Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Columbus Regional Airport Authority

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Communications / Graphic Design

Date Posted: March 19, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for developing and maintaining the visual language of all organizational activities, encompassing marketing, environmental branding, community affairs, and communications.

• Collaborates with senior leadership and employees to establish and implement visual programs that effectively reflect and reinforce the organization’s brand and core values.

• Translates creative strategy and business objectives into compelling, on-brand visual deliverables across a diverse range of communication channels.

• Leverages visual storytelling to create engaging multimedia content, including video, audio, motion graphics, animation, and presentations, to enhance organizational messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Graphic Designer," the extensive responsibilities related to marketing, branding, and communications suggest it will operate within a broader GTM (Go-To-Market) or Marketing Operations context, focusing on the visual execution of strategic initiatives. The emphasis on translating strategy into deliverables and managing brand assets indicates a need for strong operational execution capabilities within the creative domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute visual designs for marketing campaigns, environmental branding initiatives, community outreach programs, and internal/external communications.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, communications, and leadership, to ensure visual consistency and brand alignment across all platforms and touchpoints.

• Create compelling visual assets for print materials, web interfaces, social media content, e-communications, vehicle wraps, apparel, promotional products, and environmental signage.

• Produce engaging multimedia content, such as motion graphics, animations, and video, to support strategic communication goals and enhance audience engagement.

• Establish and enforce visual management policies and brand guidelines to maintain a cohesive and professional brand identity across all organizational outputs.

• Design creative concepts and layouts for various stakeholders, ensuring all deliverables align with the organization's brand identity, strategic objectives, timelines, and budgets.

• Assemble and manipulate images, graphics, animations, and video to produce high-quality designs for diverse communication channels.

• Stay abreast of the latest design and technology trends to continuously push the envelope of content creation and innovative visual solutions.

• Supervise and manage vendors and external service providers to ensure the successful delivery of visual assets that meet business objectives and quality standards.

• Organize and maintain all brand assets, marketing collateral, and design files for efficient retrieval and consistent application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for meticulous project management and vendor oversight, crucial for GTM operations. The emphasis on "translating creative strategy" and "ensuring organizational adherence to visual management policies" points to a role that requires not just creative talent but also a structured, operations-minded approach to design execution and brand governance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related creative field.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design, developing creative visual solutions, or a closely related profession. Experience working within an agency setting or a dedicated visual design department is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles, visual hierarchy, and information design.

• Strong ability to translate creative strategy and business goals into effective visual deliverables.

• Expertise in designing for multiple channels, including print, web, social media, and e-communications.

• Skill in creating engaging multimedia content such as animations, motion graphics, and presentations.

• Experience with branding initiatives and maintaining brand consistency across various platforms.

• Knowledge of digital asset management software and best practices.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and their visual content requirements.

• Understanding of online email marketing design services and best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with government or public sector organizations.

• Familiarity with airport operations or the aviation industry.

• Experience in environmental design and large-format graphics.

• Proficiency in video editing and production software.

• Experience managing external vendors and creative agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "experience working in an agency or visual design department preferred" suggests that candidates with experience in structured creative environments, akin to operational teams within agencies, will be highly valued. The emphasis on managing vendors and adhering to policies also points to operational rigor being a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency across print, digital, and multimedia formats.

• Include examples of branding development, campaign execution, and environmental design projects that highlight strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.

• Present case studies that illustrate the process from concept to final deliverable, emphasizing how design solutions met specific business goals or communicated key messages.

• Demonstrate experience in managing brand assets and ensuring visual consistency across multiple applications.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow processes used to manage design projects from brief to completion, including concept development, revisions, and final delivery.

• Documentation of how brand guidelines were developed, implemented, and enforced across various projects.

• Case studies detailing the process of creating multimedia content, from storyboarding to final production.

