Senior Graphic Designer

AECOM
Full-time$75k-100k/year (USD)Tampa, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: AECOM

Location: Tampa, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: March 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is crucial for supporting the East Region's business development and operations teams by creating high-impact visual assets for client pursuits and marketing collateral.

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

  • A key focus will be on designing advanced graphics and multimedia content that directly contributes to winning large, complex, and strategic client solicitations (RFQs, RFPs).

  • This position requires a strong understanding of graphic design principles and their application within a professional services environment, particularly the A/E industry, ensuring brand consistency and effective communication of AECOM's value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description strongly indicate a role within the Marketing Operations or Creative Services function, directly supporting Sales and Business Development efforts. The emphasis on proposals, RFPs, and client-facing materials places this role firmly within a Go-To-Market (GTM) support structure, requiring strong collaboration with operations and sales teams. The hybrid work model and specific location options suggest a focus on regional support within AECOM's East Design Studio.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

  • Collaborate closely with proposal managers, capture managers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to understand project requirements, themes, and discriminators for must-win pursuits and regional initiatives.

  • Lead storyboarding sessions and content planning for proposals, client presentations, and interview teams, translating strategic objectives into visual concepts.

  • Develop and produce branded and custom graphics, illustrations, and templates that support key messaging, themes, and AECOM's corporate identity.

  • Create custom illustrations for technical information, including processes, diagrams, charts, and photorealistic graphics, working directly with authors and SMEs.

  • Ensure all graphic design work adheres to AECOM's brand guidelines, quality assurance standards, and client-specific requirements, maintaining a high level of consistency and attention to detail.

  • Support the production of documents for print and digital formats, managing file preparation for final output, packaging, and shipping.

  • Assist in the adoption and implementation of new design tools, technologies, and workflows to enhance efficiency, creativity, and team collaboration.

  • Participate actively in marketing best practices and graphics roundtables, providing and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement.

  • Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and manage challenging situations diplomatically with peers and internal clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic role beyond basic graphic design, emphasizing contribution to proposal win rates and client engagement. The focus on "must-win pursuits" and "alternative delivery projects" suggests a need for proactive engagement and strategic visual storytelling within the business development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • Minimum of 4 years of relevant graphic design experience, with a preference for 6+ years.

  • Proven experience supporting projects or teams, demonstrating a strong understanding of graphic design/marketing best practices and procedures.

Required Skills:

  • High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for high-impact layouts and graphic creation.

  • Skilled in creating interactive PDFs using Adobe Acrobat and developing compelling presentations using PowerPoint or similar tools.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for document integration and collaboration.

  • Strong understanding of visual communication principles to effectively convey messages, themes, and discriminators in proposals and presentations.

  • Working knowledge of collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for project management and team communication.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with video editing software or multimedia production tools.

  • Knowledge of 3D rendering software or visualization tools.

  • Familiarity with project management software and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience, or equivalent, positions this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on the Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint is standard, but the specific mention of interactive PDFs and visual communication for proposals points to a specialized application of these tools within a sales enablement context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A robust portfolio link or PDF showcasing a diverse range of work, with a strong emphasis on layout design, graphic creation, and presentation development for professional services or similar industries.

  • Demonstrate experience in creating visual assets for proposals, RFPs, SOQs, or similar client solicitation documents, clearly articulating your role and impact.

  • Include examples of custom illustrations, diagrams, or infographics used to explain complex technical concepts or processes effectively.

Process Documentation:

  • Provide examples or descriptions of your process for collaborating with subject matter experts and proposal teams to gather input and develop visual content.

  • Illustrate your workflow for managing design projects from concept to final delivery, including iterative feedback and revision cycles.

  • Highlight your approach to ensuring quality assurance and quality control for graphic design deliverables, particularly under tight deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on client pursuits and proposals, a portfolio demonstrating direct experience in this area is critical. The ability to illustrate technical information visually is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for process-oriented case studies within the portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits

  • Disability benefits

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Leaves of Absence

  • Voluntary benefits and Perks

  • Flexible work options

  • Well-being resources and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Business travel insurance

  • Service recognition awards

Working Hours:

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $75,000 - $100,000 USD annually for a Senior Graphic Designer in Tampa, FL, positions this role as competitive within the market for experienced professionals. This range is typical for a senior-level creative role with significant proposal and business development support responsibilities in a major metropolitan area. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for a large, established firm like AECOM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (Architecture, Engineering, Construction - A/E)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally).

