Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: AECOM

Location: Tampa, Florida, United States (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-03-03T23:21:03.006

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for supporting AECOM's business development and operations teams by creating high-impact visual assets for client pursuits and strategic marketing initiatives.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating complex technical information and strategic messaging into compelling visual narratives for proposals, presentations, and interviews.

• Collaboration is key, requiring close partnership with proposal managers, capture managers, and subject matter experts across various teams to ensure cohesive and persuasive client-facing materials.

• The position demands a strong command of design software and a strategic understanding of how to visually communicate themes, differentiators, and client-specific requirements within the A/E industry context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into a specialized area of marketing operations, specifically supporting the proposal and business development lifecycle within a large infrastructure consulting firm. This requires not just design skill but also an understanding of client pursuits and the A/E industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design advanced graphics, layouts, and multimedia content for large, complex, and high-stakes proposals, Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), and other client solicitations.

• Partner closely with business development, proposal managers, and capture managers on critical "must-win" pursuits, regional priorities, and alternative delivery projects, actively participating in meetings and calls to gather input and ensure alignment.

• Lead creative concept development, storyboarding, and content planning for proposals, client presentations, and interview materials to effectively communicate AECOM's value proposition.

• Produce professional, branded, and custom graphics, templates, and illustrations that support key messaging and themes, leveraging digital libraries for appropriate imagery.

• Collaborate with authors and subject matter experts to create custom illustrations for technical information, including diagrams, charts, processes, and tables, ensuring visual clarity and accuracy.

• Actively participate as a core member of pursuit teams during planning sessions, storyboarding, and critical review meetings (e.g., Pink and Red reviews).

• Ensure strict adherence to Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) standards for all marketing and proposal materials, maintaining consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail.

• Provide technical and logistical support for presentations, video conferences, storyboarding sessions, and final document reviews, ensuring smooth execution.

• Manage and process comments and edits on graphic elements, working collaboratively with subject matter experts and authors to finalize content before reviews and submittals.

• Contribute to the marketing organization by providing input on graphic design best practices and template development, and assist in the adoption of new tools and technologies to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• Participate regularly in focused teams such as marketing best practices and graphics roundtables, providing and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.

• Oversee and support the finalization of documents for production, including packaging and shipping coordination.

• Handle challenging situations diplomatically with peers and internal clients, exercising discretion with confidential or sensitive information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, collaborative, and strategic role within the business development lifecycle, going beyond standard graphic design tasks. The focus on "must-win" pursuits, SOQs, and client solicitations highlights the critical nature of this role in revenue generation and client acquisition.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

• High Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expertise in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is essential for creating high-impact layouts and graphics.

• Presentation Software Mastery: Skilled in developing compelling presentations using PowerPoint; working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is also required.

• Adobe Acrobat Proficiency: Experienced in creating and managing interactive PDFs.

• Visual Communication Strategy: Strong understanding of graphic design and marketing best practices, with the ability to visually convey messages, themes, discriminators, and client evaluation criteria clearly and effectively.

• Collaboration Tools: Knowledge and practical use of collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for efficient team communication and document sharing.

• Workflow Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced proposal environment.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.

Preferred Skills:

• A/E Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the Architecture/Engineering industry, AECOM's business lines, clients, projects, and competitors.

• Multimedia Design: Experience with multimedia design principles and tools for digital assets.

• Illustration & Infographics: Advanced skills in creating custom illustrations, infographics, and diagrams for technical content.

• Project Management Basics: Understanding of project management principles as they apply to proposal development timelines and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and PowerPoint, along with collaborative tools, clearly defines the technical foundation required. The preferred A/E industry knowledge is a significant differentiator, indicating that candidates with this background will have a distinct advantage due to the specialized nature of AECOM's client base and proposal requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Proposal Design Expertise: Showcase examples of designed proposals, SOQs, and client presentations that highlight layout, graphics, and overall narrative impact.

• Visual Problem-Solving: Include case studies or examples that illustrate how you translated complex technical information or strategic themes into clear, compelling visual communications.

