Graphic Designer

Expert Institute
Full_timeMilwaukee, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Expert Institute Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-24T14:52:06.786 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is a hands-on design leadership position focused on driving a high volume of visual output for Expert Institute's digital and print presence.
  • Key responsibilities include leading core web design for expertinstitute.com and acquired brands, while also producing a wide array of assets across digital, print, video, and multimedia.
  • The position emphasizes continuous improvement, conversion-focused design, and the development of robust design systems to ensure brand cohesion and efficiency.
  • Success in this role hinges on a strong digital instinct, the ability to translate complex ideas into engaging visuals, and a relentless work ethic.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the description and responsibilities strongly indicate a senior or lead role, specifically an Associate Director level, with significant ownership over web design, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "high volume production" and "continuous output" suggests a need for operational efficiency within the creative function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead Core Web Design: Own and continuously evolve the design of expertinstitute.com and other acquired brand websites, with a relentless focus on user experience (UX), performance optimization, and brand consistency through iterative improvements.
  • Cross-Medium Design Production: Deliver a high volume of design assets across digital platforms (web, social media, email), print collateral (brochures, presentations), video content (explainer videos, animations), and multimedia projects.
  • Drive Conversion & Revenue Impact: Create and optimize numerous conversion-driven landing pages, marketing campaigns, sales enablement tools, and collateral that directly contribute to revenue generation through sustained design effort and strategic execution.
  • Design System Development & Maintenance: Continuously build, refine, and extend the company's design system to ensure visual cohesion and efficiency across all digital platforms, marketing materials, and product interfaces.
  • Cross-Functional Design Collaboration: Partner closely with Marketing, Sales, Product, and Leadership teams to ensure creative output is strategically aligned with business objectives, facilitating seamless and constant collaboration.
  • Process and Tool Innovation: Relentlessly explore and introduce new design processes, tools, and methodologies to push creative boundaries, enhance efficiency, and scale design operations effectively.
  • Visual Storytelling & Content Creation: Lead the ongoing production of explainer videos, motion graphics, animations, and other multimedia assets designed to simplify complex ideas and clearly articulate value propositions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for operational rigor within creative execution. The emphasis on "high volume," "continuous," and "relentless" implies a performance-driven environment where efficiency, process optimization, and consistent output are paramount, mirroring the demands of operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected, though extensive professional experience and a strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education in design roles.

Experience: 7+ years of professional design experience, with a proven track record of high-volume output across various design disciplines. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of design principles, brand consistency, and the ability to translate business objectives into impactful visual solutions.

Required Skills:

  • Expertise in Design Software: Mastery of Figma for UI/UX design and system building, and comprehensive proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects) for a wide range of digital and print design tasks.
  • UI/UX Design Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to design intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for web and digital platforms, with a focus on conversion optimization and user engagement.
  • Motion Graphics & Video Production: Extensive hands-on experience in creating motion graphics, video editing, and animation for marketing and explainer content.
  • Web Design Ownership: Proven experience in owning and evolving website design, including understanding of UX best practices, performance optimization, and iterative design processes.
  • High-Volume Production Capability: Demonstrated ability to manage and execute a large volume of design projects consistently and efficiently, meeting tight deadlines under pressure.
  • Strong Communication & Presentation Skills: Confidence in presenting and defending design concepts, articulating rationale, and effectively incorporating feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Detail-Orientation & Self-Motivation: A keen eye for detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-output environment.

Preferred Skills:

