Senior Graphic Designer

📍 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 09, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for enhancing AECOM's external communications and client engagement through compelling visual design, directly supporting business development and operations teams.

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for creating high-impact graphics and multimedia content for critical client pursuits, including RFPs and interviews, ensuring clear and effective visual communication of complex information.

• This position requires a strong command of industry-standard design software and a deep understanding of proposal and presentation best practices within the infrastructure consulting sector.

• The role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with proposal managers, capture managers, and subject matter experts to translate technical concepts into visually engaging materials that align with AECOM's brand and client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and context provided by AECOM's description strongly indicate a specialized role within a Go-To-Market (GTM) or Sales Operations function, specifically focusing on proposal and presentation design for client pursuits. This is not a general graphic design role but one deeply embedded in the sales cycle and business development efforts of an infrastructure consulting firm. The emphasis on "must-win pursuits" and client solicitations highlights its strategic importance to revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Partner with proposal managers, capture managers, and regional business development teams to strategically plan and execute visual content for key pursuits, regional priorities, and alternative delivery projects.

• Lead storyboarding sessions and collaborate on content planning for proposal narratives, client presentations, and interview team support, ensuring a cohesive and persuasive visual narrative.

• Develop and produce branded and custom graphics, templates, and illustrations that effectively support messaging, themes, and discriminators, utilizing digital libraries for appropriate photography and imagery.

• Collaborate closely with authors and subject matter experts to create custom illustrations for technical information, including complex processes, tables, charts, photorealistic graphics, and diagrams that simplify intricate data.

• Participate actively as a member of the pursuit team in planning, storyboarding, and critical review meetings (e.g., Pink and Red team reviews), providing design expertise and feedback.

• Ensure strict adherence to AECOM's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) standards and brand guidelines across all proposal and marketing materials, maintaining consistency and meticulous attention to detail.

• Provide input and contribute best practices to the marketing organization for graphic design standards, template development, and the adoption of new tools or technologies to enhance efficiency, creativity, and collaboration.

• Oversee and support the finalization of documents for production, including pre-press checks, packaging, and shipping coordination to ensure timely and accurate delivery.

• Manage challenging situations diplomatically with peers and internal clients, exercising discretion and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive project information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on the business development lifecycle, particularly proposal and presentation creation for "must-win" pursuits. This aligns with a specialized GTM Operations or Marketing Operations function rather than a general design role. The emphasis on "client solicitations," "RFQs," "RFPs," and "interview teams" solidifies this operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant graphic design experience, with a strong preference for 6+ years, particularly within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) or infrastructure consulting industry.

Required Skills:

• Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign (expert level for layout and long-form documents), Illustrator (for vector graphics and illustrations), and Photoshop (for image manipulation and creation).

• Skilled in creating interactive PDFs with Adobe Acrobat for enhanced digital delivery.

• Experienced in developing compelling and dynamic presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint or similar tools.

• Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) for document integration and collaboration.

• Solid understanding of graphic design and marketing best practices, procedures, and workflows relevant to proposal development.

• Demonstrated ability to visually convey messages, themes, discriminators, and responses to client evaluation criteria clearly and effectively in proposals and presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the A/E industry, including an understanding of AECOM's business lines, clients, major projects, and competitive landscape.

• Experience with digital illustration tools beyond the core Adobe Suite.

• Basic understanding of project management principles as they relate to proposal timelines and deliverables.

• Knowledge of video editing or animation software for multimedia elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Qualifications" section suggests that candidates with industry-specific knowledge (A/E industry) will have a distinct advantage. This implies that understanding the nuances of infrastructure consulting and AECOM's market position is highly valued, moving beyond pure design skills to strategic application.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong emphasis on layout design, graphic creation, and presentation development within a professional services context.

• Specific examples of work on proposals, RFPs, SOQs, or client-facing presentations that demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling visual narratives.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight your process for conceptualizing and executing design solutions for business development pursuits.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in using Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint to produce high-quality, branded materials.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have contributed to or improved design processes within a team or project setting, focusing on workflow optimization for proposal and presentation creation.

• Documentation or descriptions of your approach to storyboarding, content planning, and design reviews to ensure alignment with project objectives and client requirements.

