Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: HORNE

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing/Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-30

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports government services teams by creating compelling collateral for proposals and presentations, directly enhancing business development efforts.

• Translates complex written or spoken ideas into visually effective designs that meet client objectives and business development strategies.

• Manages the end-to-end design lifecycle for client deliverables, ensuring high-quality, client-ready output.

• Maintains strict adherence to brand standards and client-specific style requirements to ensure visual consistency.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with business development, technical SMEs, and management to deliver impactful design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a crucial support function for the Government Services team, implying a need for strong understanding of proposal aesthetics, presentation clarity, and client-facing communication. The emphasis on "client-centric thinking" and "audience-focused document deliverables" suggests a strategic approach to design beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to influence decision-making and support win themes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply creative and client-centric thinking to develop innovative, audience-focused document deliverables that align with client objectives and expectations.

• Partner directly with client-facing teams (business development, technical SMEs, managers, and other designers) to translate client needs into designs that support proposal and presentation messaging, win themes, and strategy, while adhering to brand standards.

• Manage the end-to-end delivery lifecycle for client deliverables, from intake and design brief through concepting, production, revisions, and final delivery.

• Develop and maintain client-ready templates and resource libraries (graphic and document) to improve consistency, responsiveness, and quality across all deliverables.

• Design and produce high-impact digital and print materials that enhance readability, guide the reader through complex content, and create polished, client-ready documents.

• Utilize typography, layout, color, and composition to reinforce overarching design themes and create emphasis and clarity for client audiences.

• Create a broad range of client deliverables, including infographics, presentations, proposals, flyers, and other print/digital assets, that make complex ideas accessible and compelling for stakeholders.

• Develop visual concepts, using an understanding of business requirements and stakeholder context, to clarify and strengthen audience understanding and decision-making.

• Ensure visual consistency across all deliverables, maintaining brand/visual identity compliance and any client-specific style requirements.

• Perform rigorous quality control on all graphics and layouts to ensure accuracy, currency, and error-free client deliverables (spelling, formatting, data integrity, and visual alignment).

• Demonstrate strong listening, consultative communication, and decision-making skills to incorporate feedback, resolve ambiguities, and recommend design approaches aligned with client goals.

• Exercise sound judgment and proactive communication to keep client-facing teams informed of status, risks, timelines, and progress, ensuring deadlines and expectations are met.

• Potentially supervise marketing and communications administrative or support staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management. The emphasis on "end-to-end delivery lifecycle," "quality control," and "stakeholder communication" indicates that operational efficiency and client satisfaction are paramount. The mention of potentially supervising staff suggests a growth opportunity or a need for leadership aptitude within the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Proven ability to create visually compelling designs across various mediums.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Highly proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for design and production.

• Proposal & Presentation Design: Demonstrated experience in designing effective proposals and presentations for business development.

• Brand Management: Ability to adhere to and enforce brand standards and visual identity guidelines.

• Layout & Typography: Strong understanding of layout principles, typography, and composition for readability and impact.

• Quality Control: Meticulous attention to detail for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and error-free deliverables.

• Consultative Communication: Excellent listening and communication skills to effectively gather requirements and incorporate feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing Software: Highly proficient in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar tools.

• Spanish Language Proficiency: Ability to communicate and create content in Spanish.

• Template & Resource Library Development: Experience in creating and managing design templates and asset libraries for efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects demonstrating their ability to translate complex information into clear, persuasive visuals, particularly within the context of government proposals and presentations. Proficiency in InDesign is specifically called out as preferred, indicating its importance for document-heavy deliverables.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Versatility: Showcase a range of design projects across print and digital media, including proposals, presentations, infographics, and marketing collateral.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include case studies or project examples that highlight how your design process improved efficiency, clarity, or client reception.

• Brand Adherence & Customization: Present examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines while also adapting designs to specific client needs or proposal objectives.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the design challenge, your approach, the tools used, and the quantifiable or qualitative outcomes achieved for each portfolio piece.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and communicate your design workflow, from initial brief to final delivery, ensuring clarity for stakeholders.

• Asset Management: Experience in organizing and managing design assets, templates, and resource libraries for efficient retrieval and reuse.

• Feedback Integration: Demonstrate a process for effectively receiving, interpreting, and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders into design iterations.

