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: March 03, 2026

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 compelling visual assets for client pursuits, including RFPs, RFQs, and interview materials.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will leverage advanced design skills to translate complex technical information and strategic messaging into engaging graphics and presentations.

• A key aspect involves collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including proposal managers, capture managers, and subject matter experts, to ensure visual content aligns with project themes and client evaluation criteria.

• The position demands a strong command of design software and a deep understanding of design best practices within the A/E/C industry to produce high-impact, branded collateral for both print and digital formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the detailed responsibilities heavily emphasize proposal development, client communication materials, and collaboration with business development and operations teams. This suggests a strong overlap with Marketing Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) support functions, requiring an operations-minded approach to visual asset creation and campaign support. The hybrid nature of the role also indicates a need for strong self-management and remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design advanced graphics, layouts, and multimedia content for large-scale, complex, and high-stakes client proposals and statements of qualifications.

• Partner effectively with proposal managers and capture managers on key pursuits, regional priorities, and alternative delivery projects, ensuring clear communication and active participation in team meetings.

• Develop creative, custom presentations and lead storyboarding sessions and content planning for proposals, client presentations, and interview teams.

• Produce high-quality documents and presentations for both print and digital distribution, strictly adhering to AECOM's brand templates and guidelines.

• Create branded and custom graphics, templates, and illustrations to support core messaging and strategic themes, and source appropriate imagery from digital libraries.

• Actively participate as a member of the pursuit team during critical review phases, such as Pink and Red Team reviews, providing design insights and ensuring visual coherence.

• Collaborate with authors and subject matter experts to develop custom illustrations for technical information, including process flows, diagrams, charts, and photorealistic graphics.

• Provide technical and logistical support for presentations, video conferences, storyboarding sessions, key review meetings, and final document production.

• Meticulously process comments and edits on graphic elements, working with subject matter experts or authors to resolve issues prior to reviews and final submission.

• Uphold quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards for all proposal and marketing materials, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail in personal work and supporting colleagues.

• Contribute to the marketing organization by providing input and best practices for graphic design and template development.

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

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

• Oversee and support the finalization of documents for production, packaging, and shipping, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

• Manage challenging situations with diplomacy among peers and internal clients, exercising discretion with confidential or sensitive project information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for a strategic approach to visual storytelling, not just execution. The emphasis on "must-win pursuits," "alternative delivery projects," and "evaluation criteria" suggests the designer must understand the business objectives behind the collateral and tailor designs accordingly. This requires a proactive, consultative mindset, similar to roles within GTM operations or strategic marketing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Experience in supporting proposal development and business development efforts is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for high-impact layout design and asset creation.

• Presentation Software Expertise: Highly skilled in creating compelling presentations using PowerPoint; working knowledge of other presentation tools is beneficial.

• Document Design & Interactivity: Proficient in creating interactive PDFs using Adobe Acrobat.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Outlook for integrated workflows.

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

• Collaborative Tools Proficiency: Strong knowledge and practical use of collaborative platforms such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for remote and hybrid team interactions.

• Layout and Composition: Proven ability to create visually appealing and effective layouts for complex documents and presentations.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to QA/QC, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all design outputs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software or multimedia animation tools.

• Knowledge of web design principles or digital asset management systems.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

• Experience in illustration or 3D rendering software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office Suite, alongside collaborative tools like Teams and SharePoint, is standard for many creative roles. However, the emphasis on "high-impact layouts," "visual convey messages," and "storyboarding" points towards a need for strategic thinking beyond pure aesthetics. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their design choices support business objectives and persuasive communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Storytelling Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 projects that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information (e.g., technical processes, strategic initiatives) into clear, compelling visual narratives. Focus on the "before and after" of your design process, highlighting the problem, your approach, and the measurable impact.

• Proposal and Presentation Examples: Include samples of proposals, statements of qualifications (SOQs), or client presentations you have designed. Highlight your role in the process, from initial concept and storyboarding to final production.

• Branding and Template Adherence: Demonstrate your ability to work within established brand guidelines while also creating custom, effective collateral. Show examples of branded templates you've developed or adapted.

