Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: DC Career Site (DeKalb County Government) Location: Decatur, Georgia, United States Job Type: Full time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: September 15, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Graphic Designer role focuses on producing impactful visual and audio-visual materials to support departmental programs and objectives within DeKalb County Government.
• The position requires collaboration with internal clients to conceptualize and execute design solutions across various media, ensuring clear and effective communication of ideas, concepts, and data.
• Responsibilities include creating original print and digital projects, managing production timelines, and maintaining a high standard of visual quality and accuracy.
• This role is ideal for a creative individual with a foundational understanding of graphic design principles and a desire to contribute to public service through impactful visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "DC Career Site" and the mention of "DeKalb County Government" implied by the location, this role is within a public sector entity. This context influences the operational focus, emphasizing clear communication of public services, compliance with government branding guidelines, and potentially a structured approval process for design assets. The "salary range" provided is typical for government positions at this level.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal department clients to understand their graphic design needs and objectives for visual communication projects.
• Conceptualize and develop original design concepts for a wide range of print and digital media, including videos, exhibits, signage, logos, newsletters, presentations, calendars, brochures, flyers, websites, emails, sketches, and reports.
• Select appropriate media, formats, and design elements to best support departmental programs and convey information effectively and accurately.
• Utilize graphic design software and tools to create and format text and artwork, ensuring visual appeal and clarity.
• Take photographs for use in projects, ensuring they meet design specifications and brand standards.
• Write or edit content as directed for design projects, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency with departmental messaging.
• Produce and distribute final media projects, which may include operating in-house print shop machinery or coordinating with external vendors for outsourced production.
• Organize and maintain an inventory of supplies, digital design elements, and completed projects for easy retrieval and future use.
• Stay current with design practices, trends, and advancements in graphic design software and hardware to ensure the use of modern and effective techniques.
• Process various documentation related to department operations, including requests and proofs, ensuring timely completion and adherence to established procedures.
• Maintain computerized and hardcopy records of design projects and related documentation.
• Communicate effectively with department staff, other departments, vendors, and stakeholders to coordinate work, exchange information, and resolve any design-related issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and project management, common in roles supporting diverse internal clients within a larger organization. The emphasis on "accuracy and clarity of visual information" and "integrates elements to publish final project" points towards a need for meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of the final output's context and audience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of professional experience in graphic design, communications, or a similar creative field.
• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the classification.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat).
• Visual Arts & Design Principles: Strong understanding of layout design, typography, color theory, and visual composition.
• Digital Media Creation: Experience creating graphics for web, social media, email campaigns, and digital presentations.
• Print Media Production: Familiarity with pre-press requirements, file preparation for print, and understanding of various printing processes.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client interaction and content collaboration.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with internal clients and cross-functional teams.
• Time Management & Organization: Skill in prioritizing assignments, managing multiple projects, and meeting deadlines consistently.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in reviewing proofs, ensuring accuracy in content and design elements.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify design challenges and develop creative solutions.
• Content Writing/Editing: Capability to contribute to or edit project content as needed.
• Photography Basics: Skill in taking photographs for incorporation into design projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Video editing software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects).
• Website content management system (CMS) experience.
• Experience with interactive design or motion graphics.
• Familiarity with government branding guidelines or public sector communication standards.
• Vendor management and coordination experience for print or promotional materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level suggests that while a degree is required, extensive professional experience is not, making it an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or those early in their design careers. The emphasis on collaboration and client interaction indicates the need for strong interpersonal skills in addition to technical design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects across both print and digital media.
• Demonstrations of original design concepts, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• Examples of projects that effectively convey information, ideas, or data for diverse audiences.
• Evidence of proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
• Samples that highlight an understanding of typography, layout, and color theory.
• Projects that reflect an ability to work within specific brand guidelines or project briefs.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:
  • Initial client consultation and needs assessment.
  • Ideation and concept development methodologies.
  • Iterative design and feedback incorporation stages.
  • File preparation and delivery processes for various outputs (print, digital, video).
  • Project management approach for meeting deadlines and managing multiple assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, especially in a public sector setting, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary indicator of design capability, creativity, and technical skill. Candidates should select projects that best represent the breadth of responsibilities outlined, demonstrating versatility and an understanding of effective visual communication for public service initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,266 - $84,148 Annually