  • Design System Architecture: Experience in building and maintaining comprehensive design systems that ensure brand consistency and streamline design workflows.
  • Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Understanding of A/B testing principles and conversion rate optimization strategies as applied to web and digital marketing assets.
  • Content Strategy Integration: Ability to collaborate with content strategists to ensure visual design effectively supports and enhances content objectives.
  • Interactive Prototyping: Experience with interactive prototyping tools beyond Figma, which can showcase user flows and design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years" requirement and the emphasis on a "robust portfolio showcasing a high volume of work" suggest this is not an entry-level role but rather a senior or lead position. The specific tool requirements (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects) are critical and should be highlighted by candidates. The "high volume of work" is a key differentiator, signaling a need for efficiency and process management skills akin to operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • High-Volume Work Samples: Showcase a diverse range of projects executed at a high volume, demonstrating consistent quality and output across digital, print, video, and motion graphics.
  • Web Design & UI/UX Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of website redesigns or significant UI/UX improvements, highlighting problem definition, design process, UX considerations, and measurable outcomes.
  • Design System Examples: Present examples of a well-structured design system, including component libraries, style guides, and documentation that demonstrates its application across various touchpoints.
  • Motion Graphics & Video Showcase: Feature examples of explainer videos, animations, or motion graphics projects that effectively communicate complex information or brand narratives.
  • Conversion-Focused Asset Examples: Highlight marketing collateral, landing pages, or sales tools designed with a specific focus on conversion and measurable business impact.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of and experience in designing and optimizing creative workflows to manage high-volume production efficiently.
  • System Implementation & Standards: Provide examples of how design systems were implemented and maintained, ensuring adherence to brand standards and design principles.
  • Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show evidence of how design work was measured for impact, particularly in relation to conversion rates, user engagement, and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high volume production" and "continuous output" implies that a portfolio should not only showcase creative excellence but also efficiency and process management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for managing multiple projects and maintaining quality at scale, reflecting an operations-centric approach to creative execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For an Associate Director, Graphic Design role with 7+ years of experience in Milwaukee, WI, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $90,000 and $120,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior creative roles in mid-sized markets, considering the company's focus on legal tech and its growth trajectory.

Benefits:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Options: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
  • 401(k) Match: A significant employer match for retirement savings, demonstrating a commitment to long-term financial security.
  • Unlimited PTO (after 2 years): Generous paid time off policy, encouraging work-life balance and employee autonomy after an initial period of service.
  • Team Lunches & Outings: Regular team lunches on Wednesdays and occasional social events designed to foster collegiality and team cohesion.
  • Professional Growth Opportunities: Access to resources and opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the company.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an expectation of consistent effort. While specific hours are not detailed, the emphasis on "high volume production" and "continuous output" suggests a demanding but potentially flexible work environment, with occasional after-hours support required for urgent product needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are strong and align with competitive offerings in the tech and professional services sectors. The "Unlimited PTO after two years" is a notable perk. The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for similar roles and locations; candidates should verify this with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Legal Technology (Legal Tech). Expert Institute operates within a rapidly evolving sector that leverages technology to provide data, insights, and expertise to trial attorneys, aiming to improve case outcomes. This industry is characterized by innovation, data-driven approaches, and a focus on client success. Company Size: Expert Institute is described as a "high-growth company," suggesting a dynamic and expanding organization. While an exact employee count isn't provided, its focus on scaling implies a structure that values agility, innovation, and rapid development. Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's description as a "biggest at what we do" leader in legal tech suggests a history of significant growth and market establishment. Its current focus on the "Expert iQ" platform indicates a commitment to leveraging proprietary technology.

Team Structure:

  • The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Marketing or Creative team, reporting to a Marketing Director or a Head of Design.
  • This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Sales, and Product, indicating a matrixed or highly integrated operational structure.
  • The emphasis on "design leadership" suggests potential for mentorship or guidance for junior designers if the team grows.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: The company's platform, "Expert iQ," suggests a strong reliance on data to inform strategy and product development. This likely extends to design, where data-driven insights would be used to optimize website performance and conversion rates.
  • Agile & Iterative Processes: The fast-paced nature of legal tech and the emphasis on "continuous improvement" point towards agile methodologies, where designs are iterated upon based on feedback and performance metrics.
  • Efficiency & Automation Focus: The drive for "high volume production" implies a need for efficient workflows and potentially the exploration of automation tools to streamline creative processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on legal technology and its growth trajectory suggest a professional, data-oriented, and results-driven environment. The "high-growth" aspect means this role could offer significant opportunities for impact and career advancement, but also demands adaptability and a proactive approach to process development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Associate Director, Graphic Designer, indicating a senior-level individual contributor with leadership responsibilities in design execution and strategy. It requires a blend of hands-on creative skills and the ability to manage design output at scale, akin to a creative operations manager.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Director or VP of Marketing or a Head of Design. They will work closely with various departments, including Marketing, Sales, and Product, requiring strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: The role is designed to have a direct impact on revenue through the creation of conversion-focused marketing collateral, sales enablement tools, and high-performance website designs. The designer's ability to produce a high volume of effective visual assets will be critical to supporting sales efforts and driving customer acquisition and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a Director or VP of Design role, leading a larger creative team and setting the overall visual strategy for the company.
  • Specialization in Legal Tech Design: Deepen expertise in designing for the legal technology sector, understanding its unique audience and communication needs.
  • Process Improvement & Ops Management: Develop skills in creative operations, workflow optimization, and design system management, which are highly valuable in scaling creative functions.
  • Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Take on leadership roles in significant cross-functional projects, enhancing strategic influence and visibility across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate Director" title, combined with the emphasis on high-volume production and cross-functional collaboration, suggests a role that bridges creative craft with operational efficiency. Growth opportunities would likely involve increasing strategic influence, team leadership, and specialization in operational aspects of creative execution within the legal tech space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as an "on-site role," requiring a minimum of three in-office days per week (Tuesday through Thursday). This suggests a hybrid work model with a significant in-office component.