• Quality Assurance Protocols: Outline your personal quality control process for design deliverables, ensuring accuracy and adherence to all requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not just be a collection of pretty pictures, but evidence of a structured, client-focused design process. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they manage intake, iterate based on feedback, ensure brand consistency, and deliver polished, error-free final products under tight deadlines. Highlighting experience with government-sector proposals or similar highly regulated/formal environments would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in a location like San Juan, Puerto Rico, the estimated salary range would be between $50,000 - $70,000 USD annually. This estimate considers the cost of living, typical compensation for creative roles in professional services, and the specific requirements of the position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for long-term financial security, likely including a 401(k) or similar plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, training, and certifications to enhance skills, particularly in design software and industry best practices.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based incentives may be offered, tied to individual contributions and company success.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

• Flexibility: While a standard schedule is expected, the role requires a willingness to work flexible hours, including potential evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet client and proposal deadlines. This reflects the fast-paced, deadline-driven nature of proposal support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general US market data for mid-level graphic designers, adjusted for Puerto Rico's cost of living and a professional services context. The emphasis on flexible hours is a critical point for operations professionals to note, as it indicates a demanding, project-driven environment where meeting deadlines often takes precedence over strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Accounting, Advisory, and Government Services). HORNE operates as a multi-faceted professional services firm, suggesting a culture that values expertise, client service, and a structured approach to business.

Company Size: Large (likely 500+ employees, based on typical structures of firms offering government services). This size implies established processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: The founding date of HORNE (though not provided, established firms often have decades of history) suggests stability, a deep understanding of their markets, and a well-defined corporate culture and operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Government Services Focus: The Graphic Designer will be embedded within or closely supporting the Government Services team, indicating a specialized operational unit focused on public sector clients.

• Collaborative Design Environment: The role will work alongside other designers, business development professionals, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), suggesting a team-oriented approach where collaboration is key to successful project outcomes.

• Reporting Lines: Likely reports to a Marketing Manager, Communications Director, or a lead within the Government Services division, with potential for indirect supervision of support staff.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Design: Emphasis on understanding client needs and objectives to create impactful visual communications.

• Data-Driven Approach: While creative, the role requires using data and business context to inform design decisions and measure effectiveness.

• Process Optimization: A focus on developing and utilizing templates, resource libraries, and efficient workflows to improve delivery speed and quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on Government Services suggests a need for design work that is not only creative but also professional, compliant, and capable of conveying complex technical or strategic information clearly. A large, established firm like HORNE likely has well-defined brand guidelines and operational procedures that the Graphic Designer must follow meticulously.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This role is foundational for supporting critical business development functions, requiring both creative skill and operational discipline. It sits at a level where independent execution and project management are expected.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing or Communications Manager, potentially within the Government Services division. This structure allows for guidance on broader marketing strategies while focusing on tactical design execution.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the firm's ability to win new business by creating persuasive proposals and presentations. High-quality design can enhance client perception, improve comprehension of complex offerings, and contribute directly to revenue generation through successful bid outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director: Progression to leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, and taking on more strategic creative responsibilities.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like proposal design, presentation strategy, or digital asset creation for government clients.

• Team Leadership: Opportunities to supervise support staff or lead design initiatives within specific projects or focus areas.

• Skill Expansion: Developing proficiency in emerging design technologies, advanced video production, or user experience (UX) design principles relevant to client platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role would likely involve taking on more complex and high-stakes projects, potentially managing design aspects of larger proposal efforts, and demonstrating leadership capabilities. The ability to work effectively under pressure and deliver consistent quality will be key differentiators for career advancement within HORNE.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role within a professional office setting, supporting the Government Services team. This implies a structured, corporate environment.

Office Location(s): San Juan, Puerto Rico. This location suggests a vibrant local market with potential for regional government contract work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely facilitate close collaboration with the Government Services team, business development staff, and other creative professionals. Expect regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), presentation tools, and potentially video editing suites. Reliable hardware and network infrastructure are expected.

• Professional Atmosphere: The environment will likely be professional and deadline-oriented, requiring focus and efficiency. However, the creative nature of the role may also foster an environment that values innovation and visual thinking.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is the baseline.

• Operational Flexibility: The role requires a willingness to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by proposal deadlines and client needs. This is a common requirement in business development support roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for candidates. It emphasizes the need for direct collaboration, on-demand support for proposal teams, and integration into the daily operations of the Government Services division. The flexible hours indicate a demanding yet potentially rewarding environment for those who thrive under pressure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely review applications and resumes for basic qualifications and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Assessment: A key stage will involve a detailed review of your submitted portfolio. Expect to discuss specific projects, your design process, and how you approach client briefs. This may involve a design exercise or a case study presentation.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the hiring manager and potentially members of the Government Services team or design colleagues. This will assess your technical skills, collaboration style, understanding of proposal/presentation design, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to handle complex information, adhere to brand guidelines, and achieve specific client objectives (especially in proposal or presentation contexts).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the client's challenge, your role, your design process (including tools used), and the outcome or impact of your work. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved presentation clarity," "contributed to proposal win").

