Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Gaylor Electric Location: Fishers, Indiana, United States & Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing & Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-10 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Leads creative design efforts and visual content strategy for Gaylor Electric, ensuring strict adherence to brand identity and overarching strategic objectives.
- Manages the entire design project lifecycle, from initial concept development through to final completion, for both digital and print media.
- Develops and executes innovative design solutions for national advertising and marketing campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and impact.
- Oversees the design and production of branded materials across all digital platforms, websites, communications, and client-facing touchpoints.
- Provides strategic leadership and mentorship to Marketing Coordinators on design best practices and creative execution.
π Enhancement Note: The role title "Graphic Designer" combined with responsibilities like "leads the creative design efforts," "managing projects from concept to completion," and "mentoring Marketing Coordinators" suggests a senior-level individual contributor or a lead role within a design function, rather than an entry-level position. The emphasis on strategic alignment and cross-functional collaboration with executive leadership further supports this.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Spearhead the development and execution of design and branding initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment with the company's vision and market positioning.
- Conceptualize and deliver innovative design solutions that support a wide array of company projects and departmental needs.
- Craft compelling visual content for social media channels, corporate websites, and other digital engagement platforms to enhance online presence.
- Design and write engaging copy for both internal company and external customer newsletters, ensuring consistent brand voice and messaging.
- Develop impactful visual aids and comprehensive presentations for critical company meetings, events, and executive leadership reviews.
- Lead the creative development and design of national advertising and marketing campaigns, maintaining brand integrity and strategic messaging across all executions.
- Manage end-to-end event branding, including stage visuals, motion graphics, signage, and promotional materials, to create cohesive and memorable experiences.
- Oversee the design and implementation of facility branding concepts across all markets, projecting a consistent and impactful physical brand presence.
- Capture and expertly edit high-quality photographs to support various marketing, communication, and corporate branding efforts.
- Ensure timely delivery of all design projects by effectively managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations from initiation to completion.
- Provide expert guidance and mentorship to Marketing Coordinators on design principles, software proficiency, and creative execution, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Continuously research and integrate emerging industry design trends and best practices to inform and elevate design strategies.
- Collaborate effectively with clients (internal and external) to thoroughly understand their goals, translate them into resonant design solutions, and manage expectations.
- Uphold the highest standards of quality and accuracy in all design outputs, ensuring they meet performance benchmarks and brand guidelines.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a role that bridges creative execution with strategic marketing and brand management. The mention of "executive leadership and C-suite stakeholders" implies the need for strong communication and presentation skills beyond pure design execution.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement.
Experience:
- A minimum of five years of dedicated experience in graphic design is required.
- Demonstrated success through a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects is essential.
Required Skills:
- Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for advanced graphic creation and manipulation.
- Digital Design Tools: Advanced proficiency with Canva for accessible and rapid design creation.
- Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for document creation, presentations, and data integration.
- Typography Expertise: In-depth understanding and application of typographic principles for effective visual communication.
- Color Theory Application: Proficient knowledge of color theory and its strategic use in design to evoke specific emotions and brand associations.
- Layout Design Principles: Mastery of layout composition, visual hierarchy, and balance to create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs.
- Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: Ability to generate novel ideas and effectively resolve design challenges through innovative approaches.
- Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for articulating design concepts and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and foster positive working relationships with colleagues and clients.
- Project Management Acumen: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to scope.
- Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and project demands.
- Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics, ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables.
- Independent Work Ethic: Self-motivated and capable of working autonomously with minimal supervision.
- Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and engage constructively with diverse personalities.
Preferred Skills:
- Web Design Experience: Familiarity with web design principles and user interface (UI) considerations.
- HTML/CSS Knowledge: Basic understanding or experience with HTML and CSS for web content integration.
- Mentorship Capabilities: Experience guiding and developing junior team members or peers in design disciplines.
- Internal Systems Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and company-specific internal systems.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "executive leadership and C-suite stakeholders" in the responsibilities section implies that the communication and interpersonal skills need to be at a level suitable for presenting to and collaborating with senior management, not just peers. The requirement for adaptability to "Gaylorβs internal systems" suggests that candidates should highlight their learning agility.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Comprehensive Project Showcase: A curated portfolio that vividly demonstrates a breadth of design projects, including digital campaigns, print collateral, event branding, and corporate presentations.
- Brand Alignment Examples: Specific examples within the portfolio that highlight the ability to maintain and enhance brand consistency across diverse applications.