• Brand Consistency & Template Application: Provide examples demonstrating adherence to brand guidelines while also showcasing the ability to create custom, impactful designs within or outside established templates.

• Demonstration of Technical Illustration: Include samples of custom diagrams, charts, or illustrations created to explain technical processes or data.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your process for managing design requests, prioritizing tasks, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design assets within proposal timelines.

• System Implementation & Collaboration: Describe your experience using collaborative platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Teams) for document sharing, version control, and team communication during design projects.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: While not explicitly stated for design, be ready to discuss how you ensure the effectiveness of your designs in achieving proposal goals or how you use feedback to improve future designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is explicitly stated in the job description, emphasizing its importance. The enhancement focuses on what types of projects and skills should be highlighted to best align with the role's responsibilities, particularly concerning proposal development and technical communication.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life and Disability: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability benefits.

• Time Off & Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absence.

• Additional Perks: Voluntary benefits, general perks, and employee well-being resources.

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Travel Support: Business Travel Insurance.

• Recognition & Retirement: Service Recognition Awards and a Retirement Savings Plan.

• Ownership & Investment: Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Flexible Work: Flexible work options and hybrid work model.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid work model.

• Note: Occasional overtime may be required during critical proposal deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. The benefits listed are extensive and typical for a large, established corporation like AECOM, covering health, financial security, work-life balance, and professional development. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a degree of flexibility in scheduling.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Architecture, Engineering, Construction - AEC). AECOM operates globally, impacting diverse sectors like transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings.

Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and matrixed organizational structure.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its roots tracing back to 1910, evolving into a global leader in infrastructure consulting. This longevity suggests a culture grounded in expertise, client relationships, and a commitment to long-term impact.

Team Structure:

• Design Studio Team: The role sits within the "East Design Studio Team," suggesting a specialized group focused on delivering design and creative services.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Senior Graphic Designer will work extensively with "business development and operations teams," "proposal managers," "capture managers," and "subject matter experts." This indicates a highly collaborative environment where design is integrated into the broader sales and project delivery process.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, this Senior role likely reports to a Design Lead, Marketing Manager, or Operations Director within the East Region.

Methodology:

• Pursuit-Driven Design: A core methodology involves supporting client "pursuits" (RFQs, RFPs) with compelling visual materials, emphasizing win themes and differentiators.

• Collaborative Storyboarding: Creative development is heavily reliant on team collaboration and storyboarding sessions to align on messaging and visual strategy.

• Brand & Quality Focus: A strong emphasis is placed on adhering to AECOM's brand guidelines and maintaining high standards of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) in all deliverables.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's industry and size imply a professional, structured, and results-oriented culture. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" and "solving complex challenges" suggests a mission-driven organization. The specific mention of "East Design Studio Team" and collaboration with "business development and operations" highlights the strategic importance of this creative role within the company's growth efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" level position, indicating a need for significant experience, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to mentor or guide others. In a marketing operations or creative services context, this means expertise in design principles, software, and the ability to strategically apply them to business objectives like winning proposals.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a manager or director overseeing marketing, business development support, or design services within the East Region. Collaboration will be extensive with proposal managers, capture managers, and technical subject matter experts, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate these relationships effectively.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer plays a direct role in AECOM's revenue generation by creating visually persuasive materials that help win new business. Strong proposals and presentations can be significant differentiators in competitive client solicitations, directly impacting the company's project pipeline and financial performance. The role's output is crucial for shaping client perception and securing lucrative contracts within the infrastructure sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in proposal design, presentation strategy, or specific types of technical illustration within the A/E industry.

• Leadership: Potential to lead design efforts on major pursuits, mentor junior designers, or contribute to the development of design best practices and standards across the region.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Gain deeper understanding of business development, operations, and project management, potentially leading to roles with broader strategic marketing or operational responsibilities.

