Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Colliers International Location: St. Louis Park, Minnesota, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: November 11, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for developing and executing impactful marketing collateral across print and digital mediums, directly supporting sales and business development efforts within the commercial real estate sector.
• The Graphic Designer will act as a brand steward, ensuring all marketing materials adhere to corporate branding guidelines and client-specific requirements for high-profile properties and new business pursuits.
• This position involves managing a diverse project pipeline, from initial concept to final production, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.
• The role demands a creative individual who can translate complex information into visually compelling narratives, enhancing the company's market presence and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the official title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities, particularly in creating presentations, proposals, and supporting new business pursuits within the commercial real estate industry, indicate a strong alignment with Marketing Operations or Creative Services functions that directly enable Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. The emphasis on branding and campaign solutions for properties suggests a strategic role in supporting sales enablement and lead generation efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design, development, and production of a wide array of marketing deliverables, including brochures, property maps, advertisements, signage, presentations, proposals, email campaigns, and website content, all while championing the company's creative vision and brand standards.
• Ensure consistent brand integrity across all marketing materials by meticulously implementing corporate branding strategies and guidelines for both internal and external clients.
• Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of multiple design projects concurrently, from conceptualization to final delivery, consistently meeting stringent deadlines and maintaining exceptional quality standards to exceed broker and client expectations.
• Collaborate effectively with external vendors, such as printers and production houses, to ensure the successful and cost-effective execution of physical marketing collateral.
• Develop and optimize engaging content for digital platforms, including email marketing campaigns, company websites, and social media channels, tailoring visuals and messaging to resonate with specific local market audiences.
• Conduct ongoing research into local market trends, competitor marketing activities, and emerging design best practices to inform and enhance creative strategies.
• Proactively recommend and implement innovative creative approaches and design solutions to amplify the impact and effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
• Maintain and organize a comprehensive digital asset library, including images, logos, and project files, ensuring easy accessibility and efficient retrieval for team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed go beyond basic graphic design, incorporating elements of campaign development, digital content optimization for marketing purposes, and market trend analysis, which are key components of a Marketing Operations or GTM support role. The emphasis on "new business pursuits" and supporting "brokers" highlights a direct link to sales enablement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating compelling marketing collateral.
• 1-3 years of focused experience in digital design, advertising campaign execution, and email marketing strategy is highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial real estate marketing or a related client-service industry is considered a significant asset.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential for creating high-quality print and digital assets.
• MS Office Suite Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel for document creation, presentation development, and data integration.
• Brand Management: Ability to understand and consistently apply corporate branding guidelines across diverse marketing materials.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing Software: Familiarity or proficiency with video editing tools such as Premiere Pro and After Effects for dynamic multimedia content creation.
• Digital Marketing Tools: Experience with email marketing platforms and content management systems (CMS) for website updates and campaign deployment.
• Data Visualization: Ability to translate data and market insights into clear, visually appealing infographics and charts.
• Client Relationship Management: Experience working directly with clients or internal stakeholders to understand their design needs and deliver tailored solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "digital design, advertising, and email marketing" as a plus, alongside the core graphic design skills, indicates that this role requires a blend of traditional design capabilities and modern digital marketing execution. The preference for commercial real estate experience further refines the ideal candidate profile for a specialized operations function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including print collateral (brochures, proposals), digital assets (web graphics, email templates), and presentations.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of branding principles and the ability to consistently apply brand guidelines across multiple projects and platforms.
• Include examples that highlight the successful execution of marketing campaigns or specific property marketing initiatives.
• Showcase proficiency in translating complex information or data into clear, visually engaging graphics and infographics.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate the design process, from initial brief and concept development to final production and delivery.
• Highlight projects where collaboration with stakeholders (brokers, clients) was crucial for achieving the final design outcome.
• Include examples of how design solutions addressed specific marketing objectives or business challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of design capability, process adherence, and understanding of marketing objectives. It's not just about aesthetics but also about demonstrating how design supports business goals, which aligns with operations and GTM functions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Approximate Compensation Range: $61,000 to $83,000 per year.

Explanation of Salary Range:

• This range is based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in mid-sized markets, considering the specified location (St. Louis Park, MN). The compensation is influenced by the company's size, the scope of responsibilities including digital marketing aspects, and the specific demands of the commercial real estate sector. Factors such as specific skill sets (e.g., video editing proficiency), depth of experience in B2B marketing collateral, and the candidate's ability to demonstrate ROI through design will impact the final offer within this range.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Insurance: Employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement: 401k plan with employer match for long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Minimum of 15 days of vacation annually, 10 days of sick leave, and 10 paid holidays plus two personal flex days.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks paid leave for birth parents and 4 weeks for non-birth parents (including adoptive/foster parents) after 90 days of employment.
• Potential for Unlimited PTO: Certain senior-level roles may be eligible for unlimited time off.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, likely around 40 hours per week, consistent with typical professional roles. The on-site nature suggests adherence to standard business hours, though flexibility may be available depending on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The explanation contextualizes it based on role, experience, and location, aligning with operations industry salary research standards. The benefits package is comprehensive, detailing key offerings relevant to employee well-being and financial security, typical for established companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Services. Colliers International is a global leader in this sector, providing a wide range of services including property management, leasing, investment sales, and corporate solutions. This industry is characterized by fast-paced markets, client-centric service, and a focus on data-driven decision-making and strategic property solutions.

