Graphic Designer and Strategic Communications Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer and Strategic Communications Specialist Company: Water Systems Consulting (WSC) Location: San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Laguna Hills, Ontario, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations / GTM Support Date Posted: January 29, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (with flexibility for full or part-time)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for supporting WSC's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating compelling visual assets and executing strategic communication plans that enhance client engagement and brand perception within the water sector.
• The position involves managing the visual identity and brand narrative, ensuring consistency across all marketing collateral, proposals, and digital platforms to support business development and client relationship management.
• Key responsibilities include developing and executing communication strategies for outreach projects, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and managing event logistics, all of which directly contribute to WSC's project success and client satisfaction.
• This role requires a blend of creative design skills and strategic communication acumen to translate complex water sector challenges into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences, thereby supporting the company's growth and reputation as a leader in water solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Graphic Designer and Strategic Communications Specialist," the responsibilities and context suggest a strong alignment with GTM support functions, particularly in content creation, brand management, and client-facing communication. This enhancement frames the role within an operations context to attract relevant professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead graphic design efforts for a wide range of materials, including icons, diagrams, charts, infographics, and illustrations, for applications spanning presentations, print, video, social media, and web content, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic communication and engagement plans for client projects and internal initiatives, conceptualizing, writing, reviewing, and finalizing content for reports, surveys, agendas, presentations, and digital platforms.
• Manage the end-to-end production process for marketing collateral, event materials, and proposals, including coordinating printing, ensuring proper file formatting for print (CMYK, bleed, resolution), and working with vendors.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate multi-agency workshops, public meetings, stakeholder discussions, and interactive sessions, both in-person and virtually, to foster collaboration and gather crucial input for water sector projects.
• Provide technical editing, formatting, and quality assurance for written documents, ensuring impeccable accuracy, attention to detail, and clarity in all communication outputs to maintain WSC's professional reputation.
• Support marketing, proposal development, and internal communications needs by creating dynamic layouts, building scopes and fees, and ensuring brand consistency across all external and internal facing materials.
• Manage and implement brand strategies, working closely with WSC leads to define and maintain a cohesive visual identity and messaging framework across all company communications.
• Develop and manage social media content, design, and campaigns, ensuring alignment with communication strategies and brand voice.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities have been detailed and expanded to highlight operations-centric aspects such as project management, stakeholder engagement (critical for GTM in consulting), and content lifecycle management, which are vital for a specialist role supporting business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Communications, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in graphic design, marketing, public relations, community relations, or a related communications field.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating effectively across diverse teams to achieve project and communication goals.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) with strong skills in developing icons, diagrams, charts, and infographics. Expertise in dynamic layout and editorial design, including proper typography, color contrast, visual hierarchy, and accessibility.
• Technical Writing & Editing: Exceptional ability to conceptualize, write, edit, and format technical content for reports, presentations, web, and print, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to style guides.
• Brand Management: Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining brand guidelines, ensuring visual and verbal consistency across all communication channels.
• Project & Event Management: Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute communication projects and events (in-person and virtual), manage timelines, and coordinate logistics effectively.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) for content creation and presentation development.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to receive and incorporate feedback, adapt to changing project needs, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Impeccable accuracy and meticulous attention to detail in all design and content creation tasks.
• Time Management: Strong organizational and time management abilities to effectively balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the consulting, engineering, public agencies, or water industry.
• Proficiency in digital illustration and photo editing without reliance on AI-generated assets.
• Experience creating and managing templates in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.
• Familiarity with website design and content development, particularly with WIX and WordPress.
• Experience with ADA/WCAG compliance in digital and print design.
• Ability to animate graphics using Adobe AfterEffects.
• Video editing skills using Adobe Premiere Pro and/or Final Cut Pro.
• Experience in supporting proposal preparation, including layout design and contributing to scope and fee development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills have been expanded to include specific software proficiency and soft skills crucial for operations roles, such as project management, collaboration, and attention to detail. Preferred skills highlight areas of specialization that would provide a competitive edge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of graphic design projects, emphasizing the ability to translate complex technical information (e.g., engineering concepts, hydrogeology data) into clear, visually engaging content like infographics, diagrams, and presentations.
