Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: APTIM Location: Multiple Locations (San Diego, CA; Tampa, FL; Dallas, TX; Knoxville, TN; Denver, CO) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: August 15, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting corporate marketing initiatives through the creation of compelling print and digital design assets, directly contributing to APTIM's growth strategy and brand narrative across various platforms.
• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating marketing tactics and storytelling techniques into visually engaging graphics for presentations, reports, email campaigns, social media, and collateral.
• A key aspect of this role involves meticulous project management, ensuring all creative deliverables adhere to brand guidelines, accessibility standards, and are delivered on time through effective workflow and deadline management.
• The position requires a proactive and collaborative individual who can effectively manage day-to-day design processes, obtain necessary approvals, and maintain clear communication with internal stakeholders and partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and required skills, particularly the emphasis on supporting corporate marketing initiatives, brand compliance, project management using tools like Wrike, and stakeholder communication, suggest a strong alignment with Marketing Operations or a closely related creative operations function. The role bridges creative execution with operational rigor.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all marketing materials, including brochures, emails, presentations, and digital graphics, strictly adhere to APTIM's brand guidelines and relevant accessibility standards. Conduct thorough QA/QC checks on collateral before submitting for review.
• Creative Design Execution: Design a wide range of marketing materials and visual concepts using graphic design software, focusing on developing impactful graphics that communicate the APTIM story to diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
• Presentation Design & Development: Create visually appealing and logically structured presentations, meticulously managing slide layouts, typography, color palettes, and imagery to align with specified brand guidelines and project requirements.
• Project & Workflow Management: Utilize project management software (e.g., Wrike) to effectively manage project timelines, track deliverables, organize workload, and ensure the timely creation and approval of all assets and collateral.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Engage with internal staff, stakeholders, and partners to thoroughly understand project requirements, present design concepts, and provide regular updates on project status, approvals, and deliverables.
• Asset Management & Sourcing: Source, manage, and maintain a library of approved images and visual assets, ensuring easy accessibility and consistent application across all design projects.
• Process Improvement & Trend Awareness: Stay abreast of current design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in graphic and digital design to ensure APTIM's creative assets remain current and impactful.
• Adherence to Policies: Ensure compliance with all APTIM quality and safety policies, as well as relevant OSHA regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on QA/QC, project management software (Wrike), managing approval routing, and ensuring timely delivery of assets points to a need for strong operational discipline beyond pure creative output. This suggests the role requires a candidate who understands and can manage the operational lifecycle of marketing collateral.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Marketing, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of professional graphic design experience, preferably within a corporate marketing department, in-house agency, or design studio setting.
• At least three years of dedicated experience in presentation design.
• At least three years of experience in digital design, specifically for websites, email marketing, and social media campaigns.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level command of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook, with a focus on creating professional presentations.
• Design Principles: Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, including visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
• Project Management: Excellent project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience with project management software (e.g., Wrike) is highly valued.
• Communication & Collaboration: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design outputs and adherence to brand standards and project specifications.
• Analytical & Creative Thinking: A balanced skillset combining analytical evaluation of information with creativity to define challenges, develop solutions, and achieve objectives.
• Brand Management: Ability to understand and consistently apply brand guidelines across all creative materials.
• Self-Management: Highly organized and self-motivated work style with the capacity to work independently and prioritize assignments effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing: Knowledge and experience with video editing tools such as PlayPlay and Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity and proficiency with Wrike project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific experience in presentation and digital design, coupled with the emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office suite, clearly defines the technical and functional skill set expected. The inclusion of project management software like Wrike highlights the operational aspect of managing creative workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Diverse Project Showcase: A robust portfolio demonstrating a wide range of creative projects, showcasing expertise in both print and digital design, with a particular emphasis on presentation design and social media graphics.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Examples that clearly illustrate the ability to interpret and consistently apply brand guidelines, ensuring visual unity and brand integrity across various collateral types.
• Workflow Efficiency: Portfolio pieces that implicitly or explicitly highlight efficient design processes, perhaps by showcasing iterations or problem-solving steps that led to the final deliverable.
• Impact & Results: Where possible, include examples that demonstrate the impact of the design work, such as increased engagement, improved clarity, or successful campaign execution, supported by metrics if available.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process: Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final delivery, including how you manage feedback and revisions.
• Project Management Integration: Demonstrate experience in integrating design work into broader project management workflows, including how you track progress, manage timelines, and utilize project management tools.
• Quality Control Measures: Outline the steps you take to ensure the quality and accuracy of your design work, including self-review processes and adherence to technical specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio with specific work samples and the preparedness to discuss the design and project management process are critical for operations-focused roles. This section assesses not just creative output but the candidate's ability to manage the operational lifecycle of design projects effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Hourly Range: $30.00 - $36.06 USD per hour.
• Methodology: This estimate is based on the provided hourly rate range. For a full-time, on-site Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in major US metropolitan areas (San Diego, Tampa, Dallas, Knoxville, Denver), this range aligns with industry benchmarks for roles requiring advanced creative skills, project management capabilities, and proficiency in specialized design software. The range accounts for variations in cost of living and market demand across the specified locations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, and dental insurance with extensive options through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace, allowing employees to choose from multiple metallic levels and carriers.
• Income Protection: Company-provided life insurance, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to safeguard income and provide financial security.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave, with eligibility determined by company policy and applicable laws, supporting work-life balance.
• Retirement Savings: Access to 401(k) retirement savings plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), with specific plan details available based on business unit.
• Professional Development: Implicitly supported through the company's commitment to employee growth and development.