Office Location(s): The office is located in the historic Third Ward area of Milwaukee. This implies a vibrant urban setting that may offer a dynamic work environment and access to local amenities.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The requirement for in-office days facilitates face-to-face collaboration with Marketing, Sales, and Product teams, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work atmosphere.
  • Tools and Technology: As a design-centric role, the workspace is expected to be equipped with the necessary hardware and software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) to support high-volume creative production.
  • Team Interaction: The emphasis on team lunches and occasional outings indicates a culture that values interpersonal connections and team building, encouraging interaction beyond typical work tasks.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time. Occasional after-hours support may be required for urgent product needs, indicating a commitment to project success that may extend beyond standard working hours, typical of high-growth companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role (3 days in-office) is a key detail for candidates. The location in the Third Ward suggests a desirable urban workspace. The expectation of occasional after-hours support aligns with the "high-output" and "relentless effort" themes of the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and fit with the "high-volume" requirement.
  • Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing their process, key projects, and how they manage high-volume design output and continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of conversion-focused designs and design system development.
  • Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design challenge or exercise may be given to evaluate proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and motion graphics, as well as problem-solving skills under time constraints.
  • Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with members of Marketing, Sales, and Product teams to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and alignment with company culture.
  • Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Volume & Efficiency: Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality work efficiently and at scale. Quantify your output where possible (e.g., "designed 50+ landing pages in Q3").
  • Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from concept to execution, emphasizing problem-solving, iteration, and how you incorporate feedback.
  • Showcase Impact: For conversion-focused pieces, present metrics and data that illustrate the positive impact of your designs on business objectives (e.g., increased conversion rates, engagement).
  • Design System Expertise: If applicable, include examples of design systems you've built or contributed to, explaining your approach to consistency and scalability.
  • Motion Graphics & Video: Ensure your portfolio includes compelling examples of motion graphics and video work that demonstrate your storytelling and technical skills.
  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Expert Institute's needs, such as web design, digital marketing collateral, and sales enablement tools.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Practice Design Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common design challenges related to UI/UX, web design, and marketing collateral creation.
  • Time Management: Be prepared to work efficiently and manage your time effectively during any practical assessments.
  • Articulate Your Thinking: Practice explaining your design decisions and thought process clearly and concisely.
  • Focus on Problem-Solving: Demonstrate how you approach and solve design problems, highlighting your creativity and technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily focus on evaluating the candidate's ability to handle high-volume production, manage multiple projects, and demonstrate tangible business impact through their designs. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, efficiency, and results is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design system development. Proficiency in advanced features and collaboration workflows is expected.
  • Adobe Creative Suite:
    • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
    • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
    • InDesign: For print layout and production of marketing collateral, presentations, and reports.
    • After Effects: Crucial for motion graphics, video editing, and animation.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): Understanding how to interpret website performance data to inform design decisions and measure impact.
  • A/B Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools used for testing design variations to optimize conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): While not directly a design tool, understanding how design assets integrate with CRM and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for sales enablement and campaign execution.
  • Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello): For managing workflows, tracking project progress, and collaborating with teams, especially given the high-volume nature of the work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in Figma and the full Adobe Creative Suite, particularly After Effects for motion graphics, is paramount. Candidates should also be aware of how design integrates with analytics and CRM systems to drive business impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • High-Impact & Results-Driven: A commitment to producing work that directly contributes to business objectives, with a focus on driving revenue and customer engagement through design.
  • Efficiency & Process Excellence: A dedication to optimizing workflows, leveraging tools effectively, and maintaining high standards of output even under pressure.
  • Continuous Improvement & Learning: An ongoing effort to refine skills, explore new design techniques, and adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies.