• Demonstrations of end-to-end content development, including writing samples for reports, web content, or social media campaigns, highlighting the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms.
• Examples of strategic communication plans or project summaries that illustrate effective stakeholder engagement, event coordination, or outreach initiatives, detailing objectives, strategies, and outcomes.
• Case studies or project examples that highlight the ability to manage multiple priorities, adhere to strict brand guidelines, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines, showcasing organizational and time management skills.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of process management, such as workflow diagrams or project timelines for design and content creation projects, demonstrating an understanding of the production lifecycle from concept to final delivery.
• Examples of how feedback was incorporated into design or content revisions, illustrating a collaborative and adaptable approach to project execution and quality improvement.
• Documentation of experience with accessibility standards (e.g., ADA/WCAG compliance) in design and content, showing a commitment to inclusive communication practices.
• Any experience or documentation related to managing external vendors (e.g., printers) for collateral production would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role blending design and strategic communications, a portfolio is critical. This section specifies what kind of process-oriented documentation and examples are expected, focusing on how the candidate manages their work and ensures quality and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Full-Time Role: $86,000 - $137,000 annually.
• Part-Time Arrangement: Compensation will be adjusted proportionally based on experience and hours worked.
• The final salary offered will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the specific arrangement (full-time vs. part-time), aligning with industry benchmarks for similar roles in the California market.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), holiday pay, and a comprehensive fitness and health benefits program.
• Retirement & Ownership: 401(k) plan and participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), reflecting WSC's commitment to employee well-being and long-term investment.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement to support continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Other Perks: Competitive salary, attractive compensation package, and eligibility for benefits for both full-time and part-time employees working 20+ hours per week.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is 40 hours.
• Flexibility is available for part-time arrangements (20+ hours per week).
• Hybrid work model allows for a blend of remote and in-office work, with specific days in the office to be determined based on team needs and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range and benefits have been explicitly detailed. The salary estimate is derived directly from the provided text and adjusted for a full-time role. Benefits are listed comprehensively, emphasizing those particularly attractive to operations professionals, such as long-term financial security and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Sector Consulting (Engineering, Hydrogeology, Strategic Communications). WSC operates at the intersection of complex environmental challenges and public engagement, requiring sophisticated communication strategies to convey technical information and build consensus. Company Size: Growing and thriving employee-owned company. This structure fosters a strong sense of shared purpose, commitment to long-term success, and a collaborative, people-first environment, which can influence decision-making processes and project execution. Founded: Not specified, but the company emphasizes its growth and established reputation. The focus on "putting people first," employee ownership, and being recognized as a "Best Place to Work" indicates a culture that values employee well-being, collaboration, and long-term relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer and Strategic Communications Specialist will be part of a team of engineering, hydrogeology, and communication specialists.
• This role likely reports to a Communications Manager, Marketing Director, or a Project Manager overseeing client outreach efforts.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, requiring close interaction with technical experts, project managers, and business development teams to ensure communication strategies align with project goals and technical accuracy.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: WSC focuses on solving complex water challenges, implying a need to translate data and technical findings into compelling narratives for diverse stakeholders.
• Integrated Solutions: The "One Water" approach suggests a holistic methodology that integrates engineering, environmental science, and communication to address multifaceted issues.
• Client-Centric Approach: "Putting people first" underscores a client-focused methodology, emphasizing understanding client needs and community impacts to deliver effective solutions.

Company Website: https://expectwsc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: This section contextualizes WSC within its industry, highlighting how its employee-owned structure and "people-first" culture might influence operations and team dynamics. The emphasis on integrated solutions and data-driven storytelling is key for a communications role in a technical consulting firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist, requiring 5+ years of experience. It offers a blend of individual contribution (design, writing) and project leadership potential (managing communication plans, facilitating meetings). It serves as a critical support function for the company's GTM and project delivery efforts.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a senior member of the communications, marketing, or project management team. Collaboration will extend across technical departments (engineering, hydrogeology) and potentially business development.

Operations Impact: This specialist directly impacts WSC's ability to secure new business and successfully execute projects by:

• Enhancing proposal quality and persuasiveness through strong design and clear communication.
• Improving client and community engagement through well-executed outreach and communication plans.