Working Hours:

• Standard: The role is expected to adhere to standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, specific daily schedules may offer some flexibility depending on project demands and team coordination, though adherence to project deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly range is specific and noted. The benefits package is comprehensive, covering health, income protection, time off, and retirement, which are standard but valuable components for attracting and retaining talent in operations and creative roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental, Resilience, Sustainability, and Energy Solutions, Technical & Data Solutions, Program Management, and Critical Infrastructure. APTIM plays a crucial role in accelerating the transition to a clean and efficient energy economy and building sustainable communities. Company Size: APTIM is a significant national leader in its field, suggesting a medium to large enterprise structure with established processes and a broad operational footprint. Founded: While the exact founding year isn't provided, APTIM's positioning as an established national leader implies a history of growth and adaptation within its specialized sectors.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Design Manager, indicating a clear reporting line within a design or marketing function.
• Department: The role is part of the Marketing & Communications (MarCom) team, suggesting close collaboration with marketing strategists, content creators, and digital specialists.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expected to work with internal staff, stakeholders, and partners across various departments to understand project needs and deliver design solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires an analytical yet creative skillset, implying that design decisions should be informed by data, marketing objectives, and an understanding of audience engagement.
• Process-Oriented Workflow: Emphasis on project management software, workflow adherence, QA/QC checks, and approval routing highlights a structured, process-driven approach to creative production.
• Efficiency & Automation: While not explicitly stated for this role, the company's focus on innovation and solutions suggests an environment that values efficiency, which graphic designers can influence through optimized workflows and asset management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding APTIM's industry focus (environmental, energy, sustainability) is key to tailoring design work. The company's positioning as a national leader suggests a more formal, process-driven operational environment where adherence to brand and quality standards is critical.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Graphic Designer role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, requiring a solid foundation of 5+ years in design, with specific expertise in presentation and digital formats. It sits at a mid-level, where execution excellence and project management are as important as creative talent. Reporting Structure: The direct report to the Design Manager places the role within a hierarchical structure, offering opportunities for mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly supports APTIM's growth strategy and client-facing communications. High-quality, on-brand creative assets are crucial for conveying the company's value proposition, winning new business, and maintaining a strong corporate image, thus having a tangible impact on revenue and market perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced presentation design, motion graphics, or digital marketing design based on project involvement and personal development.
• Project Leadership: Opportunities to take ownership of design projects from concept to completion, potentially leading smaller initiatives or contributing significantly to larger campaigns.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to various marketing and business functions within APTIM, understanding how design supports broader strategic goals.
• Industry Knowledge: Developing a deeper understanding of the environmental, energy, and infrastructure sectors, which can enhance the relevance and impact of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized creative function, with opportunities to expand technical skills and take on more project responsibility. The impact on business outcomes is direct, making it an attractive role for those who want their creative work to be tied to tangible results.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job descriptions for San Diego, Tampa, Dallas, Knoxville, and Denver all list specific street addresses, indicating that this is an on-site position within physical APTIM offices. Office Location(s): The company has a presence in multiple key cities across the United States:

• San Diego, California
• Tampa, Florida
• Dallas, Texas
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Denver, Colorado

