Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Desautel Hege Inc

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on creating visually compelling and high-quality designs across integrated marketing campaigns, brand initiatives, and client projects, supporting full creative process from concept to final production.

• The Graphic Designer will collaborate closely with Art Directors, the Creative Director, and cross-functional teams to translate strategic direction into impactful visual designs.

• This position requires proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and a strong understanding of visual design principles like layout, typography, and color theory.

• The role emphasizes applying an equity lens and interest in social impact work, aligning with the company's mission to create connected, safe, healthy, just, and prosperous communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "integrated marketing campaigns," "brand initiatives," and "client projects" suggests a strong connection to GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies and a need for operational efficiency in design execution. The "social impact" and "equity lens" components indicate a specialized niche within creative operations that requires cultural sensitivity and strategic communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create and execute design concepts across various media, including digital, print, and environmental formats, ensuring alignment with client goals and agency standards.

• Collaborate effectively with Art Directors, the Creative Director, account teams, and other cross-functional partners to develop and refine design solutions.

• Translate strategic briefs, brand guidelines, and project objectives into high-quality visual designs that resonate with target audiences.

• Adapt and localize creative assets for diverse audiences, ensuring accessibility across different languages and cultural contexts, particularly for social impact initiatives.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a high standard of quality throughout the creative process.

• Prepare and package design files for production, coordinating with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.

• Maintain organized design files, assets, and internal libraries for efficient retrieval and future project use.

• Actively incorporate feedback and revisions from Art Directors, Creative Directors, and clients, demonstrating a willingness to iterate and improve.

• Conduct research on design trends, cultural contexts, and competitor activities to inform creative strategies and innovative design solutions.

• Utilize agency workflow and communication tools, such as Hive, Slack, and SharePoint, for effective project management and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for process adherence (file organization, vendor coordination) and cross-functional collaboration, which are core to operations roles. The emphasis on adapting materials for different audiences and promoting social impact indicates a strategic communication function that requires operational rigor in execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 0-2 years of relevant professional experience in graphic design, including internships or entry-level roles.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert-level skills in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop are essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Strong Visual Design Principles: A solid understanding of layout, typography, color theory, and composition to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

• Portfolio Demonstration: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design work across digital and print formats is mandatory.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to organize tasks, prioritize workloads, and manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

• Clear Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and high-quality final deliverables.

• Interest in Social Impact: A genuine passion for social impact work and a commitment to applying an equity lens in design practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Agency Experience: Previous experience working within a creative agency or a similar fast-paced, client-focused environment.

• Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Familiarity with the development and execution of integrated marketing or communications campaigns.

• Figma, After Effects, or Procreate: Experience with these additional design and animation tools can enhance versatility and creative output.

• Web/CMS Design: Knowledge of web design principles or experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress.

• Print Production & Vendor Coordination: Experience preparing files for professional print production and managing relationships with print vendors.

• Multilingual Abilities: Proficiency in languages other than English can be a significant asset for diverse client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are foundational for any creative operations role. The emphasis on "translating strategic direction," "managing multiple projects," and "coordinating with vendors" points towards the operational aspects of a creative role, where efficiency and process are as critical as creativity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Range: Showcase a diverse portfolio that includes examples of both digital (web graphics, social media assets, digital ads) and print (brochures, posters, reports) design projects.

• Conceptualization Examples: Include projects that highlight your ability to develop creative concepts from a brief, demonstrating problem-solving and strategic thinking through design.

• Brand System Application: Feature work where you have successfully applied established brand guidelines to create cohesive and on-brand materials.

• Process Workflow Visualization: If possible, include case studies that briefly illustrate your design process, from initial brief to final output, highlighting key decision points and iterations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: While not explicitly required for an entry-level role, be prepared to discuss how you approach organizing your design workflow, managing feedback, and ensuring timely delivery.

• System Implementation Standards: Be ready to discuss your experience using design software and any familiarity with project management or asset management systems (e.g., Hive, Slack, SharePoint mentioned in the job description).

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: While direct responsibility for metrics may be limited at this level, understand how design impacts campaign performance and be prepared to discuss how your designs contribute to client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the portfolio is less about complex process documentation and more about demonstrating foundational design skills and a clear, repeatable process for executing design tasks. The ability to articulate this process is key for operations alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $54,400 - $69,400 USD per year.

• This range is commensurate with experience, with entry-level candidates likely starting at the lower end and those with maximum relevant experience within the 0-2 year bracket potentially reaching the higher end.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Income Protection: Life and disability insurance coverage for added financial security.

• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions to help employees save for the future.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample paid time off, including holidays and vacation days, promoting work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, skill enhancement, and career growth through training programs and workshops.