• Strengthening WSC's brand reputation and market position through consistent, high-quality visual and written content.
• Facilitating successful project outcomes by ensuring clear communication among project teams and stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of water sector communications, technical illustration, or digital strategy.
• Leadership: Progress into roles with greater responsibility for managing communication projects, leading outreach initiatives, or overseeing brand strategy.
• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to engineering and hydrogeology projects, potentially leading to a more integrated understanding of WSC's core services.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior staff or interns in design and communication best practices.
• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent WSC at industry events, conferences, or through published content.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within a typical operations career path, highlighting its strategic importance and potential for advancement within a specialized field. The emphasis on "impact" connects the role's activities to broader business objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: WSC offers a hybrid work model with flexibility. This suggests a modern approach to work, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the autonomy of remote work. The company culture emphasizes a "people-first" approach, likely translating into a supportive and collaborative office atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The role can be based out of San Luis Obispo, Laguna Hills, San Diego, or Ontario, California. This provides geographical flexibility for candidates within Southern California. The presence of multiple offices indicates a well-established regional presence.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid nature implies a need for effective office spaces that facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and client meetings. Expect shared workspaces, meeting rooms equipped for hybrid collaboration, and areas for focused individual work.
• Technology & Tools: Access to essential design software (Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided to support hybrid and remote work. The company's commitment to employee development suggests investment in necessary technology.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, project huddles, and informal interactions will exist, both virtually and in-person, to foster camaraderie and efficient workflow.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour week allows for structured work, but the hybrid flexibility and potential for part-time arrangements suggest an understanding of work-life balance needs, which is beneficial for roles requiring sustained creative output and detailed analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the practical aspects of the work environment, emphasizing the hybrid model and its implications for collaboration and workspace setup, which are key considerations for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with required skills and experience.
• Technical/Creative Assessment: Likely involves a portfolio review and potentially a design or writing exercise to evaluate practical skills in graphic design, content creation, and strategic communication principles.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions focused on past experiences, problem-solving approaches, collaboration style, and how you handle feedback and manage competing priorities. Expect questions related to managing multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with potential team members and leadership to assess cultural alignment with WSC's "people-first" and employee-owned values.
• Final Interview: May involve a deeper dive into strategic thinking, project leadership potential, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills: graphic design for complex topics, technical writing, strategic communication planning, and brand management.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the process you followed (including how you handled challenges or feedback), and the measurable impact or outcome.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign for layouts, Illustrator for graphics, and Photoshop for editing. Mention any experience with ADA compliance or accessibility.
• Emphasize Communication Strategy: Include examples that show your ability to develop messaging, plan outreach, facilitate meetings, or manage social media campaigns.
• Tailor to WSC: If possible, include a project related to environmental consulting, engineering, or public engagement to demonstrate industry relevance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a task that might involve creating a visual asset (e.g., an infographic, a presentation slide) from provided technical information or refining existing materials to meet brand and accessibility standards.
• Writing Challenge: You might be asked to draft a piece of content (e.g., a project summary, a social media post) based on a hypothetical scenario or to edit existing text for clarity and impact.
• Strategic Thinking: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a communication challenge for a water infrastructure project or how you would engage diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on the critical portfolio component and preparing for potential interview challenges relevant to both design and strategic communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Mastery of Adobe InDesign (for layout and editorial design, paragraph/character styles), Adobe Illustrator (for icons, diagrams, illustrations), and Adobe Photoshop (for photo editing and graphic manipulation) is essential.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint (for presentations), Word (for technical writing and document formatting), and Excel (for data representation and tracking).
• Web Content Management Systems (Preferred): Experience with WIX and WordPress for website design and content development.
• Animation & Video Editing (Preferred): Adobe AfterEffects for graphic animation, and Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for video editing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, understanding how to interpret and present data visually (e.g., charts, infographics) is key. Experience with tools that facilitate data visualization for reports and presentations would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but familiarity with how design and communication efforts support CRM and GTM automation processes (e.g., creating assets for email campaigns, social media automation) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific software and technology stack relevant to the role, highlighting the core design tools and preferred platforms. This is crucial for operations professionals who need to understand the technical environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: A commitment to prioritizing colleagues and clients, fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere. This translates to collaborative problem-solving and strong interpersonal dynamics.
