For each case study, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role in the project, the design process you followed, the tools you used, and the impact of your work. Quantify results where possible.
- Include examples of work where you acted as an individual contributor in website, presentation, and content design, as requested in the job description.
- Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you mentor and manage a design team.
Challenge Preparation:
- If a design challenge is part of the process, carefully read and understand the requirements. Allocate your time effectively between understanding the problem, brainstorming solutions, designing, and preparing your presentation.
- Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and explain the decisions you made throughout the process.
- Practice presenting your work and process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to stakeholders.
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Design Manager, Visual Communications, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, WordPress, Monday.com, JIRA, Team Management, Creative Direction, Brand Consistency, Brand Equity, Digital Design, Print Design, Event Design, Video Design, Content Design, Presentation Design, Portfolio Management, Design Process, Design Strategy, Cross-functional Collaboration, Marketing Design, B2B Marketing, IT Services, Technology Sector, Mentoring, Leadership, Project Management, Visual Design, Communication Skills, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Design Trends, Creative Vision.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Design Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Exceptional proficiency is required across the suite, likely including Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration, InDesign for layout and print materials, and potentially After Effects and Premiere Pro for video and motion graphics, indicating a need for versatility in visual media creation.
- Other relevant design software beyond Adobe Creative Suite may be used, and a willingness to learn new tools is likely expected.
Collaboration & Handoff:
- WordPress: Familiarity with WordPress is mentioned, suggesting collaboration with web development teams for implementing designs on the company website and managing web content visually.
- Project Management Software (Monday.com, JIRA): Experience with these tools is preferred, indicating their use for managing design projects, tracking progress, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and facilitating workflow handoffs.
Research & Testing:
- While specific research and testing tools are not mentioned, a strong portfolio demonstrating process documentation implies some level of engagement with understanding user needs and potentially validating design solutions.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Design Values:
- Creative Excellence: The emphasis on "world-class Marketing team" and "high-quality outcomes" suggests a strong value placed on producing visually compelling and effective design work that meets high standards.
- Brand Consistency: A core responsibility is ensuring brand consistency and maintaining brand equity, indicating a value placed on upholding and applying the company's visual identity system rigorously across all touchpoints.
- Collaboration: The requirement to collaborate with cross-functional teams highlights a value placed on teamwork, communication, and the ability to work effectively with individuals from different disciplines.
- Continuous Improvement: Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies suggests a value placed on learning, innovation, and a proactive approach to enhancing design practices.
Collaboration Style:
- The structure of overseeing a team of three designers implies a collaborative internal team environment, likely involving design critiques, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
- Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with marketing, content, and potentially sales teams to deliver integrated campaigns.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Design Challenges:
- Managing Diverse Design Needs: Overseeing design across digital, print, events, and video requires versatility and the ability to adapt design approaches to different mediums and target audiences.
- Maintaining Brand Consistency at Scale: Ensuring consistent brand application across a wide range of marketing materials and channels can be challenging, requiring strong guidelines and meticulous attention to detail.
- Balancing Management and Individual Contribution: Effectively leading a team while also contributing as a hands-on designer requires strong time management and the ability to prioritize effectively.
- Staying Ahead of Design Trends: The dynamic nature of design and technology requires continuous learning and adaptation to keep the company's visual identity fresh and relevant.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Opportunities to enhance leadership and team management skills through mentorship and professional development programs.
- Exposure to a wide range of marketing initiatives and technologies within the IT Services sector, providing opportunities to deepen industry-specific design expertise.
- Potential for professional development through conferences, workshops, or online courses focusing on advanced design techniques, design management, or specific software.
💡 Interview Preparation
Design Process Questions:
- Be prepared to walk through your design process for a complex project from your portfolio. Discuss your approach to understanding the brief, conducting research, ideating, iterating, and delivering the final design.
- Explain how you approach maintaining brand consistency across different design projects and media. Provide specific examples from your portfolio.
- Describe your experience managing design projects, including how you plan, allocate resources, manage timelines, and ensure quality control.
Company Culture Questions:
- Research Avant Communications' recent marketing campaigns and design work. Be prepared to discuss what you admire and potential areas for creative exploration.
- Discuss your leadership style and how you approach mentoring and developing a design team. Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and creative growth within a team.
- Ask questions about the design team's structure, collaboration with other departments, and the company's approach to design innovation.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that are most relevant to the role's requirements (team management, diverse media, brand consistency).
- For each case study, tell a compelling story that highlights your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your design work.
- Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced in each project and how you overcame them.
- Practice presenting your portfolio clearly and concisely, focusing on your process and rationale rather than just showing the final visuals.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this design position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Carefully review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with the requirements, particularly showcasing experience in team management, diverse media, and brand consistency, and customize it if necessary.
- Optimize your resume to include relevant design keywords and clearly highlight your experience in design management and leadership roles.
- Prepare for the interview process by practicing articulating your design process, discussing your leadership style, and preparing thoughtful questions about the role and company.
- Research Avant Communications, their industry, and their recent marketing efforts to demonstrate your understanding of their business and design needs.