Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Strategic Factory

Location: Owings Mills, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: April 02, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and creates graphics for commercial and promotional purposes, ensuring alignment with brand standards and client needs.

• Manages project details from conception to completion, overseeing the entire design lifecycle to guarantee high-quality deliverables.

• Collaborates closely with clients and internal production staff to address design requirements, solve problems, and answer questions.

• Develops innovative consumer experiences through versatile graphic design, encompassing graphics, photography, retail, and digital mediums.

• Contributes to the creation of internal marketing materials and supports external representation at company events and trade shows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job description is for a Graphic Designer, this enhancement will focus on framing it through a Revenue Operations/Sales Operations/GTM lens where applicable, emphasizing process, efficiency, and data-driven aspects within a creative context. This includes interpreting the role's impact on marketing collateral that supports sales and GTM initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute compelling visual designs for print and digital materials that support marketing and sales objectives, adhering to brand guidelines and strategic campaign goals.

• Manage design projects from initial brief to final delivery, ensuring timely completion, efficient resource allocation, and clear communication with stakeholders.

• Translate client needs and marketing objectives into impactful visual solutions, including logos, layouts, and sample designs, leveraging the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Collaborate with Creative Managers and cross-functional teams (including Sales and Marketing) to ensure designs are brand-relevant and contribute to elevated consumer experiences and GTM strategies.

• Prepare detailed design specifications and instructions for production teams, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the final output of print materials.

• Articulate design intent, rationale, and potential impact to internal teams and clients, demonstrating a strong understanding of visual communication principles.

• Conduct market research to build awareness of current innovation and technology trends, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance design approaches for consumer engagement and GTM effectiveness.

• Review and approve final designs, ensuring all assets meet established design standards and are optimized for consumer-facing applications and GTM initiatives.

• Proactively identify and propose new and innovative design solutions that enhance consumer experiences across various channels (graphics, photography, retail, digital).

• Provide essential design support to the broader team, contributing to a collaborative and efficient workflow that drives GTM success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities have been framed to highlight the connection between graphic design output and its contribution to sales enablement, marketing campaigns, and broader GTM strategies, emphasizing project management and cross-functional collaboration as key operational functions within a creative role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a design department, preferably within a commercial printing, direct mail, or agency environment, is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating and manipulating graphics, layouts, and print-ready files.

• Graphic Design Principles: Strong understanding of layout principles, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

• Brand Management: Ability to interpret and apply brand guidelines consistently across all design projects to maintain brand integrity.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts effectively to clients, internal teams, and stakeholders.

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and organize workflow efficiently.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying design challenges and developing creative, practical solutions.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment, collaborating with Creative Managers, production staff, and cross-functional departments.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for general office tasks, documentation, and presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• Commercial Printing & Direct Mail: Background and understanding of commercial printing processes and direct mail best practices to optimize designs for production.

• Digital Design: Experience designing for digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email campaigns.

• Market Research: Ability to conduct and interpret market research to inform design decisions and stay ahead of industry trends.

• Customer Service: Experience interacting with clients to gather design requirements and ensure client satisfaction.

• Social Media Platforms: Familiarity with various social media platforms and their design considerations.

• Constant Contact or Similar Email Platforms: Experience designing and executing email campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section emphasizes operational aspects like project management, communication for stakeholder alignment, and the practical application of design tools within a business context, aligning with the broader GTM and sales enablement functions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of high-quality design projects showcasing versatility across different mediums (print, digital, branding).

• Demonstrations of logo design, marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, ads), and conceptual design work.

• Examples of designs that have successfully met specific commercial or promotional needs, ideally with quantifiable results if available.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you managed design details to ensure the success of the final product, illustrating your project management process.

• Include examples where you gathered information from clients or internal teams to inform design decisions, demonstrating your intake and briefing process.

• Present case studies that highlight your ability to create designs based on market research or an understanding of consumer needs and trends.

• Demonstrate how you prepared notes and instructions for production staff, illustrating your handover and collaboration process with operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are framed to assess not just creative output but also the candidate's process, project management capabilities, and understanding of operational workflows, crucial for any role contributing to GTM strategies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,000 - $60,000 per year

Benefits:

• Financial Stability: Competitive base salary with opportunities for promotion based on performance and measurable results.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

• Dental Insurance: Dental coverage to support oral health.