• Technical Illustration Samples: Provide examples of diagrams, charts, infographics, or illustrations that simplify technical concepts or data.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach a new design project, from understanding client needs and gathering requirements to planning the execution and managing feedback loops.

• Collaboration and Feedback Integration: Showcase examples of how you effectively collaborate with diverse teams (e.g., technical experts, business developers) and integrate feedback to refine designs.

• Quality Assurance and Production: Detail your process for ensuring design quality, accuracy, and final output readiness for print or digital distribution, including file preparation and proofing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is not just a gallery of work but a demonstration of process, problem-solving, and business acumen. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically highlight projects relevant to proposal development, client presentations, and technical illustration, demonstrating their understanding of the A/E/C industry and AECOM's business context.

💵 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: Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absences.

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

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Business Travel Insurance.

• Recognition & Savings: Service recognition awards, Retirement Savings Plan, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Flexibility: Flexible work options are available, supporting the hybrid work model.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a combination of remote and in-office work, offering some flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $75,000 - $100,000 USD for a Senior Graphic Designer with 4-6+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Tampa, FL, or Atlanta, GA, aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced creative professionals, especially those with specialized skills in proposal design within the consulting sector. The comprehensive benefits package offered by AECOM is competitive and reflects its status as a large, established corporation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting (A/E/C - Architecture, Engineering, and Construction). AECOM is a global leader in this sector, involved in major projects ranging from transportation and water systems to buildings and environmental solutions.

Company Size: Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and significant resources.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century, evolving into the global entity it is today. This history suggests stability and a deep understanding of the infrastructure market.

Team Structure:

• Design Studio Team: The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of the East Design Studio Team, indicating a centralized or regional hub for creative services.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with business development, operations teams, proposal managers, capture managers, and technical subject matter experts across various projects and pursuits.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Graphic Designer typically reports to a Creative Director, Marketing Manager, or a Lead Designer within the Design Studio or Marketing department.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While design is creative, the emphasis on proposal effectiveness, conveying strategic themes, and supporting client solicitations implies a data-informed approach where design choices are made to achieve specific business objectives and performance metrics.

• Process Optimization: The role involves working within established brand guidelines and participating in process improvement discussions, suggesting a focus on efficiency and best practices in design workflows.

• Collaboration and Feedback: AECOM emphasizes a collaborative environment, with regular team meetings, storyboarding sessions, and formal review processes (Pink/Red Team) to ensure alignment and quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's culture is likely characterized by professionalism, a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions, and a focus on large-scale, impactful projects. For a designer, this means working within a structured environment that values precision, adherence to brand standards, and the ability to support complex business development efforts. The "Work with Us. Change the World." slogan highlights a mission-driven culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise, autonomy, and the ability to mentor or guide junior designers. It requires not just execution but also strategic input and problem-solving within the context of business development and marketing operations.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a manager within the East Design Studio or the broader Marketing/Business Development function. They will collaborate extensively with proposal managers, capture managers, and technical experts across various project teams.

Operations Impact: The visual materials produced by this role directly impact the success of client pursuits, influencing bid competitiveness and client perception. High-quality, persuasive design is critical for winning large infrastructure projects, making this role integral to AECOM's revenue generation and market positioning efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Potential to lead design efforts on major proposals, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the evolution of AECOM's visual brand and marketing collateral standards.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like technical illustration, data visualization, or interactive presentation design within the infrastructure consulting domain.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the A/E/C industry and business development processes can open doors to roles in proposal management, marketing strategy, or broader GTM operations.

• Continuous Learning: AECOM's commitment to award-winning training and development programs offers paths to expand technical skills, leadership capabilities, and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, coupled with responsibilities in proposal development and collaboration with business development, suggests a clear path for growth within marketing operations or GTM strategy. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to not only hone design skills but also to develop a deeper understanding of the sales lifecycle and strategic communication within a large enterprise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM offers a hybrid work environment, combining remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern workplace that balances individual productivity with team synergy.