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in a state or county retirement system (e.g., Georgia Defined Benefit Pension Plan), often with employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and continuing education to stay current with design trends and software.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Potential for Overtime: Depending on project needs and departmental policies.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday.
• Specific daily hours may vary but are generally within standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for entry-level to junior graphic designers in the Atlanta metropolitan area, particularly within the public sector. Government benefits packages are typically robust and include strong retirement and health insurance options, which are significant components of total compensation for public employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Public Sector Company Size: Large (DeKalb County Government is a significant employer with thousands of employees across numerous departments). Founded: DeKalb County was established in 1822, indicating a long-standing history of public service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a departmental communications or administrative support team.
• This team may include other communications specialists, administrative staff, and potentially other creative professionals.
• Reporting structure will likely be to a Communications Manager, Department Director, or a designated supervisor overseeing creative services.
• Collaboration will be extensive with various department clients across DeKalb County Government, requiring strong client management and clear communication of needs and deliverables.

Methodology:

• Design processes are likely to follow established government protocols, which may involve:
  • Formal request and approval workflows for design projects.
  • Adherence to specific county branding guidelines and style manuals.
  • Emphasis on clear, accessible, and accurate communication of public information.
  • Data analysis might be less about A/B testing and more about tracking project volume, client satisfaction, and adherence to deadlines.
  • Workflow planning will involve project prioritization based on departmental needs and strategic objectives.