Company Size: Colliers International is a large, publicly traded global corporation with thousands of employees worldwide. This size implies established processes, robust infrastructure, and opportunities for professional development within a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Colliers has a long history, with roots tracing back to 1976 in Canada, evolving into a significant global entity. This longevity suggests stability, adaptability, and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a regional or local marketing team, potentially comprising marketing managers, specialists, and other creative professionals.
• The reporting structure will typically be to a Marketing Director or Manager, overseeing creative output and strategy for the designated region or office.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with brokers, sales teams, property managers, and business development professionals to understand their marketing needs and deliver tailored design solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Marketing efforts in commercial real estate often leverage market data, property analytics, and client insights to inform design and messaging strategies.
• Workflow Optimization: The company likely employs structured workflows for project management, client approvals, and vendor coordination to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Brand Consistency: A key methodology is maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity across all touchpoints to build trust and recognition in the market.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is vital for operations roles. Understanding Colliers' position in commercial real estate, its global scale, and its history helps frame the expectations for a Graphic Designer's role in supporting GTM initiatives and maintaining brand integrity within a competitive market. The emphasis on data and workflow optimization is directly relevant to operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, typically requiring 3-5 years of experience. It serves as a key contributor within the marketing and creative function, responsible for executing design strategies that directly support sales and business development objectives. It's a role that bridges creative execution with operational marketing support.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or Director. This structure provides mentorship and oversight, while also offering exposure to strategic marketing planning and decision-making processes. Collaboration will extend to various brokers and sales professionals, requiring effective communication and stakeholder management.

Operations Impact: The work of the Graphic Designer directly impacts the effectiveness of sales pitches, marketing campaigns, and overall brand perception. High-quality, strategically designed collateral can significantly enhance lead generation, client engagement, and the closing of deals, thus contributing directly to revenue generation and market competitiveness. Operational efficiency in design delivery also ensures that sales teams have the necessary materials in a timely manner.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas like digital marketing, video production, or data visualization, becoming a go-to specialist within the team.
• Leadership: Potential to advance into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, or managing specific creative initiatives.
• Marketing Operations Transition: With additional experience in campaign execution and digital marketing strategy, there's a pathway to transition into a broader Marketing Operations role, focusing on process optimization, technology, and campaign management.
• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge within the commercial real estate sector can open doors to more strategic marketing roles within the firm or the broader industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Analyzing the career trajectory for a Graphic Designer in this context highlights how the role contributes to broader operations and GTM goals. The growth opportunities emphasize skill development and potential career pivots that are valuable for operations-minded professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in a professional office environment located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Colliers offices are typically modern, professional, and designed to foster collaboration and client interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary location is St. Louis Park, MN, with specific address details likely available upon inquiry or as part of the application process. Being in a metropolitan area like Minneapolis-St. Paul provides good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with marketing colleagues, brokers, and sales teams.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware is expected, along with the necessary technology to support efficient workflow and communication.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with sales professionals and marketing leadership will be frequent, facilitating a deep understanding of business needs and marketing objectives.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, aligning with typical business hours. While on-site, there may be flexibility around specific project deadlines, but the expectation is consistent presence in the office to facilitate collaboration and maintain workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and office environment are crucial for understanding daily work dynamics. For operations roles, the workspace context often includes details about available tools and the nature of collaboration, which directly impacts productivity and workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and how it applies to business objectives.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will likely involve presenting a curated selection of your work, explaining your design process, the challenges you faced, and the impact of your solutions. Focus on projects relevant to B2B marketing, real estate, or campaign development.
• Skills Assessment & Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or a brief case study simulating a real-world task, such as designing a marketing piece for a specific property or campaign. This assesses your problem-solving skills, creativity under pressure, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Behavioral & Team Fit: Interviews will assess your collaborative abilities, communication style, adaptability, and how you handle feedback, ensuring you align with Colliers' culture and can effectively work with diverse teams.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior marketing leadership or department heads to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 strong projects that best represent your skills in print, digital, and presentation design, with a preference for B2B or real estate-related examples.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the final outcome, emphasizing any measurable results or positive feedback.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign metrics, positive client feedback).
• Highlight Adaptability: Include examples that show your ability to work with different brand guidelines and for various client needs.
• Digital Readiness: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a shared drive link) and is professionally presented.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Familiarize yourself with Colliers International, its services, its target markets, and recent marketing campaigns. Research the commercial real estate industry and current trends in property marketing.
• Design Principles: Be ready to discuss fundamental design principles and how they apply to creating effective marketing materials that drive business results.
• Software Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with the required software and potentially demonstrate basic proficiency if a live exercise is included.
• Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially when explaining your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their work and prepare for interviews in a way that aligns with the operational and strategic demands of a marketing role within a large corporation. The emphasis on process and impact is key for operations-minded candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential tools include InDesign (for layout and print production), Photoshop (for image editing and manipulation), and Illustrator (for vector graphics and logo design). Mastery of these is critical.
• Video Editing Software: Proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects is a plus, indicating capability in creating dynamic video content for marketing purposes.