• Highlight Process: Be prepared to discuss your workflow, how you manage feedback, and your approach to quality control. This shows you are an organized and reliable operations professional.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital design, and ideally, demonstrate proficiency with InDesign and any video editing software.

• Tailor to HORNE: If possible, research HORNE's existing collateral and tailor your presentation to show how your skills align with their established style and needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a timed design challenge. This could involve creating a concept for a presentation slide, designing an infographic from provided data, or refining an existing layout to improve clarity and impact.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or challenging client requests. Focus on your consultative communication and problem-solving approach.

• Process Articulation: Practice explaining your design process clearly and concisely, as if you were briefing a new team member or client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates must demonstrate not only creative talent but also a structured, client-focused approach to design that aligns with operational efficiency and business objectives. Being able to articulate your process and demonstrate how you solve design problems will be as important as the visual output itself.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Required):

  • Adobe InDesign: Highly proficient, essential for proposal and document layout.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Highly proficient, for image manipulation and graphic creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Highly proficient, for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.

• Video Editing Software (Preferred):

  • Adobe Premiere Pro / Final Cut Pro / Similar: Proficiency in video editing for creating dynamic client assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but understanding how design assets are integrated into marketing or sales processes could be advantageous. The emphasis is on the creation and delivery of visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe InDesign is highlighted as a key requirement, underscoring the importance of creating complex, multi-page documents like proposals. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience and comfort level with these specific tools, potentially even demonstrating skills during an interview or design exercise.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Dedicated to understanding and meeting client needs with high-quality, impactful design solutions.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering polished, accurate, and error-free work that reflects positively on the firm.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing to shared project success.

• Efficiency & Responsiveness: Ability to manage time effectively, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing project requirements.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high degree of professionalism in all interactions and deliverables, adhering to brand standards and ethical practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with business development, technical SMEs, and management to gather requirements, solicit feedback, and align design with strategic goals.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: Open to constructive criticism and skilled at incorporating feedback to refine designs and achieve optimal outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed of progress, potential risks, and timelines to ensure transparency and manage expectations effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values likely emphasize a blend of creative innovation and rigorous operational discipline. Success in this role hinges on being a strong team player who can navigate professional environments, deliver high-quality creative output, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: The need to produce innovative designs while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and client-specific requirements can be challenging.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders & Feedback: Juggling input from various teams and individuals, each with potentially different priorities or visions.

• Fast-Paced, Deadline-Driven Environment: Consistently meeting demanding deadlines for proposals and presentations, often with short turnaround times.

• Translating Complex Information: The challenge of making technical or strategic government-focused content easily understandable and visually appealing to diverse audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design tools and technologies.

• Proposal Design Workshops: Specific training focused on best practices in proposal layout, visual strategy, and persuasive design for government contracts.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a better understanding of business development processes, government contracting, and technical subject matter through collaboration.

• Potential for Leadership: Developing skills in project management and team coordination, paving the way for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a great opportunity to hone skills in a demanding yet structured environment. The challenges are inherent to supporting business development in a professional services context, and overcoming them leads to significant professional growth and increased value to the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex proposal or presentation brief from initial concept to final delivery." (Focus on workflow, tools, feedback integration, quality control).

• "How do you ensure visual consistency across multiple deliverables for a single client or proposal effort?" (Highlight brand adherence, template usage, asset management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HORNE and our Government Services division?" (Research the company website, recent news, and their focus areas).

• "How do you approach working within established brand guidelines while still being creative?" (Align with HORNE's values of professionalism and client focus).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Have a clear, logical flow for presenting your portfolio. Start with your strongest, most relevant pieces.

• Contextualize Each Project: For each piece, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or qualitative descriptions to demonstrate the effectiveness of your design.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your workflow, how you handle revisions, and your quality assurance steps. This is crucial for an operations-focused role.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Treat it as a conversation. Ask clarifying questions about the role and team to show your engagement and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical design skill, a structured and efficient operational approach, strong communication abilities, and a client-centric mindset. Your ability to articulate your process and demonstrate how you deliver results consistently under pressure will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in proposal development, presentation design, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "client-centric," "brand standards," "quality control," "deadline-driven").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant work samples that demonstrate your ability to handle complex projects, adhere to brand guidelines, and deliver polished client-ready assets. Prepare a clear narrative for each project.

• Prepare for a Design Exercise: Be ready to complete a timed design task or present a case study during the interview process. Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving approach.

• Research HORNE: Understand the company's services, particularly their Government Services division, and their brand identity to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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