Company Website: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a county government means the culture is likely focused on public service, efficiency, and adherence to regulations. The pace might be steadier than a fast-paced startup, with a strong emphasis on process and compliance. Opportunities to impact a large community through design are a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Graphic Designer. This role is foundational, providing hands-on experience in a structured environment.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a supervisor or manager within a specific department or a central communications unit of DeKalb County Government. This structure provides guidance and oversight for project execution and skill development.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts how the county government communicates its services, initiatives, and public information to residents. Effective visual design enhances public engagement, clarity of information, and the overall perception of county services. This role contributes to the operational efficiency of departmental communication efforts by providing professional, high-quality visual assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in specific design areas such as digital media, video graphics, or data visualization.
• Project Management: Gain experience managing multiple design projects from conception to completion, improving project management skills.
• Client Relationship Management: Enhance abilities in understanding client needs and delivering effective design solutions within a public sector context.
• Advancement: Potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, Lead Designer positions, or Communications Specialist roles within DeKalb County Government, depending on performance and available opportunities.
• Continuing Education: Access to training and development programs offered by the county or supported through professional development stipends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in a government setting often involves demonstrating consistent performance, expanding skill sets, and potentially pursuing internal certifications or training. While rapid advancement might be less common than in some private sectors, there are clear paths for developing expertise and taking on more responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Standard professional office environment within a county government building. Office Location(s): Decatur, Georgia, with potential assignments within various DeKalb County facilities depending on departmental needs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a dedicated desk within an office setting, equipped with standard office technology and design software.
• Collaboration will occur in meeting rooms, shared office spaces, and through digital communication tools.
• Access to print shop machinery or external vendor coordination will be managed through established departmental processes.
• The environment encourages a structured approach to work, with clear processes for project submission and review.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be limited, with a focus on maintaining consistent office presence for collaboration and project completion.
• Occasional overtime may be required to meet critical project deadlines or respond to urgent communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work arrangement is typical for government roles, facilitating direct collaboration and access to necessary resources like printing facilities or physical archives. The environment is likely professional and structured, supporting a predictable workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and portfolio through the Oracle Cloud portal.
• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager reviews applications and portfolios for minimum qualifications and design quality.
• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discuss specific projects, and explain their design process. This stage assesses creativity, technical skills, and communication abilities.
• Technical/Practical Exercise (Potential): A design challenge or test project may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving skills, adherence to a brief, and software proficiency under timed conditions.
• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration skills, problem-solving approaches, and understanding of public service values. Typically includes questions about past experiences and how they handled specific situations.
• Final Interview/Selection: Final interview with a department head or senior management, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (print, digital, conceptual).
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your role, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome/impact.
• Highlight Relevance: Select projects that demonstrate experience with similar types of work (e.g., informational graphics, event promotions, internal communications).
• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF with a link).
• Clarity and Professionalism: Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a graphic for a public service announcement or a flyer for a county event.
• Focus on understanding the prompt, identifying the target audience, and creating a design that is clear, informative, and visually appealing within potential brand constraints.
• Practice articulating your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for government roles often involves multiple stages and a focus on both technical skills and adherence to established processes. A strong, well-explained portfolio is critical for passing the initial screening and demonstrating capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, flyers, newsletters, reports, and presentations.
  • Acrobat Pro: For PDF creation, editing, and form design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic Analytics: Understanding of how digital designs perform (e.g., website click-through rates, email open rates) might be beneficial, though direct analytics tool proficiency is less likely to be a primary requirement for this role.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or similar for task tracking and workflow management might be helpful.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically relevant for a Graphic Designer role unless directly involved in marketing automation platforms for email campaigns, which would be secondary.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with updating content on websites (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) could be a plus for digital design integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. While other tools might be useful for collaboration or digital deployment, the primary focus is on the creative production suite.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: Commitment to serving the residents and community of DeKalb County through effective communication.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and being responsible for the quality and accuracy of design work.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse internal clients and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Efficiency: Producing high-quality work in a timely manner, managing resources effectively.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct and communication in all interactions.
• Creativity & Innovation: Applying creative solutions to visual communication challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Focused: Prioritizing understanding and meeting the needs of internal departmental clients.
• Team-Oriented: Working collaboratively with colleagues within the department or communications team.
• Process-Driven: Following established workflows and approval processes to ensure quality and compliance.
• Feedback Integration: Open to receiving and incorporating feedback on designs to improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are reflective of a public service organization, emphasizing community impact, ethical conduct, and structured collaboration. A candidate who values stability, clear processes, and serving the public would likely thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Balancing varied requests and expectations from different county departments, each with unique communication goals.
• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying DeKalb County's branding standards across all design outputs while maintaining creative integrity.
• Production Timelines: Meeting deadlines for time-sensitive projects, especially during peak periods or in response to public events/announcements.
• Resource Constraints: Working within budget limitations or with available technology, which might be less cutting-edge than in some private sector roles.
• Navigating Bureaucracy: Understanding and working within the established approval processes of a large government entity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn new design techniques, software features, or specialized design areas through county-provided training or external resources.
• Industry Trends: Staying updated on graphic design trends and best practices through professional networks and self-study.
• Portfolio Expansion: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects that showcase growth and expanded skill sets.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining insight into the functions of various county departments through design projects, broadening understanding of public service operations.
• Mentorship: Potential to learn from more experienced designers or communications professionals within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles in large organizations, requiring adaptability and strong process management. The growth opportunities are centered on skill development and gaining experience within a stable public sector framework, which can be very rewarding for those committed to public service.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, client interaction, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you ensure your designs effectively communicate the intended message to a specific target audience?" (Highlight audience analysis and clarity in design.)
• "How do you handle feedback or revisions on your designs, especially when you disagree with the suggestions?" (Emphasize professionalism, collaboration, and finding compromise.)
• "What are your strategies for staying up-to-date with the latest graphic design trends and software advancements?" (Show initiative and commitment to continuous learning.)
• "How would you approach designing a [specific type of graphic, e.g., flyer for a community event, infographic for public safety] for DeKalb County?" (Apply your design process to a relevant scenario.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for DeKalb County Government specifically?" (Connect your values to public service.)
• "How do you see your skills contributing to the mission of local government?" (Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of design in public service.)
• "Describe your experience working in a team environment and collaborating with different departments or stakeholders." (Provide examples of effective teamwork.)
• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent requests?" (Showcase your organizational and time management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare a Concise Narrative: For each project, have a 1-2 minute story ready that covers the brief, your approach, and the outcome.
• Focus on Impact: Explain why your design choices were made and what they achieved, not just what you designed.
• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to briefly mention the tools used and any technical challenges overcome.
• Showcase Versatility: Highlight a range of projects to demonstrate your ability to adapt to different styles and needs.
• Practice: Rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth delivery, clear articulation, and adherence to time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating both technical design skills and an understanding of the public sector context. Be ready to articulate your process, your problem-solving abilities, and your commitment to effective communication for the community.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant graphic design experience, software proficiency (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 15+ marketing collateral pieces per quarter").
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your best and most relevant design projects. Ensure it demonstrates a range of skills and is easily accessible via a link in your application or resume.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your interest in DeKalb County Government, highlights your key qualifications, and explains how your design skills can contribute to public service communication.
• Research DeKalb County: Familiarize yourself with DeKalb County's services, mission, and any existing branding guidelines to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the organization.
• Practice Your Presentation: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio projects in detail during the interview process, focusing on your design process, creative choices, and the impact of your work.

⚠️ 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.