- Process Documentation: Evidence of a structured design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final asset delivery and stakeholder feedback integration. This could be shown through case studies or project narratives.
- Impact & ROI Demonstration: Examples that clearly articulate the impact of design work, ideally with quantifiable results or successful outcomes tied to business objectives (e.g., engagement rates, lead generation, event attendance).
- Software Proficiency Display: Visual evidence within the portfolio that showcases mastery of core design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
Process Documentation:
- Workflow Visualization: Ability to document and present design workflows, illustrating how projects are initiated, managed, and completed efficiently.
- Creative Brief Interpretation: Demonstrations of how design briefs are translated into actionable design strategies and executed effectively.
- Collaboration Integration: Examples of how feedback from cross-functional teams and stakeholders was incorporated into the design process.
- Quality Assurance: Documentation or case studies that highlight the methods used to ensure the highest standards of quality and accuracy in design deliverables.
π Enhancement Note: Given the role's responsibilities, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "national advertising and marketing campaigns" and "executive leadership and C-suite stakeholders" means the portfolio should showcase sophisticated, high-impact work suitable for corporate communication and external brand representation.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the Indianapolis/Fishers, IN metropolitan area, the estimated annual salary range is $65,000 - $90,000. This estimate accounts for the senior nature of the role, required software proficiency, and the need for strategic design leadership.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.
- Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or similar retirement plan with potential company match, aiding long-term financial security.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay, allowing for work-life balance.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially conference attendance to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.
- Life and Disability Insurance: Protecting employees and their families in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.
- Potential for Performance Bonuses: Eligibility for bonuses based on individual and company performance, recognizing contributions to success.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically 40 hours per week.
- Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, including potential overtime on short notice, particularly during peak campaign periods or event planning.
π Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided in the raw input. The estimate is based on typical compensation for a Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area in the Midwest USA, considering the robust skill set and leadership responsibilities outlined. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in established companies and are inferred based on industry practices.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Construction Services / Electrical Contracting Company Size: Large (Likely 1000+ employees, based on typical industry players and the scope of operations described). Founded: Gaylor Electric was founded in 1963, indicating a long-standing history and established presence in the industry.
Team Structure:
- The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing department, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director.
- This role involves close collaboration with various departments, including Sales, Operations, HR, and Executive Leadership, to support their design needs.
- There is a direct mentorship responsibility towards Marketing Coordinators, suggesting a potential for team leadership and guidance.
Methodology:
- Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on creating visually impactful designs that are strategically aligned with company goals and performance metrics.
- Brand Consistency Focus: Rigorous adherence to brand guidelines across all visual communications to ensure a unified and professional company image.
- Collaborative Development: A culture that encourages input and feedback from cross-functional teams to refine design concepts and ensure broad appeal and effectiveness.
- Innovation & Trend Awareness: A commitment to staying current with industry trends and incorporating new design techniques and technologies.
Company Website: [Gaylor Electric Website URL - e.g., https://www.gaylor.com/]
π Enhancement Note: Gaylor Electric operates in the construction and electrical contracting sector. This industry often requires strong visual communication to convey professionalism, safety, and project scope, especially for B2B clients and internal stakeholders. The company's founding date suggests stability and a deep understanding of its market.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level individual contributor, with potential for lead responsibilities or advancement into a Design Lead or Art Director role within the marketing department. It requires a minimum of five years of experience, indicating a mid-to-senior career stage.
Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Director. They will also have a mentorship relationship with Marketing Coordinators, indicating influence and responsibility over junior team members' design output.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Gaylor Electric's brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, client engagement, and internal communications. High-quality visuals are crucial for conveying professionalism, expertise, and innovation in the construction industry, influencing client acquisition and retention. Strategic design leadership ensures that visual assets support broader business objectives and C-suite initiatives.
Growth Opportunities:
- Design Leadership: Potential to advance into a Lead Designer, Art Director, or Manager role, overseeing larger design projects and teams.
- Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital marketing design, event branding, or corporate communications.
- Skill Expansion: Further development in areas like motion graphics, web design, or UI/UX design, aligned with company needs.
- Cross-Functional Exposure: Increased involvement with executive-level projects and strategic initiatives, providing broader business acumen.
- Mentorship Development: Honing leadership and coaching skills through mentoring Marketing Coordinators.