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1910, indicating a long-standing history and deep expertise in the industry.

Team Structure:

  • The role is part of the "East Design Studio Team," suggesting a regional focus within a larger creative services department.

  • The Senior Graphic Designer will collaborate extensively with East Region business development and operations teams, indicating a matrixed reporting influence or strong cross-functional partnership.

Methodology:

  • AECOM emphasizes a "better world" through infrastructure, suggesting a mission-driven and impact-oriented culture.

  • The company values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to client success, particularly in solving complex infrastructure challenges.

  • Operations within AECOM likely involve rigorous project management, quality control, and adherence to industry standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's status as a global infrastructure leader and Fortune 500 company implies a structured, professional environment with established processes. The company's mission to "deliver a better world" suggests a culture that values purpose-driven work and impactful projects. The size of the company means opportunities for diverse projects and cross-functional learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond a junior or mid-level designer. It suggests a key contributor expected to handle complex assignments independently and mentor others. In a GTM context, this role is critical for bid success.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the East Design Studio Team, likely under a Creative Director or Marketing Manager. However, it will be heavily influenced by project needs and will collaborate directly with Business Development and Operations leadership on specific pursuits.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts AECOM's ability to win new business. High-quality, compelling visual materials are essential for differentiating AECOM in competitive bids (RFQs/RFPs) and influencing client decisions during interviews. Effective visual communication can translate directly into revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Advance expertise in specific areas like proposal design, data visualization, or multimedia production within the A/E industry.

  • Leadership: Progress to a Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director role, managing larger projects, teams, or specific creative initiatives.

  • Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design software, visualization techniques, and potentially project management skills related to proposal development. AECOM's "award-winning training and development programs" are highlighted.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of business development, operations, and project lifecycles within the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of responsibility and the potential to influence strategy through visual design. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating impact on win rates and expanding creative capabilities beyond standard design tasks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. AECOM also has physical office locations.

Office Location(s): Potential bases include Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; Orlando, FL; Arlington, VA; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; Raleigh, NC; Boston, MA. The primary listed location is Tampa, FL.

Workspace Context:

  • The hybrid model suggests an environment that supports both independent work and collaborative team sessions, whether in person or virtually.

  • Access to AECOM's technology infrastructure, design software, and digital libraries is expected.

  • Opportunities for collaboration with a diverse team of professionals across different disciplines within AECOM.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with potential for extended hours during critical proposal deadlines. The hybrid nature offers some flexibility in managing work location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role reflects modern work trends, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, especially for critical bid activities like storyboarding and reviews.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative capabilities.

  • Technical Interview: Discussion of design process, software proficiency, and experience with proposal/marketing collateral. This may include a portfolio walkthrough.

  • Case Study/Design Challenge: Candidates might be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating problem-solving and design thinking relevant to AECOM's needs.

  • Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural alignment with AECOM's values and the East Design Studio team.

  • Final Interview: Meeting with hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss role expectations and confirm fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best align with the job description, focusing on proposal graphics, presentations, and technical illustrations.

  • Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the tools used, and the outcome/impact (e.g., how your design contributed to clarity or persuasion).

  • Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly showcases proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and PowerPoint, particularly in creating cohesive and impactful presentations.

  • Quantify Impact: If possible, provide metrics or qualitative feedback on how your design work contributed to proposal success or client engagement.

  • Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether online or as a PDF.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing graphics for a complex infrastructure project proposal.

  • Practice articulating your design decisions and how they support strategic objectives and client evaluation criteria.