Productivity & Collaboration Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Advanced knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is required for document creation, presentation building, and basic data handling. Outlook is essential for communication and scheduling.
• Project Management/Collaboration Platforms: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Microsoft Teams would be beneficial for managing projects and collaborating with remote or hybrid teams.

Digital Marketing & Web Tools (Preferred):

• Email Marketing Platforms: Experience with platforms like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or similar tools for designing and deploying email campaigns.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with website content management systems (e.g., WordPress) for updating web content and graphics.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Understanding the principles of DAM systems for organizing and retrieving marketing assets is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Listing specific tools and technologies is crucial for operations-focused roles. This section details the expected technical proficiency, highlighting both core requirements and desirable additions that enhance a candidate's suitability for a modern marketing operations function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate, and impactful design work that consistently meets or exceeds client expectations.
• Client-Centricity: A focus on understanding and fulfilling the design needs of brokers, sales teams, and external clients, contributing directly to their success.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing shared input, constructive feedback, and working harmoniously with colleagues across different departments to achieve common goals.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Embracing new design trends, technologies, and creative approaches to continuously improve marketing effectiveness and stay ahead of market changes.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects from start to finish, ensuring deadlines are met and outcomes align with objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with sales, marketing, and potentially property management teams, necessitating clear communication and a proactive approach to understanding diverse needs.
• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized to refine designs and improve processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, market insights, and creative inspiration among team members to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's values and preferred collaboration style is essential for operations professionals, as it dictates how teams function and how success is measured beyond mere task completion. These values often translate into operational priorities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling numerous design requests from various stakeholders with competing priorities and deadlines requires strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across a wide range of materials and for different market segments can be demanding.
• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Staying current with rapid changes in design software, digital marketing platforms, and visual communication trends requires continuous learning.
• Translating Complex Data: Effectively visualizing intricate commercial real estate data, market trends, and property information into easily understandable graphics presents a unique challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or learn new design and multimedia tools.
• Industry Seminars & Workshops: Access to training focused on marketing strategies, digital media, and the commercial real estate sector.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced marketing leaders and senior designers within Colliers.
• Portfolio Expansion: Engaging in diverse projects that allow for the development of a robust and impressive professional portfolio, potentially leading to career advancement into specialized or leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and outlining growth opportunities provides candidates with a realistic view of the role and its long-term potential, which is a key consideration for operations professionals seeking to advance their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple urgent design requests from different stakeholders. How did you prioritize and ensure all deadlines were met?" (Assesses prioritization, time management, and stakeholder communication skills).
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing collateral, especially when working with different teams or on new business pursuits?" (Tests understanding of brand stewardship and process adherence).
• "Walk us through your process for designing a key marketing deliverable, such as a property brochure or a presentation proposal. What steps do you take from brief to final output?" (Evaluates design methodology, workflow, and attention to detail).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Colliers International and the commercial real estate industry, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our success in this market?" (Assesses research, industry understanding, and alignment with business goals).
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, particularly from individuals who may not have a design background?" (Tests collaboration, communication, and adaptability).
• "Describe a project where your design significantly impacted a marketing campaign or business objective. What were the results?" (Focuses on demonstrating impact and ROI through design).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each selected project, frame it as a story: the problem/brief, your role and approach, the solution you designed, and the outcome/impact on the business.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, provide data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, positive client feedback, successful campaign metrics).
• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your design process, including any research, ideation, collaboration, and iteration steps.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that are most relevant to commercial real estate marketing, B2B sales enablement, or campaign development.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with specific design software and your approach to digital design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section offers specific, actionable advice tailored to the role and industry, helping candidates prepare for interviews by anticipating likely questions and refining their presentation strategies, crucial for demonstrating operational thinking and business impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Colliers International careers portal link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of print collateral, digital marketing assets, and presentations. Prioritize work relevant to B2B services, real estate, or campaign-driven marketing, clearly articulating your process and outcomes for each piece.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "InDesign," "Photoshop," "Illustrator," "Digital Marketing," "Brand Management," "Project Management," and "Commercial Real Estate" (if applicable). Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Designed X marketing collateral pieces per quarter," "Contributed to Y successful campaigns").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the business impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, prioritization, and problem-solving, especially within a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Colliers International's services, market position, recent projects, and marketing initiatives. Understand their brand guidelines and target audiences to demonstrate your preparedness and alignment with their operational and marketing strategies.

⚠️ 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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