Office Location(s): The hybrid role can be based in various East Coast and Southeast locations, including Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; Orlando, FL; Arlington, VA; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; Raleigh, NC; and Boston, MA. Specific office details would depend on the candidate's chosen base location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model implies access to office spaces designed for collaboration, meetings, and focused work, facilitating interaction with colleagues and participation in storyboarding sessions.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Expect access to industry-standard design software and collaborative digital tools necessary for producing high-quality graphics and managing remote workflows.

• Team Interaction: While remote, opportunities for virtual team meetings, collaborative design sessions via screen sharing, and in-person interactions during designated office days will be available.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for a mix of remote and office-based work, which can accommodate focused design tasks and collaborative meetings effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively across both remote and in-office settings. The availability of multiple potential office locations offers geographic flexibility for candidates within the specified regions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step will involve a thorough review of your submitted portfolio. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, your design process, and how your work has contributed to achieving business objectives.

• Technical Interview: This may involve a discussion with the hiring manager or lead designer to assess your technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and other relevant tools. You might be asked to demonstrate specific skills or problem-solve a design challenge.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be given a design exercise or a case study related to proposal development or presentation design. This will test your ability to quickly understand requirements, apply design principles, and deliver a relevant output within a time constraint.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with potential team members or stakeholders (e.g., proposal managers) will assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and how well you align with AECOM's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select portfolio pieces that directly demonstrate your experience in proposal design, presentation development, technical illustration, and branding within a professional services context.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges you faced, your design process, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals to illustrate your thought process (e.g., sketches, wireframes, mood boards).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, highlight how your designs contributed to successful proposals, improved client engagement, or streamlined communication. Use metrics if available.

• Tailor to AECOM: Research AECOM's recent projects, client base, and brand guidelines. If possible, include a piece that shows how you would approach a design challenge relevant to their industry.

• High-Quality Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is professionally presented, easy to navigate, and free of errors. A link to an online portfolio (e.g., Behance, personal website) or a well-designed PDF is acceptable.

Challenge Preparation:

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

• Prioritize and Scope: Given time constraints, focus on the most critical elements of the challenge. It’s better to deliver a well-executed core concept than an incomplete comprehensive solution.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain the rationale behind your design decisions. How does your design effectively communicate the intended message or solve the problem?

• Mock-up and Present: Prepare a clear, concise presentation of your solution, highlighting key design elements and their strategic purpose.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential design challenges underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their creative talent but also their ability to translate business needs into effective visual communications within a structured corporate environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for this role.

  • Adobe InDesign: Primary tool for layout, document design, and proposal production. Expertise in creating complex, multi-page documents with master pages, styles, and interactive elements is crucial.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, custom illustrations, logos, icons, and charts.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, retouching, and creating raster-based graphics.

• Presentation Software:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Highly proficient use for creating dynamic, visually engaging client presentations. Experience with master slides, animations, and multimedia integration is expected.
  • Other presentation tools may be beneficial.

• Document & Productivity Software:

  • Adobe Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing interactive PDFs, including forms and security features.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Word (for text integration), Excel (for data visualization), Outlook (for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how marketing collateral is used within CRM or marketing automation platforms (e.g., lead generation, campaign materials) provides valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are industry standards for graphic design. The emphasis on InDesign and PowerPoint for proposal and presentation work is particularly important. Candidates should be ready to discuss their workflow and proficiency with these specific applications, especially in the context of producing high-volume, deadline-driven materials.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong commitment to supporting business development efforts and delivering high-quality materials that meet client needs and contribute to winning projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication, constructive feedback, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams across different disciplines and locations.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing polished, accurate, and impactful design work that upholds AECOM's brand reputation and standards.

• Innovation & Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new design techniques, tools, and workflows to enhance creativity, efficiency, and the overall impact of marketing materials.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards in communication, client interactions, and project execution, especially when dealing with confidential information.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with proposal managers, technical experts, and business development leads to understand project requirements and translate them into compelling visuals.