  • Understand AECOM's business and industry to better tailor your approach and responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio is critical. Candidates should prepare to walk through projects, explaining their design rationale and how they translated complex information into accessible visuals, especially for proposal contexts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite:

    • InDesign: For layout design, document creation, and high-volume proposal production.
    • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
    • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and complex graphic compositing.
  • Adobe Acrobat: For creating interactive PDFs, form creation, and document review/commenting.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint: For developing client-facing presentations, interview decks, and storyboarding.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Collaboration & Project Management:

  • Microsoft Teams: For team communication, virtual meetings, and collaboration.

  • SharePoint: For document management, file sharing, and project collaboration.

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel for general document creation and data handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The ability to create visually compelling presentations and graphically represent technical data is paramount. Familiarity with collaborative platforms is essential for a hybrid team environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Collaboration: AECOM emphasizes a global team approach, requiring strong collaboration across departments, regions, and disciplines.

  • Impact & Purpose: A strong drive to "deliver a better world" through meaningful infrastructure projects.

  • Innovation: Encouragement of "bold ideas and big dreams" and embracing new technologies.

  • Integrity & Respect: A commitment to ethical practices and fostering a respectful workplace.

  • Client Focus: Dedication to solving client challenges and building lasting relationships.

Collaboration Style:

  • The role requires a highly collaborative approach, working closely with business development, operations, and technical teams.

  • Expect regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops to ensure alignment and high-quality output.

  • A constructive approach to giving and receiving feedback is essential for continuous improvement, particularly within the graphics and marketing best practices groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at AECOM values teamwork and a shared commitment to impactful projects. For a graphic designer, this means being an active participant in project teams, contributing creative solutions, and effectively communicating design rationale.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Standards: Ensuring designs are innovative and engaging while strictly adhering to AECOM's corporate branding guidelines.

  • Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing intricate technical information, engineering processes, and complex data for non-technical or semi-technical audiences.

  • Tight Deadlines: Managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, especially during critical proposal submission periods, requiring excellent time management and prioritization skills.

  • Cross-functional Communication: Effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders (e.g., engineers, project managers, sales teams) who may have different communication styles and priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the infrastructure sector, major projects, and client needs within the A/E industry.

  • Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in proposal design, data visualization, and multimedia production, potentially exploring new software or tools.

  • Professional Development: Access to AECOM's award-winning training programs for technical and leadership skill enhancement.

  • Career Advancement: Potential to move into lead design roles, art direction, or specialized areas within marketing and business development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles supporting Go-To-Market functions – balancing creative demands with business objectives and tight client deadlines. Growth is tied to mastering these challenges and expanding strategic design contributions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical concept into a clear and compelling visual graphic for a proposal. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials and proposals, especially when working with different teams or on high-pressure projects?" (Focus on process, detail orientation, and collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "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 new business?" (Demonstrate research and understanding of the company's mission and role).

  • "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as engineers or proposal managers, to gather input and ensure your designs meet their needs?" (Focus on communication, diplomacy, and teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the execution, and the result.

  • Highlight Process: Clearly articulate the steps you took, including collaboration, research, and iteration.

  • Emphasize Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "contributed to a successful RFP response," "improved clarity of technical diagrams"). If not quantifiable, provide strong qualitative feedback.

  • Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to handle different types of projects and adapt to various styles and requirements.

  • Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with specific software and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating how your graphic design skills directly support business development and proposal win rates within the infrastructure consulting context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features examples of proposal graphics, presentation design, and technical illustrations relevant to the infrastructure or professional services industry. Tailor your selection to highlight skills mentioned in the job description.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize experience in proposal development, client solicitations (RFQs, RFPs), and collaboration with business development/operations teams. Use keywords from the job description such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "presentation development," "visual communication," and "business development support."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, how you translate complex information visually, and your experience working in deadline-driven, collaborative environments. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on their impact.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects, its mission, and its values. Understand its role as a global infrastructure leader to better align your responses with the company's strategic goals.

⚠️ 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

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of relevant graphic design experience, or equivalent experience, with high proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and experience with presentation tools like PowerPoint. Candidates must demonstrate strong knowledge of graphic design best practices and the ability to visually convey complex messages effectively in proposals and presentations.