• Evidence of how feedback from stakeholders was incorporated into the design process to achieve desired outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, especially within a public authority, a portfolio that not only showcases creative output but also demonstrates a structured design process, adherence to brand governance, and effective stakeholder management will be crucial. This reflects operational excellence in the creative function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 annually. The final offered salary will be determined based on internal equity, job knowledge, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) or pension plan) with potential employer match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range falls within the mid-level to senior graphic designer compensation bracket in many US markets, particularly for roles with significant responsibility in brand management and cross-functional collaboration. This aligns with the experience requirements and the operational scope of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Airport Operations & Management / Aviation / Government Services. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) operates John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), and Bolton Field (TZR), connecting Ohio with the world through passenger and cargo services.

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 501-1000 employees, suggesting a moderately large, established organization with structured departments and established operational processes.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the organization's structure and operations suggest a long-standing public authority with a history of serving the region.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing, Communications, or a dedicated Creative Services department.

• This role will report to a Marketing Director, Communications Manager, or similar leadership position overseeing brand and creative output.

Methodology:

• The organization emphasizes innovation, accountability, and respect as core values, fostering a culture that invites new ideas and empowers positive change.

• Design processes are expected to align with established brand identity and strategy, requiring a methodical approach to creative execution and quality control.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need to support business goals and reinforce brand values, suggesting that design effectiveness may be measured.

Company Website: https://flycolumbus.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a public authority like CRAA implies a focus on public service, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. The creative output must therefore be not only visually appealing but also informative, accessible, and aligned with public messaging and regulatory standards. This necessitates a disciplined, operations-focused approach to design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Graphic Designer, requiring significant professional experience and the ability to operate with a degree of autonomy in executing creative strategies. It's a key contributor role within the visual communications function.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or director within the Marketing or Communications department, overseeing the strategic direction of branding and visual content. This structure allows for clear direction and alignment with broader organizational objectives.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perception of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, influencing passenger experience, business partner engagement, and community relations through consistent and compelling visual communication. Effective visual branding is crucial for operational success in public-facing organizations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Graphic Designer or Lead Designer roles, with increased responsibility for larger projects and strategic creative direction.

• Opportunities to specialize in areas like environmental branding, motion graphics, or digital design.

• Potential to move into broader marketing or communications roles, leveraging creative expertise within a strategic framework.

• Development of project management and vendor management skills, crucial for operational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer in a public authority, growth often involves taking on more complex projects that have a significant operational impact, such as airport-wide branding initiatives or major communication campaigns. The ability to manage these with operational rigor is key to career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the airport terminal (CMH), suggesting a dynamic, potentially high-traffic environment. The work environment is likely professional and collaborative, with office-based work for design tasks.

Office Location(s): CMH - Terminal, Columbus, Ohio. This location provides direct exposure to the operational hub of the airport, facilitating a deeper understanding of its needs and branding opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office amenities and design software.

• Opportunities for collaboration with airport staff, marketing teams, and potentially vendors working on-site.

• Direct observation of environmental branding and signage in use, providing real-world context for design work.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for occasional flexibility depending on project deadlines and urgent communication needs. The on-site nature requires adherence to typical business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working directly at an airport terminal provides unique insights into operational challenges and opportunities for visual communication. This hands-on environment can foster a more effective and context-aware approach to design, crucial for an operational role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or HR representative to discuss experience, skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to elaborate on your design philosophy and how you approach project briefs.

• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, and may be given a design challenge or asked to critique existing organizational materials. Focus on your process, problem-solving, and how you deliver on objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or cross-functional team members to assess strategic thinking and alignment with organizational values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (branding, print, digital, multimedia).

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions, and the impact or results. Use visuals effectively.

• Demonstrate Process: Show sketches, wireframes, mood boards, or style guides to illustrate your workflow and strategic thinking, not just the final polished output.

• Highlight Brand Governance: If possible, include examples where you successfully maintained or developed brand consistency.

• Tailor to CRAA: Research CRAA's existing branding and communications. If you can, subtly tailor your presentation to show how your skills align with their needs and visual identity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge that might involve creating a concept for a specific airport initiative or revising existing collateral.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly understand a brief, apply brand guidelines, and present a clear, well-reasoned solution within a time constraint.