• Vision Insurance: Vision care benefits.

• 401k with Matching: Retirement savings plan with a generous employer match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid leave for rest and personal needs.

• Paid Holidays: Designated paid holidays throughout the year.

• Unique Benefit Options: Access to additional, distinctive benefit programs offered by the company.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional overtime depending on project demands and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits are detailed as provided. The working hours are interpreted as standard full-time, with an acknowledgment of potential overtime common in creative and operations-adjacent roles, especially during peak GTM campaign periods.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising Services / Commercial Printing. Strategic Factory operates at the intersection of creative design and production, providing integrated solutions for clients. This means the Graphic Designer plays a vital role in the execution of GTM strategies for their clientele.

Company Size: The provided information indicates a growing company, poised for significant expansion. This suggests a dynamic environment where processes may be evolving and there's ample opportunity for impact.

Founded: Strategic Factory has a history suggesting stability and established operations. (Note: Specific founding year not provided, but company description implies established operations).

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Creative department, reporting to a Creative Manager.

• This role requires significant collaboration with other designers, account managers, marketing specialists, and production staff.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, designs are expected to meet commercial or promotional needs, implying a data-informed approach to understanding target audiences and campaign objectives.

• Process Optimization: The emphasis on managing project details and preparing instructions for production highlights a focus on efficient workflow and process adherence.

• Client-Centric Approach: A core aspect involves understanding and fulfilling client needs, ensuring satisfaction and delivering high-quality, effective design solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the job description and general industry understanding of marketing agencies and print providers. The size and growth potential are inferred from the "poised to double in size" statement, suggesting opportunities for individuals who can adapt to and help shape evolving operational processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience. It involves executing design tasks, managing individual projects, and contributing to broader creative strategies. The emphasis on potential for growth suggests a path beyond execution into more strategic or leadership roles within the creative or GTM functions.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer typically reports to a Creative Manager or Director of Marketing. They will collaborate closely with account managers, sales teams, and production departments.

Operations Impact:

• Designs directly influence the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and sales enablement materials, impacting lead generation, brand perception, and conversion rates.

• Efficient design processes and high-quality collateral contribute to a stronger brand presence and more effective client communication, supporting overall GTM success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design software, explore new design trends (e.g., motion graphics, UI/UX), and gain experience in specialized areas like direct mail or digital marketing design.

• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and a proactive attitude, there's potential to move into Senior Graphic Designer roles, team lead positions, or even creative management roles, overseeing projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Involvement in client meetings and collaboration with sales and marketing teams can lead to a broader understanding of GTM strategies, potentially opening doors to roles in marketing coordination or campaign management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth analysis focuses on career progression within a creative context and its alignment with GTM functions, highlighting how a design role can contribute to broader business objectives and offer diverse career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company boasts a "state-of-the-art facility" and an "updated work environment," suggesting a modern, professional, and well-equipped office space.

Office Location(s): Owings Mills, Maryland. This location is specified, indicating an on-site work requirement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "Uber-talented team members" and "engaging company culture" implies a workplace that encourages interaction, idea-sharing, and teamwork.

• Tools and Technology: The role requires proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, indicating that these tools are readily available and supported. The "state-of-the-art facility" likely houses modern design hardware and software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work alongside designers, account managers, and production staff foster a dynamic and interactive work setting. The company also hosts team-building activities, promoting a cohesive team dynamic.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. The on-site nature of the role means a consistent presence in the Owings Mills office is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the provided text, emphasizing the collaborative and modern aspects that are appealing to creative professionals and how this environment supports operational efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or Creative Manager to discuss experience, design philosophy, and fit with the team. Expect questions about your portfolio and how you approach creative challenges.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise (e.g., create a sample layout, revise an existing design) to evaluate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and turnaround time. This is a key operational assessment of your design process.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or cross-functional team members (e.g., Sales, Marketing) to discuss your understanding of client needs, GTM impact, and cultural fit.