• Excellence in Execution: A drive to deliver high-quality solutions, whether in engineering, hydrogeology, or strategic communications, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail, and client satisfaction.
• Innovation & Problem Solving: A proactive approach to tackling complex water challenges, encouraging creative thinking and the development of novel solutions.
• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship: A core value rooted in the company's mission, influencing project approaches and internal operations to promote environmental responsibility.
• Employee Ownership: A deep-seated value that promotes accountability, shared success, and a long-term perspective across all team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration between technical experts (engineers, hydrogeologists) and communication specialists to ensure all outreach materials are technically accurate and effectively communicated.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages open feedback and iterative development, particularly in design and content creation, to refine outputs and meet project objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: As an employee-owned company, there's likely a strong emphasis on sharing expertise and best practices across teams to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section synthesizes the company's stated values and cultural elements, translating them into what they mean for daily operations and team interactions, particularly for a role that bridges creative and technical domains.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be to distill highly technical water sector information (e.g., hydrogeology reports, engineering designs) into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse audiences, including the public, regulatory bodies, and technical peers.
• Balancing Multiple Projects & Priorities: Managing concurrent design, writing, and communication projects for various clients and internal initiatives, each with unique requirements and deadlines.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a wide array of diverse communication channels and materials, especially as the company grows.
• Adapting to Evolving Communication Channels: Staying current with best practices in digital communications, social media, and accessibility standards for both print and online content.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to enhance skills in areas like advanced graphic design techniques, digital illustration, video editing, animation, or specific communication methodologies relevant to the water industry.
• Industry Knowledge Acquisition: Deepen understanding of water sector challenges, regulations, and best practices through project work and internal collaboration.
• Project Leadership: Potential to take on more responsibility in leading communication strategies for larger projects or client accounts.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from experienced professionals within WSC's diverse team of engineers, hydrogeologists, and communication specialists.
• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in design, communication, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges and frames them as opportunities for skill development and professional growth, which is a key aspect of operations roles and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical information into a visually compelling and easy-to-understand format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your design process, audience analysis, and impact).
• "How do you manage competing deadlines and priorities when working on multiple design and communication projects simultaneously?" (Highlight your project management, prioritization, and time management skills).
• "Walk us through a strategic communication plan you developed or executed. What were the objectives, target audience, key messages, channels used, and how did you measure success?" (Emphasize strategic thinking, planning, and results).
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various platforms and materials, especially when working with different stakeholders or technical teams?" (Discuss your approach to brand guidelines, collaboration, and quality control).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in WSC and the water sector specifically?" (Research WSC's mission, projects, and values; connect your passion for sustainability or communication to their work).
• "How do you approach collaboration with subject matter experts (like engineers or hydrogeologists) to ensure technical accuracy in your communication materials?" (Discuss your communication style, ability to ask clarifying questions, and respect for technical input).
• "Describe your experience with employee-owned companies or environments that emphasize a 'people-first' culture. How do you contribute to such a culture?" (Reflect on teamwork, shared responsibility, and supportive communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Don't just show the final product; tell the story behind each project. Explain the challenge, your role, your process, and the results.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "increased engagement by X%", "received positive feedback from Y stakeholders," "streamlined Z process").
• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of skills – from detailed infographics and technical diagrams to engaging social media content and well-formatted reports.
• Highlight Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, how you incorporate feedback, and how you ensure quality and accuracy, especially when dealing with technical content.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide offers specific types of questions and strategies tailored to the unique blend of design, communication, and technical context of this role, helping candidates anticipate and articulate their qualifications effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer and Strategic Communications Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your ability to create clear, compelling visuals from complex technical information, alongside examples of strategic communication planning and execution. Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to the water sector or similar technical/environmental fields.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of experience, highlighting achievements in graphic design, technical writing, project management, and strategic communications. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "strategic communications," "brand management," and "stakeholder engagement."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your process for design and communication projects, focusing on how you manage timelines, collaborate with technical experts, and ensure accuracy and impact. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to problem-solving, feedback, and teamwork.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Water Systems Consulting (WSC), focusing on their mission, "One Water" approach, employee-owned structure, and recent projects. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their "people-first" culture to articulate your 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.

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