• Practice articulating your design choices and their strategic rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to translate strategic objectives into tangible visual assets and to operate within established brand frameworks. Demonstrating a systematic approach to design, akin to operational execution, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating graphics, illustrations, and layouts.

• Motion Graphics/Video Software: Experience with Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, or similar tools for creating animations, video content, and multimedia presentations.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing presentations that incorporate visual elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand website traffic and user engagement, informing web design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how marketing automation platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot) utilize visual assets in e-communications would be beneficial.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems for organizing and distributing brand assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and multimedia tools underscores the technical requirements. However, familiarity with DAM systems and an understanding of how visual assets integrate into marketing automation and analytics platforms points to a need for operational awareness beyond pure creative execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design projects from concept to completion, ensuring deadlines are met and quality standards are upheld.

• Innovation: Continuously exploring new design trends, technologies, and creative approaches to enhance visual communication and organizational impact.

• Respect: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and vendors, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a positive working environment.

• Efficiency: Streamlining design processes, managing time effectively, and utilizing tools to produce high-quality work within established parameters.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, communications, and other departments to understand their visual needs and translate them into effective designs, ensuring seamless integration of messaging.

• Feedback Incorporation: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and ensure alignment with organizational goals and brand strategy.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment by sharing design insights, best practices, and technical knowledge to elevate the collective creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Accountability, Innovation, and Respect are directly applicable to an operations-focused role. The Graphic Designer is expected to be a reliable contributor (Accountability), bring fresh ideas (Innovation), and work collaboratively and professionally (Respect).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively pushing creative boundaries while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and organizational policies.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the varied visual requirements and expectations of different departments and leadership levels within a large organization.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Trends: Continuously updating skills and knowledge to incorporate the latest design technologies and visual communication strategies, especially in areas like motion graphics and digital media.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency Across a Large Entity: Maintaining a unified visual identity across multiple airport facilities, marketing campaigns, and communication channels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of the Adobe Creative Suite or emerging design technologies.

• Branding Strategy Workshops: Learning more about strategic brand management and how to apply it to visual design.

• Project Management Skills Development: Gaining experience in managing complex projects, timelines, and vendor relationships, which is critical for operational roles.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Access to events focused on graphic design, marketing, and aviation communications to stay current with industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability and a structured approach, which are hallmarks of strong operational professionals. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on more strategic and operational responsibilities within the creative function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business objective into a clear visual message. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic thinking and execution).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple projects and stakeholders, especially when faced with competing priorities?" (Highlight your approach to brand governance and operational management).

• "Walk us through a project where you had to incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you manage differing opinions and arrive at a final design?" (Demonstrate collaboration and problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and its mission?" (Research their mission, values, and recent projects).

• "How do you see your role contributing to the CRAA's core values of Accountability, Innovation, and Respect?" (Align your approach with their stated values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Start with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, present 2-3 key projects, dedicating sufficient time to each.

• Focus on Process & Results: For each project, detail the problem, your solution, your process (show sketches, wireframes if possible), and the results or impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Demonstrate Brand Stewardship: Highlight projects where you managed brand assets or ensured consistency. This is crucial for an operational role.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices and process. Treat it as a collaborative discussion rather than a one-way presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating a blend of creative talent and operational discipline. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process, problem-solving abilities, and how they manage projects and adhere to organizational standards, not just showcase their artistic flair.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate your ability to manage brand consistency, execute marketing campaigns, and create diverse visual assets (print, digital, environmental). Tailor your selection to highlight experience relevant to a public authority or transportation sector if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with graphic design software, brand management, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "visual language," "brand consistency," "creative strategy," and "multimedia content." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you align creative output with strategic business goals. Prepare to discuss your understanding of brand governance and operational execution in a design context.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, its mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand their existing brand identity and communication channels to demonstrate your preparedness and genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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