• Collaborative Work Environment: Access to an inspiring and creative workplace culture that fosters innovation and teamwork.

Working Hours:

• The position is based on a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time employment.

• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with specific office days to be determined in coordination with the Creative Director and team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined, which is helpful for candidates. The benefits package is robust, including professional development, which is crucial for an entry-level role looking to grow within operations-adjacent creative functions. The mention of specific tools like Hive, Slack, and SharePoint indicates a need for candidates to be comfortable with operational communication and collaboration platforms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Impact Communications and Creative Agency.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description suggests a medium-sized agency with specialized teams (brand strategists, public affairs, designers, copywriters) and a focus on client work across diverse sectors like healthcare, economic development, consumer brands, and nonprofits.

Founded: Not specified, but the company is described as established and working across the Northwest and beyond, indicating a history and operational depth.

Team Structure:

• Creative Department: The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director and work closely with Art Directors.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect to collaborate with account leads, public affairs professionals, brand strategists, and copywriters on integrated campaigns.

• Agency-Wide Values: The company emphasizes inclusivity, equity, diversity, authenticity, and respect, actively working to dismantle systemic oppression and create space for all identities.

Methodology:

• Social Impact Focus: All work is geared towards making communities more connected, safe, healthy, just, and prosperous.

• Creative Process: A blend of strategic thinking, concept development, and high-quality execution across digital, print, and environmental media.

• Data-Informed Creativity: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "client goals" and "impactful work" implies a need to understand how design contributes to measurable outcomes.

• Equity and Accessibility: A commitment to creating accessible and culturally responsive work for diverse audiences.

Company Website: wearedh.com (derived from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a significant differentiator, emphasizing social impact and equity. This means candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design work aligns with these values and how they approach creating inclusive and accessible materials. This is a key aspect of "operations" in a mission-driven organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level Graphic Designer position (0-2 years of experience). It serves as a foundational role within the creative department, offering exposure to client-facing projects and integrated campaign development. The role is designed for individuals eager to develop their design skills and understand the operational aspects of creative production within an agency setting.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Creative Director.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's impact is primarily through the visual execution of marketing and communication strategies.

• By creating compelling designs, they contribute to the effectiveness of integrated campaigns, brand perception, and client engagement, ultimately supporting the agency's mission of driving social impact and client success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital, print, environmental) or learn new tools like Figma, After Effects, or Procreate.

• Project Complexity: Progress to handling more complex projects, larger clients, and campaigns with greater strategic importance.

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director role over time with demonstrated skill, initiative, and leadership potential.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience across various industries (healthcare, economic development, nonprofits) and learn about the operational nuances of communicating for social impact.

• Professional Development: Access to training, workshops, and potentially conferences to stay current with design trends and best practices, fostering continuous learning in both creative and operational aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined from entry-level, emphasizing skill development and increasing project responsibility. For operations-minded candidates, this role offers a chance to understand the operational mechanics of creative production and GTM campaign execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a blend of remote work and in-office presence in Seattle, Washington. This setup aims to balance flexibility with the collaborative benefits of in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington. Specific office details, such as accessibility and amenities, are not provided but can be assumed to be standard for a professional creative agency.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The agency fosters an inclusive and creative atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued. The hybrid model encourages collaboration through scheduled in-office days, team meetings, and cross-functional project work.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will utilize agency-standard tools for workflow and communication, including Hive (likely for project management/asset organization), Slack (for real-time communication), and SharePoint (for document management and collaboration). Proficiency in these is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with Art Directors, Creative Directors, and other team members during in-office days, fostering mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, typical for full-time roles.

• The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in how the work week is structured, but specific in-office days will be coordinated with the team to optimize collaboration and project workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and use of specific collaboration tools (Hive, Slack, SharePoint) are crucial operational elements. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with remote collaboration tools and how they manage productivity in a hybrid setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Submission: Submit resume and a portfolio link highlighting relevant design work.

• Screening Call: An initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, interest in social impact, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth discussion about portfolio pieces, potentially including design challenges or exercises to evaluate technical skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving approach.

• Creative Director/Team Interview: Meet with the Creative Director and potentially other team members to discuss creative philosophy, collaboration style, and alignment with agency values.

• Final Interview (if applicable): May involve a discussion with senior leadership or HR to confirm fit and discuss compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 strong pieces that best represent your skills and align with the agency's focus on social impact and integrated campaigns. Ensure a mix of digital and print.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain the brief, your conceptual approach, design decisions, and the final outcome. Highlight how you incorporated feedback.

• Highlight Social Impact Work: If you have projects directly related to social impact, health, or community initiatives, feature them prominently.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your work clearly shows mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud. If you have experience with Figma, After Effects, or Procreate, include examples.