• Feedback-Driven Refinement: A culture that encourages regular feedback loops for design iterations, fostering continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in marketing best practices and graphics roundtables to share insights, learn from peers, and contribute to the collective expertise of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's values, as inferred from their company description and the role's responsibilities, point towards a professional, results-oriented, and collaborative environment. For a designer, this means being adaptable, communicative, and focused on how their creative output serves the larger business objectives of winning projects and strengthening client relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Volume, Deadline-Driven Environment: Managing multiple high-stakes proposals simultaneously with tight deadlines requires exceptional time management, prioritization, and stress resilience.

• Translating Technical Complexity: Effectively visualizing highly technical or complex information from the A/E/C industry into easily understandable and engaging graphics.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Customization: Adhering to strict brand guidelines while creating unique, compelling visuals for diverse client pursuits.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Ensuring seamless collaboration and clear communication with distributed teams in a hybrid work setting.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously adapting to new design tools, software features, and visual communication trends relevant to the industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Access to training for mastering new features in Adobe Creative Suite or exploring complementary design tools.

• Industry-Specific Design Knowledge: Deepening understanding of the A/E/C sector, common project types, and client expectations to inform design strategies.

• Proposal Development Best Practices: Learning about the intricacies of proposal management, win themes, and technical writing to better support pursuit teams.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and develop project management skills within a large corporate structure.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining exposure to business development, marketing strategy, and project management functions within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not only technically skilled but also possesses strong project management capabilities and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a demanding, client-focused environment. The growth opportunities suggest this role is a stepping stone for further career development within a large, global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Proposal Design Strategy: "Describe your approach to designing a complex proposal for a major infrastructure project. How do you ensure the visuals effectively communicate win themes and address evaluation criteria?" (Prepare to discuss your process from brief to final output, emphasizing strategic thinking.)

• Visual Storytelling: "How do you translate highly technical information (e.g., engineering processes, environmental data) into clear, compelling graphics for a non-technical audience?" (Be ready with examples of infographics, diagrams, or illustrations you've created.)

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: "Tell me about a time you had to work with a challenging subject matter expert or a demanding proposal manager. How did you manage the relationship and ensure the design met their needs while maintaining quality?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and problem-solving.)

• Brand Adherence vs. Customization: "How do you balance maintaining strict brand guidelines with the need to create unique, impactful visuals for specific client pursuits?" (Discuss your understanding of brand architecture and creative adaptation.)

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 AECOM's success in winning projects?" (Research AECOM's recent projects and business lines.)

• Hybrid Work Experience: "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. What strategies do you use to stay productive and connected with your team when working remotely?" (Highlight your self-management and communication skills.)

• Dealing with Feedback: "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs, especially when it comes from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Emphasize receptiveness and problem-solving.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on 2-3 key projects that best represent your skills in proposal design, presentation development, and technical illustration, ideally from the A/E/C or similar professional services industry.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: 1) The client/project context, 2) The design challenge or objective, 3) Your role and process, 4) Key design solutions, and 5) The outcome or impact.

• Explain Your Design Rationale: Be prepared to defend your design choices, explaining why you used specific colors, layouts, typography, or imagery to achieve the project's goals.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint through the quality and complexity of your showcased work.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your portfolio efficiently, allowing time for discussion and questions. Practice your talking points beforehand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for this role should go beyond basic design skills. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the business development lifecycle, the A/E/C industry, and how design functions as a strategic tool to achieve business objectives. Highlighting collaboration and problem-solving within a corporate context will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided job portal link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight your experience in proposal design, presentation development, and technical illustration. Prioritize projects demonstrating your ability to work within brand guidelines and support business development efforts.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint, and any relevant experience in the A/E/C industry. Use keywords from the job description, such as "proposal preparation," "client solicitations," "RFPs," and "technical illustration."

• Prepare for Design Challenge: Anticipate a potential design exercise. Practice creating visually compelling presentations or graphics that convey complex information quickly and effectively.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's company mission, recent projects, and the types of clients they serve within the infrastructure sector to better articulate your understanding and interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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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