π Enhancement Note: The role explicitly mentions mentoring junior staff and collaborating with C-suite stakeholders. This indicates a growth path beyond pure design execution, moving towards leadership and strategic influence within the marketing function.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This role is designated as "On-site," meaning work will be performed from a Gaylor Electric office location in Fishers or Indianapolis, Indiana. The description of "working in all elements (heat, cold, rain, etc.)" and using "construction site sanitary facilities" in the "WORKING CONDITIONS" section is highly unusual for a standard Graphic Designer role and typically pertains to field or project-adjacent personnel. It's possible this is a boilerplate inclusion or indicates occasional site visits are expected, though the primary work setting is likely an office.
Office Location(s): Fishers, Indiana, and Indianapolis, Indiana. These are major metropolitan areas offering access to amenities and a professional business environment.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Office Setting: Likely a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration among marketing team members and other departments.
- Design Technology: Access to necessary design software and hardware, including Adobe Creative Suite and potentially high-performance workstations.
- Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with marketing colleagues, project managers, and internal clients across various departments.
- Potential for Site Visits: Given the industry and some "Working Conditions" listed, occasional visits to construction sites or company facilities may occur, requiring adherence to safety protocols and PPE.
Work Schedule:
- Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week.
- The role requires adaptability to work scheduled hours, plus overtime on short notice, as dictated by project demands and campaign timelines.
π Enhancement Note: The "WORKING CONDITIONS" section detailing construction site environments is highly atypical for a Graphic Designer and might be a standard inclusion for all job postings from Gaylor Electric. Candidates should clarify the extent to which these conditions apply to this specific design role. The primary expectation is an office-based design environment.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative alignment.
- Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will present their portfolios, discussing design process, creative choices, and problem-solving approaches. This stage will likely assess proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, typography, and color theory.
- Behavioral & Situational Interview: Questions focusing on collaboration, project management, adaptability, and experience working with diverse stakeholders (including executive leadership).
- Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): A practical exercise to evaluate on-the-spot creative thinking, problem-solving, and design execution under timed conditions. This might involve designing a concept for a specific marketing need.
- Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership or hiring manager to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent the required skills (Adobe Suite, typography, layout) and demonstrate impact. Include a variety of formats (digital, print, presentations).
- Showcase Process: For at least 2-3 key projects, walk through your design process: understanding the brief, ideation, iterations, feedback incorporation, and final output. Explain the 'why' behind your design decisions.
- Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, highlight the results or success metrics associated with your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign metrics, positive client feedback).
- Highlight Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you collaborated with clients, marketing teams, or other stakeholders, and how you managed feedback.
- Tailor to Gaylor Electric: Research Gaylor's current branding and marketing efforts. Consider including a speculative piece or highlighting relevant past projects that align with their industry and aesthetic.
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is given, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and desired outcomes. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
- Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between conceptualization, execution, and refinement.
- Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate not just technical skill, but also strategic thinking β how your design choices support the business objectives.
- Presentation Clarity: Be ready to articulate your design choices clearly and concisely, especially when presenting to non-designers.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "executive leadership and C-suite stakeholders" means the interview process will likely involve assessing the candidate's ability to communicate complex design strategies and rationale effectively to a non-creative audience.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for professional graphic design. Proficiency in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print design, interactive documents) is critical.
- Canva: A key tool for rapid design creation, social media graphics, and potentially for empowering non-designers within the organization.
- Microsoft Office Suite:
- PowerPoint: Crucial for creating presentations for internal and external stakeholders, requiring strong visual design skills.
- Word: For newsletter copy and other document design needs.
- Excel: Potentially for data visualization within reports or presentations.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for the designer, understanding how to interpret basic analytics (e.g., social media engagement rates, website traffic) can inform design decisions for digital assets. The role may require creating dashboards or reports using tools like Excel or potentially basic BI tools if integrated into marketing reporting.
CRM & Automation:
- While the Graphic Designer might not directly manage CRM systems, they may need to integrate designs into marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing software) or understand how their digital assets are deployed through these systems. Familiarity with how marketing automation works would be beneficial.
- Web Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience integrating graphics and designs into platforms like WordPress or similar CMS would be advantageous.
Other Potential Tools:
- Photography/Videography Equipment: If involved in photo capture and editing.
- Motion Graphics Software: Adobe After Effects may be a plus for creating animated graphics or video elements.
- Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design tasks and timelines.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Microsoft Office indicates the core technical requirements. The "preferred" mention of HTML/CSS and web design suggests a leaning towards digital applications, making familiarity with CMS and basic web integration tools valuable.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Gaylor Values: The job description explicitly states "Uses Gaylor Values as tools to carry out all job responsibilities." While not detailed, this implies a core set of company principles that guide employee conduct and work ethic, likely emphasizing integrity, safety, teamwork, and customer focus, common in the construction industry.
- Excellence & Quality: A strong emphasis on delivering "highest performing standards of quality and accuracy" in all design work.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: A requirement to "work well with others as a member of a team" and a "collaborative team player" mentality, essential for cross-functional projects.
- Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement of "creative thinking and problem-solving abilities" and staying updated on "industry trends to inform design strategies."
- Efficiency & Adaptability: The need to be "adaptable to changing priorities and fast-paced environments" and manage "multiple projects and meet deadlines" highlights a value placed on operational efficiency.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates working extensively with various departments, including Sales, Operations, HR, and Executive Leadership, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Mentorship & Guidance: A collaborative approach to mentoring Marketing Coordinators, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
- Stakeholder Alignment: A process of collaborating with clients (internal and external) to understand goals, align vision, and manage expectations effectively.
- Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project success.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Gaylor Values" is a strong indicator of the company's cultural foundation. Candidates should research these values to prepare for how they will demonstrate alignment. The emphasis on collaboration and working with C-suite suggests a professional, results-oriented, and communicative team environment.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas within the strict guidelines of corporate branding and industry expectations.
- Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to design requests from various departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences, including executive leadership.
- Fast-Paced Environment & Tight Deadlines: Consistently delivering high-quality design work under pressure and adapting to last-minute project changes.
- Technical Skill Adaptability: Quickly mastering new software and internal systems as required by evolving technology and company needs.
- Translating Technical Concepts Visually: Representing complex construction/electrical services in an aesthetically appealing and easily understandable manner for diverse audiences.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools like motion graphics software (e.g., After Effects).
- Web Design & UI/UX Fundamentals: Developing skills in web design principles, HTML/CSS, and user interface/user experience to support digital marketing initiatives.
- Marketing Campaign Strategy: Gaining insights into broader marketing strategies and how design contributes to campaign success.
- Leadership & Mentorship Skills: Honing abilities in guiding and developing junior team members through the mentorship of Marketing Coordinators.
- Industry Trend Exploration: Continuous learning about emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices relevant to the construction and corporate communications industries.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not only technically proficient but also strategic, adaptable, and an excellent communicator, capable of navigating a dynamic corporate environment. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding both technical and leadership capabilities.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on demonstrating understanding of brand integrity and negotiation skills.)
- "Walk me through your process for designing a major marketing campaign or event branding. What were the key steps and considerations?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio that showcases your end-to-end process.)
- "How do you ensure your designs are not only visually appealing but also strategically effective in achieving business objectives?" (Emphasize data-informed design and understanding of marketing goals.)
- "Describe your experience working with executive leadership or C-suite stakeholders on design projects. How do you ensure clear communication and alignment?" (Prepare examples of presenting to senior management and managing their feedback.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Show initiative and a proactive approach to learning.)
- "Gaylor Electric emphasizes its core values. How do you see your work aligning with principles like integrity, teamwork, and safety?" (Research Gaylor's values and prepare thoughtful responses.)
- "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or team members. What is your approach to fostering growth?" (Highlight leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design solution, and the outcome/impact.
- Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how specific projects demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, typography, layout, and color theory.
- Focus on Process: Don't just show the final product; explain your thinking, iterations, and how you arrived at the solution. This is crucial for assessing problem-solving skills.
- Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.
- Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your software choices, techniques, and design rationale.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just artistic talent but also strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and strong communication skills, particularly when interacting with non-creative stakeholders and leadership.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
- Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to access the application portal on Dayforce.
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of graphic design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Microsoft Office, and any experience with web design or HTML/CSS. Use keywords from the job description.
- Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant design projects. Focus on showcasing diversity in your work (digital, print, presentations, campaigns) and be prepared to discuss your process and the impact of each piece. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, PDF link).
- Prepare Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, develop a concise story detailing the project's goals, your approach, challenges overcome, and the results achieved. Practice articulating these points clearly.
- Research Gaylor Electric: Understand their industry, current branding, and any publicly stated company values to tailor your application and interview responses.
β οΈ 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 must have proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of design projects. A detail-oriented mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment are essential.