Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: AprilAire
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Marketing / Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: October 08, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid (Onsite 1 day per month)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design compelling visual assets across print, digital, and social media platforms to support marketing objectives and brand storytelling.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Manager and cross-functional teams to develop innovative and on-brand creative solutions.
• Assist in the coordination and execution of photo and video shoots, contributing to the creation of engaging visual content.
• Maintain brand consistency and integrity across all marketing materials for AprilAire and other brands under Research Products Corporation.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery without compromising on quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid Graphic Designer, requiring a blend of creative output, collaborative effort, and project management within a marketing department. The emphasis on "Healthy Air" as a core company value suggests a need for designers who can translate this mission into visually appealing and impactful communications. The requirement for onsite presence once a month in Madison, WI, indicates a need for local or regional candidates who can commute for specific team interactions or project kick-offs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Visual Asset Creation: Develop high-quality graphics for a wide range of marketing channels including digital advertisements, social media campaigns, email marketing, print collateral, and presentations, all while adhering to established brand guidelines.
• Brand Consistency Management: Ensure all visual outputs maintain AprilAire's brand identity and messaging, and contribute to the visual strategy for sister brands under Research Products Corporation.
• Creative Collaboration: Work in tandem with the Creative Manager, copywriters, and potentially external agencies to brainstorm and execute creative concepts that resonate with target audiences.
• Photo & Video Support: Participate in the planning, execution, and post-production phases of photo and video shoots, contributing to the development of dynamic visual content.
• Design Iteration & Feedback Integration: Proactively incorporate feedback from the Creative Manager and stakeholders to refine and enhance designs, ensuring final deliverables meet project objectives and quality standards.
• File Preparation & Optimization: Prepare and optimize design files for various output requirements, ensuring technical accuracy for both print and digital applications.
• Project Management: Effectively manage a diverse workload, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines for multiple concurrent design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a versatile designer capable of handling diverse design tasks, from static graphics to supporting video production. The mention of "Research Products Corporation" suggests potential work for multiple entities, requiring adaptability in brand application. The emphasis on feedback integration points to a need for strong communication and receptiveness to constructive criticism.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Design, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a minimum of 2 years of dedicated, hands-on graphic design experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on creating marketing collateral for both digital and print media.
• Demonstrated experience in branding, page layout, typography, and visual storytelling.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating and manipulating visual assets.
• Portfolio Excellence: A robust and diverse portfolio showcasing expertise in branding, page layout, typography, UI/UX design, and icon/infographic illustration.
• Brand Alignment: Ability to understand and consistently apply brand guidelines to all design outputs.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with the Creative Manager, team members, and stakeholders, and to receive and implement creative direction.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on design elements including color, typography, and layout to ensure polished and cohesive final products.
• Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software and techniques.
• Familiarity with motion graphics creation.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles and application.
• Basic photo editing skills beyond core manipulation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical proficiency and creative acumen. The requirement for a strong portfolio is paramount, serving as the primary indicator of a candidate's capabilities. The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly in emerging areas like video and motion graphics. The educational requirement allows for flexibility, valuing practical experience as much as formal education.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Examples: Showcase a range of design projects including branding initiatives, print collateral (brochures, flyers), digital assets (web banners, social media graphics), email campaign visuals, and presentation decks.
• Brand Application Case Studies: Include examples demonstrating how you've applied or developed brand guidelines for various clients or projects, illustrating your understanding of brand consistency.
• Typographic and Layout Design: Present clear examples of strong typography and effective page layout in both print and digital formats.
• Iconography and Infographics: Showcase your ability to create clear, visually appealing icons and informative infographics that simplify complex data or concepts.
• UI/UX Design Samples (Preferred): If available, include examples of UI/UX design work that demonstrate user-centered design thinking and aesthetic appeal.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Understanding: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process from brief to final delivery, including stages for concept development, feedback, revisions, and final asset optimization.
• Collaboration Integration: Demonstrate how you integrate feedback and collaborate with stakeholders and managers throughout the design lifecycle.
• File Management & Optimization: Explain your process for preparing and optimizing files for various media (print specifications, web resolution, social media dimensions), ensuring technical accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is the most critical component. Candidates should curate their submissions to directly address the responsibilities and qualifications outlined, demonstrating a breadth of skills and a clear understanding of design principles within a marketing context. Highlighting projects that show problem-solving and effective communication through design will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Madison, Wisconsin area, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This range accounts for the specified responsibilities, required skills, and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences to advance design skills and stay current with industry trends.
• Employee Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on promoting employee health and well-being.
• Potential for Quarterly Onsite Visits: Reimbursement or support for travel to the Madison office for monthly onsite requirements.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, core working hours will align with standard business operations to facilitate collaboration with the onsite team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the specified geographic location and experience level. The benefits listed are standard for a company of AprilAire's presumed size and industry. The mention of potential travel support for the monthly onsite requirement is an inferred benefit to ease the hybrid arrangement for non-local candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and Indoor Air Quality Solutions. AprilAire is a leader in providing solutions for healthier homes. Company Size: AprilAire is part of Research Products Corporation, a well-established company in the manufacturing sector. While exact numbers for AprilAire are not specified, Research Products Corporation is likely a medium to large enterprise, suggesting a stable and structured work environment. Founded: AprilAire was founded in 1957, indicating a long history and deep expertise in its field. This longevity suggests a company culture that values tradition, quality, and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing Department, specifically within the Design Team.
• This team likely includes a Creative Manager, who will directly oversee the Graphic Designer, and potentially other designers, copywriters, and marketing specialists.
• Collaboration is expected with various internal departments (e.g., Product Development, Sales, Customer Service) and potentially external agencies.