• Industry Engagement: Develop a strong understanding of the infrastructure sector, which can open doors to specialized design roles within AECOM or the broader AEC industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of responsibility beyond execution, requiring strategic thinking and contribution to process improvement. The impact on revenue generation is significant, as winning proposals directly translates to new business for AECOM. Growth opportunities are tied to specialization, leadership within creative teams, and a deeper understanding of the firm's core business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," meaning it will involve a combination of remote work and in-office presence. This offers flexibility while still requiring face-to-face collaboration.

Office Location(s): Potential base locations include Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; Orlando, FL; Arlington, VA; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; Raleigh, NC; Boston, MA. This broad range suggests AECOM has significant operations across the Eastern US.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: In-office days are likely to be focused on team meetings, storyboarding sessions, client interviews, and collaborative design work where in-person interaction is beneficial.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint) and collaborative platforms (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint) will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the East Design Studio Team, as well as cross-functional collaboration with business development, operations, and subject matter experts. The role is also expected to participate in marketing best practices and graphics roundtables.

Work Schedule: While the standard is likely 40 hours per week, the hybrid nature provides some flexibility. However, the demands of proposal deadlines mean that periods of intense work and potentially extended hours are to be expected, especially leading up to submission dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect, offering a blend of autonomy and collaboration. The wide range of potential office locations indicates flexibility for candidates within the East Region. The workspace context emphasizes the need for both independent creative work and active team participation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, discussing your process, and walking through selected projects. Be prepared to explain your design choices, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a practical design exercise or questions testing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your ability to collaborate, manage deadlines, handle feedback, and work within a team environment, particularly in high-pressure proposal situations.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Discussions will focus on your experience, fit with the team culture, and understanding of the A/E industry or proposal support.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that directly demonstrate your skills in proposal design, SOQs, client presentations, technical illustration, and branding for professional services firms.

• Showcase Process: For 1-2 key projects, walk through your thought process: understanding the brief, storyboarding, design challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify success where possible (e.g., "This presentation was credited with helping secure the X contract"). If not quantifiable, articulate the strategic contribution of your design.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to speak to your toolset and how you leverage them for efficiency and impactful results.

• Address A/E Industry: If you have A/E industry experience, clearly highlight it and explain your understanding of its unique design needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the prompt, prioritizing key messages, adhering to any brand guidelines provided, and delivering a polished output within the given timeframe.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely. Be prepared to defend your choices and respond to questions about strategy and execution.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or working with difficult stakeholders, drawing on your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to showcase their work strategically, focusing on relevance to proposal development and the A/E industry. Interview preparation should include practicing articulation of design strategy and problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout, typography, and creating multi-page documents like proposals and SOQs. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency in master pages, styles, preflighting, and interactive PDF creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector graphics, icons, logos, and complex illustrations. Proficiency in path manipulation, effects, and color management is key.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, creating digital assets, and preparing graphics for various formats. Understanding of layer management and optimization for web/print is important.

• Presentation Software:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint: The primary tool for creating client presentations and interview materials. Expect to demonstrate advanced skills in template creation, slide master usage, animation, and integrating graphics effectively.

• Document Management & Collaboration:

  • Microsoft Office Suite: General proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook is assumed.
  • Microsoft Teams: For team communication, video conferencing, and collaborative discussions.
  • SharePoint: For document storage, version control, and team collaboration on proposal materials.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing PDF files, including interactive elements and commenting features.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how designs contribute to proposal success metrics (e.g., win rates, client feedback) may be discussed.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the Senior Graphic Designer's core role, but an awareness of how marketing materials fit into the broader CRM and sales automation workflows could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required toolset is very specific and includes the core components of a professional graphic designer's toolkit, with a strong emphasis on print/layout (InDesign) and presentation (PowerPoint) for business development purposes. The inclusion of collaborative tools highlights the integrated nature of this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: AECOM emphasizes a "one global team" approach. Expect a culture that values teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional support to achieve common goals.