• Offer: Extension of a job offer based on overall assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role, focusing on commercial and promotional design.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your use of the Adobe Creative Suite and any collaboration involved.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, include any metrics or results demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign execution). This demonstrates an understanding of the business impact, crucial for GTM roles.

• Tailor to Strategic Factory: Research the company's clients and work. If possible, include a project that shows an understanding of their industry or a similar design challenge they might face.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand the requirements of any design challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across concept development, design execution, and refinement.

• Strategic Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices, linking them back to the brief's objectives and potential GTM impact.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your design adheres to any specified brand guidelines or creates a plausible new brand identity if required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is detailed with specific advice tailored for a design role, emphasizing the evaluation of process, strategic thinking, and GTM impact, which are critical operational considerations for creative functions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design work. This includes:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For raster image editing, photo manipulation, and digital painting.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, and scalable illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and desktop publishing, essential for print materials like brochures, flyers, and internal marketing collateral.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For creating instructional documents, correspondence, and internal reports.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations to clients, internal teams, and for showcasing design concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Constant Contact: Experience with email marketing platforms like Constant Contact is preferred for designing and executing email campaigns.

• Understanding of CRM systems (like Salesforce, though not explicitly mentioned) can be helpful for context on how marketing collateral integrates with sales processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly identified from the job description, with added context on their typical usage in a design and GTM environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Focus: A commitment to producing the "highest quality possible" designs and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Innovation & Curiosity: An "enthusiastic curiosity and self-starting attitude" to bring new ideas and explore innovative design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on being a "team player" and proactively working with all team members and cross-departmentally.

• Efficiency & Organization: Demonstrated "flexibility, organizational skills and the ability to multi-task" to manage projects effectively and meet deadlines.

• Proactiveness: Encouragement to "go beyond what is asked" and bring ideas to the table, driving continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designs are developed in collaboration with Creative Managers, production staff, and potentially sales and marketing teams, requiring seamless integration and communication.

• Feedback Exchange: The role involves working with customers and internal teams to address problems and answer questions, fostering an environment of open communication and feedback.

• Knowledge Sharing: The company culture encourages working alongside "Uber-talented team members," suggesting a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and learning from peers are valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are extracted directly from the provided text, highlighting aspects that align with operational excellence and a collaborative GTM environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Needs: Consistently delivering innovative designs that also meet specific client objectives and brand guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Effectively prioritizing and managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and integrating new design technologies and aesthetic trends into work to maintain relevance and innovation.

• Cross-Departmental Communication: Ensuring clear and effective communication with various teams (production, sales, account management) to translate design intent accurately.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Potential for advanced training in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications, motion graphics, UI/UX design, or other emerging design fields.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about different client industries and GTM strategies through project work and potential involvement in client meetings.

• Mentorship: Working alongside experienced Creative Managers and "Uber-talented team members" provides organic mentorship and learning opportunities.

• Career Advancement: The company's growth trajectory offers opportunities for promotion to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or related roles, with a clear path for career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to reflect the realities of a creative role within a business context, emphasizing skill development and career progression that aligns with operational and GTM objectives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex client brief into a visual design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your intake, design rationale, and results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with brand guidelines while still being innovative and engaging?" (Discuss your approach to balancing constraints and creativity.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What were the objectives, your role, and the impact of your design?" (Prepare to articulate your process, challenges, and quantifiable results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Strategic Factory and our services?" (Research the company's website, clients, and recent work.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members from different departments, such as production or sales?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously." (Emphasize your organizational and time management skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your narrative around the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. For GTM relevance, highlight how your designs supported campaign goals, user engagement, or sales enablement.

• Highlight Process: Briefly explain your design process, including client interaction, research, and collaboration with production. This shows your operational awareness.

• Be Concise: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a graphic designer role, with specific emphasis on demonstrating operational awareness, strategic thinking, and the ability to contribute to GTM objectives through design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Strategic Factory careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate commercial and promotional design expertise, versatility across print and digital, and strong branding capabilities. Focus on projects where you managed the full design lifecycle.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, and any experience in commercial printing or direct mail. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase problem-solving, client collaboration, and adherence to brand standards.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Strategic Factory's services, client base, and recent work. Understand their position in the market and how your design skills can contribute to their clients' GTM success.

⚠️ 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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