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires collaboration with internal staff, stakeholders, and partners, suggesting an office environment that facilitates team interaction and communication.
• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to APTIM's standard office technology and software, including the necessary Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office suites.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with the Design Manager and other members of the Marketing & Communications team, fostering a creative and supportive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, approximately 40 hours per week. While primarily on-site, flexibility may be available for daily start/end times, but project deadlines and team coordination will be key factors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multiple office locations offer flexibility for candidates based on their geographic preference. The on-site requirement emphasizes a traditional office work environment conducive to collaboration and team-based project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume, cover letter, and portfolio submissions for basic qualifications and creative fit.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio to evaluate their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of design principles in a practical context.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Design Manager and potentially other members of the MarCom team or key stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Final Round: May involve a more in-depth discussion about strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and how the candidate can contribute to APTIM's overall marketing objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant pieces that showcase your skills in presentation design, digital graphics, and adherence to brand guidelines. Ensure a variety of formats if possible.
• Tell the Story: For each portfolio piece, be prepared to articulate the project's objective, your role, the design process you followed, the challenges you encountered, and the outcome or impact of your work. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.
• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of project management and workflow by explaining how you managed timelines, feedback, and approvals for key projects.
• Showcase Brand Adaptability: Include examples where you successfully worked within existing brand guidelines or adapted designs for different platforms and audiences.
• Digital Presentation: If submitting a link, ensure it's a clean, professional, and easy-to-navigate online portfolio (e.g., personal website, Behance).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand APTIM: Research APTIM's services, mission, and recent marketing campaigns to inform your approach to any design challenge.
• Focus on Brand: If a challenge involves creating assets for APTIM, pay close attention to applying brand colors, fonts, and tone.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a specified timeframe, simulating a real-world scenario.
• Problem-Solving: Be ready to explain your rationale and decision-making process, demonstrating how you would tackle a design problem effectively and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio submission and the potential for a design challenge highlight the practical, output-oriented nature of this role within an operations context. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase past work but also demonstrate their process and problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks.
  • InDesign: For layout and print collateral (brochures, reports).
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • PowerPoint: Critical for presentation design and development.
  • Word: For document creation and integration with design.
  • Excel: For data management and potentially creating simple charts for presentations.
  • Outlook: For communication and project coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the Graphic Designer, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (websites, emails, social media) would be beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics or email marketing platforms to understand asset performance could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed for this role, but familiarity with how marketing automation platforms (like HubSpot, Marketo) use visual assets could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, is non-negotiable. The mention of Wrike as preferred project management software indicates the importance of operational tools in managing creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high-quality output, ensuring all designs are polished, accurate, and meet brand standards.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication and working effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and managers to achieve shared goals.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Dedication to meeting deadlines and managing time effectively to ensure projects are completed efficiently within established workflows.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing feedback, staying updated on design trends, and seeking opportunities to enhance skills and processes.
• Client Focus: Understanding that design work ultimately serves APTIM's clients and business objectives, requiring a strategic approach to visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively participating in discussions with marketing, project managers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements and present design solutions.
• Feedback Incorporation: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from team members and management to refine designs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, techniques, and best practices within the MarCom team.

📝 Enhancement Note: APTIM's stated values of "Work that is worthy of your time and talent" and "Dogged determination to deliver" suggest a culture that values hard work, quality output, and a commitment to client success, which aligns well with operations-focused roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing diverse design requests from various internal clients and departments simultaneously, each with unique requirements and deadlines.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying APTIM's brand identity across a wide array of collateral while maintaining creative integrity and visual appeal.
• Meeting Tight Turnaround Times: Delivering high-quality design work under pressure and within compressed project schedules.
• Translating Complex Information: Visually representing technical or complex information (related to APTIM's services) in an accessible and engaging manner for different audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Skills: Opportunities to master more advanced features within Adobe Creative Cloud or explore new design software and tools.
• Specialization in Digital or Presentation Design: Deepening expertise in specific high-demand areas of design.
• Understanding of Marketing Strategy: Gaining a better understanding of how design fits into broader marketing campaigns and business objectives.
• Project Management Proficiency: Enhancing skills in project management tools and methodologies through practical application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for strong organizational and time management skills, typical of operations roles. The growth opportunities are centered around deepening technical design skills and understanding the strategic application of design within a corporate marketing framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to present 3-5 key pieces from your portfolio, explaining the project context, your role, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on demonstrating your process and impact.
• Brand Application: Prepare to discuss how you ensure brand consistency across various projects and your approach to working within established brand guidelines.
• Project Management Approach: Describe your methods for managing multiple design projects, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and using project management tools (like Wrike).
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle a design request with unclear objectives, tight deadlines, or conflicting feedback.

Company & Culture Questions:

• APTIM's Mission: Research APTIM's focus on environmental, energy, and sustainability solutions. Be prepared to discuss how your design skills can support these initiatives.
• Team Collaboration: Discuss your experience working within a team, collaborating with stakeholders, and incorporating feedback.
• Design Trends: Share your thoughts on current design trends and how they can be applied to APTIM's marketing efforts.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or skill set. For each piece, include a brief overview: client (APTIM, if applicable), objective, your role, key design choices, and results.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is clean, professional, and easy to navigate. For presentations, use clear, concise visuals and minimal text per slide.
• Narrative: Craft a compelling story around your work, highlighting your problem-solving abilities and creativity. Focus on demonstrating a clear impact where possible.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time during presentations. Get straight to the point and highlight the most relevant aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also operational effectiveness – your ability to manage projects, communicate clearly, and align your work with business objectives and brand standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link: https://myjobs.adp.com/aptim-professional-careers/cx/job-details?reqId=5001130777406
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a curated selection of 3-5 of your best design samples that specifically highlight your experience in presentation design, digital graphics for web/email/social media, and adherence to brand guidelines. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint), project management skills (mentioning Wrike if you have experience), and any relevant experience in corporate marketing or agency settings. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on the project narrative, your design process, and how you manage timelines and feedback. Practice articulating your understanding of APTIM's mission and how your design skills can contribute.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research APTIM's services, values, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their industry focus (environmental, energy, sustainability) to better align your portfolio and interview responses with their business objectives and culture.

⚠️ 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.