  • Collaboration & Communication: A proactive approach to working with cross-functional teams, sharing insights, and ensuring design efforts are aligned with broader company goals.
  • Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries while maintaining brand consistency and delivering impactful visual solutions.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Marketing, Sales, and Product teams, suggesting an integrated approach where design is seen as a partner in achieving shared goals.
  • Feedback & Iteration Culture: An environment that encourages open feedback and iterative design processes to continuously improve creative output and ensure strategic alignment.
  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, design insights, and learnings across teams to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a strong work ethic, a results-oriented mindset, and a collaborative spirit, all crucial for success in a high-growth, fast-paced environment. The emphasis on "continuous improvement" and "efficiency" aligns closely with operations principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing High-Volume Output: The primary challenge will be consistently delivering a large volume of high-quality design assets while maintaining brand consistency and meeting tight deadlines.
  • Balancing Creativity with Business Needs: Effectively translating strategic business objectives and conversion goals into compelling visual designs that resonate with the target audience.
  • Evolving Design Systems: Continuously developing and maintaining a robust design system to ensure cohesion across an expanding portfolio of digital and print assets.
  • Adapting to Rapid Growth: Thriving in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where priorities may shift, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UI/UX, motion graphics, and video production through challenging projects and potential training.
  • Design Operations & System Management: Gain hands-on experience in building and managing design systems and optimizing creative workflows, skills highly transferable to operations roles.
  • Industry Exposure: Develop a specialized understanding of design challenges and best practices within the legal technology sector.
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Enhance strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills by working closely with leadership and various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The key challenge revolves around operational efficiency in creative production. Growth opportunities are strong, particularly in developing expertise in design operations and strategic creative leadership within a growing company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How do you approach managing a high volume of design requests while ensuring quality and brand consistency?" (Focus on process, prioritization, and efficiency)
  • "Describe your experience in developing and maintaining design systems. What are the key components, and how do you ensure their adoption?" (Highlight system thinking and collaboration)
  • "Walk us through a project where your design directly led to a measurable business outcome, such as increased conversion rates." (Prepare a compelling case study with data)
  • "How do you stay current with design trends, tools, and best practices, especially in areas like UI/UX and motion graphics?" (Showcase continuous learning)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Expert Institute and the legal tech industry?" (Research the company, its platform, and its market position)
  • "How do you think your design philosophy aligns with our company culture of 'ambition meets impact' and 'effort equals outcomes'?" (Connect your work ethic and values to theirs)
  • "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with non-design teams (e.g., Sales, Product). What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Demonstrate cross-functional collaboration skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Narrative Structure: Organize your portfolio presentation around clear narratives for each project, outlining the problem, your solution, and the impact.
  • Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs, especially for conversion-focused work.
  • Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration.
  • Highlight Volume & Efficiency: Select examples that illustrate your ability to handle multiple projects and produce work efficiently.
  • Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Naturally integrate discussions about your use of Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative skill but also operational efficiency, process management, and a results-driven mindset. Being able to articulate how your design work drives business outcomes is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your resume and a robust portfolio through the provided application link. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases high-volume work, UI/UX, motion graphics, and conversion-focused designs.
  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight projects demonstrating efficiency, process management, and measurable business impact, aligning with Expert Institute's emphasis on "effort equals outcomes."
  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume prominently features keywords related to Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, UI/UX, motion graphics, high-volume production, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.
  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining how you manage multiple projects under pressure, and detailing the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for potential design challenges.
  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Expert Institute, its platform (Expert iQ), its market position in legal tech, and its company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have 7+ years of professional design experience with a robust portfolio showcasing work across multiple mediums. Expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, along with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.