• Accessibility Focus: If applicable, mention any considerations for accessibility (e.g., color contrast, font readability) in your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a design exercise, which might involve creating a concept for a social impact campaign, adapting an existing asset, or solving a visual problem within a given timeframe.

• Conceptual Thinking: Practice articulating your thought process, how you interpret a brief, and the rationale behind your design choices.

• Brand Application: Be ready to apply existing brand guidelines to create new assets, demonstrating your ability to work within established systems.

• Collaboration Simulation: Some exercises may involve presenting your work and receiving feedback, simulating real-world team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges indicates that practical skills and the ability to articulate design strategy are highly valued. For operations-minded candidates, demonstrating a structured approach to design execution and feedback incorporation will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • InDesign: For page layout, brochures, reports, and print collateral.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Figma (Preferred): For UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows, particularly for digital assets.

• After Effects (Preferred): For motion graphics, animations, and video elements.

• Procreate (Preferred): For digital illustration and sketching on iPad.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Hive (Primary): Likely used for project management, asset organization, workflow tracking, and team collaboration. Familiarity with its features for managing creative production is essential.

• Slack (Primary): For real-time communication, team updates, and quick collaboration.

• SharePoint (Primary): For document storage, sharing, and collaborative content management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud is a must. Experience with Figma, After Effects, and Procreate is a strong plus. Crucially, familiarity with Hive, Slack, and SharePoint signifies the operational tools used for project management and team communication, which are central to the role's operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Social Impact & Equity: A core value driving all work, emphasizing the creation of positive change and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in design.

• Authenticity & Respect: Fostering an environment where team members can be themselves and where diverse perspectives are genuinely valued and respected.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Actively working to dismantle systemic oppression and create space for all identities, promoting a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and pushing creative boundaries to develop impactful communication strategies.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished work that meets client objectives and agency standards, supported by efficient operational processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with strategists, public affairs, account managers, and copywriters to ensure creative outputs are aligned with broader campaign goals.

• Feedback-Driven Development: An open culture for receiving and applying feedback from Art Directors, Creative Directors, and clients to refine designs and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, trends, and best practices to collectively elevate the creative output and operational efficiency of the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on social impact, equity, and inclusivity is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how these values influence their design approach and how they contribute to a collaborative and respectful team environment. This is a key cultural differentiator for operations in mission-driven organizations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Objectives: Translating client needs and strategic goals into compelling designs that also push creative boundaries.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Juggling multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Adapting to Diverse Client Needs: Working across various industries and with different brand identities, requiring versatility and the ability to quickly grasp new contexts.

• Navigating Hybrid Work: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity in a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless communication and project flow.

• Applying Equity Lens Consistently: Ensuring all designs are culturally sensitive, accessible, and inclusive, which requires ongoing learning and critical self-reflection.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software: Opportunities to gain proficiency in preferred tools like Figma, After Effects, and Procreate.

• Creative Strategy Workshops: Learning to better translate strategic briefs into effective visual solutions.

• Social Impact Communication: Deepening understanding of how to communicate for positive social change and apply accessibility standards.

• Project Management Skills: Developing better organizational and time-management skills through hands-on experience with agency workflows and tools.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced Art Directors and the Creative Director to hone design craft and professional skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of agency life but are framed within the context of social impact and operational efficiency. The growth opportunities are geared towards both creative craft and operational competence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project from your portfolio that best demonstrates your ability to translate a strategic brief into a compelling visual design. What was the brief, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, strategic thinking, and results.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from Art Directors and clients, especially when it differs from your initial concept?" (Assess adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Desautel Hege's mission and our focus on social impact?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with company values.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to an inclusive and equitable team environment?" (Highlight your collaborative spirit and respect for diversity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each piece, tell a story: the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Process: Briefly explain your thought process, tool usage, and any iterative steps.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If your designs contributed to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful event turnout), mention them.

• Tailor to DH: Emphasize any work that aligns with social impact, health, or community initiatives.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical skills, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on practical application of design skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to discuss their portfolio with a narrative that highlights process, problem-solving, and alignment with the company's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills (especially Adobe Creative Cloud, visual design, and any agency/campaign experience), and any passion for social impact work. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 5-7 of your strongest design projects that showcase versatility (digital/print) and ideally align with social impact themes. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., Behance, personal website) and clearly organized.

• Write a Compelling Cover Letter/Interest Statement: Briefly explain why you are interested in this specific opportunity at Desautel Hege, what draws you to social impact communications, and how your skills align with the role.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review the potential interview questions and practice articulating your design process, project rationale, and your understanding of the company's mission and values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights based on industry standards and the provided information. Candidates should verify all details, especially regarding specific project expectations, team structure, and day-to-day responsibilities, directly with Desautel Hege Inc.