• Client Focus: The company's mission to "deliver a better world" and "solve complex challenges" highlights a deep commitment to client success and impactful project delivery.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The mention of "digital innovators" and "adopting new tools or technologies" suggests a forward-thinking culture that embraces new methods to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• Integrity & Professionalism: As a Fortune 500 company, AECOM likely upholds high standards of ethical conduct, quality, and professional responsibility.

• Efficiency & Excellence: The focus on "must-win" pursuits and high-quality deliverables implies a drive for excellence and efficient execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with business development, operations, and technical teams, acting as a partner rather than just a service provider.

• Feedback-Driven: Regular participation in graphics roundtables and constructive feedback exchange indicates a culture that values continuous learning and improvement.

• Proactive Communication: Given the fast-paced proposal environment, active and clear communication is essential for managing expectations and ensuring alignment.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is not siloed; it's integral to the pursuit process, requiring designers to understand business objectives and technical content.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values and the nature of the role suggest a culture that is professional, collaborative, and mission-oriented, with a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality results for clients. The role requires not just artistic talent but also the ability to integrate into diverse project teams and contribute strategically.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Pressure Environment: Working on "must-win" pursuits and tight proposal deadlines can be demanding and requires excellent stress management and prioritization skills.

• Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing highly technical or complex engineering concepts for a non-technical or mixed audience requires strong conceptualization and design thinking.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Impact: Adhering to AECOM's brand guidelines while also creating unique, compelling, and differentiating visuals for each proposal.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with various personalities and departments (e.g., technical experts, sales teams) who may have different expectations and communication styles.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends & Technology: Continuously learning new software features, design techniques, and collaborative tools to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Specialization: Deepen knowledge of the A/E industry, infrastructure projects, and client-specific requirements to enhance design relevance and impact.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Explore new visualization methods, motion graphics, or interactive design principles for proposals and presentations.

• Project Management & Proposal Strategy: Gain a better understanding of the end-to-end proposal lifecycle and business development strategies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers or be mentored by senior leaders in design or marketing.

• Professional Development: Participate in industry conferences, workshops, or online courses focused on graphic design, marketing, or AEC industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior role in a high-stakes, deadline-driven environment. The growth opportunities focus on deepening expertise, expanding strategic understanding, and developing leadership potential within AECOM's specialized industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy for Proposals: "How would you approach designing a proposal for a complex transportation infrastructure project, focusing on showcasing AECOM's unique differentiators?" (Prepare to discuss theme development, visual hierarchy, and storytelling).

• Collaboration & Feedback: "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your ability to collaborate constructively and iterate).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you have conflicting visual ideas from two key stakeholders for a critical presentation slide. How would you resolve this to ensure a cohesive and effective final product?" (Highlight your conflict resolution and decision-making skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding AECOM's Business: "What do you know about AECOM's work in the infrastructure sector, and how do you see graphic design contributing to our success in winning projects?" (Research their recent projects and capabilities).

• Teamwork & Fit: "How do you typically collaborate with project managers or technical experts on proposal materials? What makes a successful working relationship for you?" (Emphasize your partnership approach).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work in a proposal context?" (Discuss win rates, client feedback, or how your visuals supported key messages).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your work demonstrates proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint, and your ability to convey complex information visually.

• Focus on Proposal Work: Prioritize examples that are most relevant to proposal design, SOQs, and client presentations.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your workflow, software shortcuts, and how you handle specific design challenges (e.g., creating complex diagrams, working with large datasets for infographics).

• Show Enthusiasm for the Industry: Express genuine interest in AECOM's mission and the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, collaborative ability, and an understanding of AECOM's business context. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to proposal design, client presentations, and technical illustration within a professional services or A/E industry context. Tailor your selection to highlight skills in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and PowerPoint.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize achievements related to supporting business development, winning proposals, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Use keywords from the job description such as "proposal preparation," "RFQs," "RFPs," "statement of qualifications," and specific software proficiencies.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss how your skills align with AECOM's mission and the demands of the infrastructure consulting industry. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects, business lines, and company culture. Understand their approach to infrastructure consulting and how your design contributions can support their objectives.

⚠️ 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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