Methodology:

• Brand-Centric Approach: Emphasis on maintaining and evolving AprilAire's brand identity across all communications.
• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative expression is key, designs are likely informed by marketing objectives, target audience insights, and performance metrics.
• Collaborative Development: Projects are often developed through teamwork, with input and feedback from multiple stakeholders.
• Quality & Precision: A focus on delivering high-quality, polished work that reflects the company's commitment to excellence.

Company Website: https://www.aprilaire.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AprilAire's focus on "Healthy Air" and its long history suggest a company culture that is mission-driven, quality-oriented, and values expertise. The integration into Research Products Corporation implies solid corporate backing and resources. The design team likely operates with a structured but collaborative approach, aiming to translate the company's core values into compelling visual narratives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered an intermediate-level position within the design field. It requires a solid foundation of design principles and software proficiency, coupled with the ability to work independently on projects while also contributing effectively within a team structure. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Manager. This reporting line provides clear guidance, feedback, and project direction, facilitating professional development within defined creative parameters. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts AprilAire's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and overall visual communication strategy. High-quality visuals can enhance customer engagement, improve brand recognition, and support sales efforts by making products and services more appealing and understandable.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as UI/UX, motion graphics, or advanced branding, potentially leading to specialized roles within the design team.
• Creative Leadership: With demonstrated success and expanded experience, potential to move into senior designer roles, take on more complex projects, or even explore team lead positions within the creative department.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with different departments, gaining a broader understanding of the business and how design contributes to various organizational functions.
• Industry Trend Adoption: Continuous learning and adoption of new design tools and techniques can lead to career advancement and more innovative project contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a stable platform for a designer to hone their skills within a specific industry and brand. Growth potential is tied to developing specialized design expertise and demonstrating leadership in project execution and collaborative efforts. The hybrid nature might also offer flexibility that contributes to work-life balance, a key factor in long-term career satisfaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as Hybrid. It requires a minimum of one day per month onsite at the Madison, Wisconsin office. The remaining time can be worked remotely. Office Location(s): The primary office location for the onsite component is 1015 East Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The onsite days in Madison provide opportunities for face-to-face collaboration, team brainstorming sessions, and direct interaction with the Creative Manager and other marketing team members. This fosters a sense of team cohesion and facilitates real-time feedback.
• Technology & Tools: Expect access to standard creative software and IT support, as well as company-specific branding assets and guidelines. The company likely provides necessary software licenses and potentially hardware.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and engagement during both remote and onsite periods. Regular virtual meetings and clear documentation will be crucial for seamless workflow.

Work Schedule:

• The standard workweek is approximately 40 hours.
• While remote work is permitted, specific core hours may be established to ensure availability for team collaboration and meetings, especially on days when onsite presence is required. The monthly onsite requirement suggests a need for flexibility in scheduling that day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect of this role's work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of independent remote work and scheduled in-office collaboration. The "one day per month" onsite requirement is a significant detail that may impact candidate location preferences and logistical planning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for alignment with required skills and experience.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting key projects that demonstrate their design capabilities, problem-solving approach, and understanding of branding.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise or design challenge may be administered to evaluate technical skills, creative thinking, and ability to work within project constraints.
• Manager & Team Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Manager and potentially other members of the marketing or creative team to assess cultural fit, communication style, and collaborative potential.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level marketing leader or HR representative to discuss overall fit and terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your skills in branding, print, digital, and social media design, as requested in the job description.
• Tell a Story: For each selected project, be prepared to explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact or outcome of your design.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain brand integrity and adapt designs across different platforms.
• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and any other relevant software.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on how your designs performed (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates), be ready to share it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and analyze any design challenge brief, identifying key objectives and constraints.
• Time Management: Practice working within realistic timeframes, allocating sufficient time for concepting, design, and refinement.
• Presentation Readiness: Prepare a clear and concise presentation of your challenge work, ready to articulate your design decisions and rationale.
• Focus on Brand: If the challenge involves a hypothetical scenario for AprilAire, demonstrate an understanding of their brand and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical stage. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative around their work, emphasizing process, problem-solving, and results. A design challenge is highly probable, so practicing design exercises under timed conditions is advisable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all graphic design tasks.
• Microsoft Office 365: Familiarity with Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook for general business communication and document creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts digital metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) or social media analytics platforms could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM tools are mentioned as required for the designer, but an understanding of how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is a strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite. While other tools are preferred or beneficial, proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Microsoft Office is standard.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to producing high-quality work that reflects professionalism and attention to detail, aligning with AprilAire's reputation.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with colleagues, sharing ideas, and contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and creative approaches to visual communication that align with the company's mission.
• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user and customer experience in mind, ensuring visuals are clear, engaging, and beneficial.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new skills, adapt to evolving design trends, and respond to changing project needs.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are openly shared and constructive feedback is valued.
• Expect a mix of structured collaboration (e.g., regular team meetings, project reviews) and informal idea exchange.
• The hybrid model requires proactive communication and a willingness to engage digitally as well as in person.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value both individual creativity and collective effort. A designer who is proactive in communication, open to feedback, and enthusiastic about contributing to a mission-driven company will likely thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetics with Marketing Objectives: Successfully translating complex HVAC/IAQ concepts into visually appealing and easily digestible marketing materials that also drive desired actions.
• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines and creative requirements from different brands or departments within Research Products Corporation.
• Adapting to Hybrid Work Model: Maintaining consistent productivity and team connection while working remotely and aligning with the monthly onsite requirement.
• Keeping Pace with Design Trends: Continuously learning and integrating new design tools, software, and visual styles to keep AprilAire's branding fresh and relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry-Specific Design: Gaining expertise in designing for the HVAC and indoor air quality sector, understanding its unique visual language and target audiences.
• Software Proficiency Enhancement: Opportunities to attend training or workshops to master advanced features within Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design software.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to marketing strategies, copywriting, and product development can broaden design perspective and strategic thinking.
• Portfolio Expansion: The diverse projects undertaken will naturally contribute to building a more robust and varied professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a creative role within a corporate marketing structure. Growth opportunities are presented as organic, stemming from the nature of the work and the company's support for continuous learning and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio. For each, discuss the project's objective, your role, your creative process, design challenges, how you incorporated feedback, and the outcome.
• Brand Understanding: How would you approach designing marketing materials for a company focused on "Healthy Air"? What visual elements come to mind? How would you ensure brand consistency across different platforms?
• Problem-Solving in Design: Describe a time you had to work with a difficult client or stakeholder on a design project. How did you manage their expectations and incorporate their feedback while maintaining design integrity?
• Tool Proficiency: Discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite. What are your strongest skills, and are there any specific features or workflows you excel at? Are you familiar with video editing or motion graphics software?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for the Role: Why are you interested in AprilAire and this specific Graphic Designer position? What appeals to you about the company's mission or industry?
• Teamwork & Collaboration: How do you approach collaboration with a Creative Manager and other team members? What is your preferred communication style in a hybrid work environment?
• Handling Feedback: How do you receive and process constructive criticism on your designs? Provide an example of how feedback improved a project.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Targeted Selection: Choose projects that directly align with the responsibilities and qualifications listed in the job description. Prioritize examples of print, digital, branding, and typography.
• Narrative Structure: For each project, outline: Problem/Objective -> Your Solution/Design Process -> Tools Used -> Outcome/Impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-resolution images and clear descriptions.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Show a range of styles and project types to highlight your adaptability. If you have preferred areas (e.g., branding, digital), ensure those are strongly represented.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful and relevant pieces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical design skills and how well a candidate fits into a collaborative, mission-driven marketing team. A strong, well-articulated portfolio presentation is crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Visit the AprilAire careers website at https://careers.aprilaire.com/jobs/2450 and submit your application.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, branding, print and digital design, and any relevant project management or collaboration skills. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your best work, focusing on projects relevant to the job description (branding, print, digital, social media graphics). Ensure it's easily accessible and well-organized.
• Craft a Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Briefly explain your interest in AprilAire, your relevant design experience, and how your skills align with the company's mission and the role's requirements.
• Research AprilAire: Familiarize yourself with their products, brand messaging, and overall company values to demonstrate genuine interest during the interview process. Understand their focus on "Healthy Air."

⚠️ 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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