• Evidence of your process for managing design feedback, incorporating edits, and ensuring final deliverable quality and consistency.

• Showcase of your ability to adhere to and implement brand guidelines and template standards across various design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on proposal and presentation design, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just artistic skill but the strategic application of design to win business. This means showcasing how design supports messaging, clarifies complex information, and differentiates AECOM from competitors.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability benefits (short-term and long-term).

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options.

• Access to voluntary benefits programs.

• A range of employee perks and well-being resources.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Business travel insurance.

• Service recognition awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) for eligible employees.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are an estimated 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. However, the hybrid work arrangement offers some flexibility in scheduling and location, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the raw data ($75,000 - $100,000 USD yearly) is used as the basis for this section. Benefits are compiled from the ai_benefits list provided. The working hours are inferred from the standard full-time designation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting / Engineering Services / Architecture

Company Size: Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally.

Founded: AECOM is a well-established company with a long history in the infrastructure sector, enabling it to build a strong reputation and a vast network of clients and projects worldwide.

Team Structure:

• This role sits within AECOM's East Design Studio Team, which supports business development and operations across the East Region.

• The team likely consists of other graphic designers, proposal specialists, and marketing professionals who collaborate closely on client pursuits.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Marketing Manager, Director of Proposals, or a senior design lead within the Design Studio.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to problem-solving and project delivery, which extends to its marketing and business development efforts.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are crucial for managing the high volume and complexity of proposal and presentation development.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially through the adoption of new tools and technologies to streamline design and production processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights AECOM as a global leader in infrastructure consulting, emphasizing its role in "delivering a better world." This context suggests a culture that values impact, innovation, and collaboration on significant projects. The "Fortune 500" status implies a structured, professional environment with established processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a manager within the Design Studio or Marketing department, who oversees proposal and marketing collateral development.

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in proposal design, presentation strategy, and visual storytelling within the infrastructure sector. Potential to become a subject matter expert in proposal graphics.

• Industry Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of the A/E industry, client needs, and competitive strategies through exposure to a wide range of high-profile projects and pursuits.

• Leadership Potential: As a senior role, there are opportunities for leadership, potentially mentoring junior designers, leading design efforts on major pursuits, or contributing to the development of design standards and best practices.

• Cross-Functional Development: Develop strong communication and collaboration skills by working with diverse teams, from technical experts to senior management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a trajectory beyond just design execution, suggesting involvement in strategic visual planning and potentially leadership. The impact on revenue generation is a key indicator of its operational significance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

Office Location(s): The position can be based in multiple East Coast locations including Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Arlington, VA; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; Raleigh, NC; and Boston, MA. This hybrid model includes a combination of remote and in-office work.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility, enabling designers to leverage remote work for focused design tasks and in-office time for collaborative sessions, team meetings, and project kick-offs.

• Access to AECOM's standard design software and potentially collaborative digital platforms will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• While typically 40 hours per week, the nature of proposal work can sometimes require extended hours or weekend work during critical submission deadlines. The hybrid flexibility aims to accommodate these demands while supporting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a significant factor. For operations roles, this often means balancing focused, individual work (design creation) with collaborative, team-based activities (storyboarding, reviews).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design capabilities.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, and problem-solving approaches. This may involve a virtual presentation of selected work.

• Skills-Based Interview: Questions focusing on proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, and other relevant tools, as well as understanding of proposal and presentation best practices.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing collaboration skills, ability to work under pressure, stakeholder management, and how they handle feedback and challenging situations.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss cultural fit and strategic alignment with AECOM's business development goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in proposal and presentation design for professional services. Focus on work that shows strategic thinking, not just aesthetic appeal.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the client's objective, your role, the design challenges, your problem-solving approach, and the final outcome. Emphasize how your design supported the proposal's objectives.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have data on how your design contributed to a win, include it. Even qualitative feedback from proposal managers or clients is valuable.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of different types of deliverables (e.g., SOQ covers, full proposals, interview presentation slides, custom graphics) to demonstrate breadth of skill.

• Ensure Clarity and Professionalism: Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate, visually clean, and free of errors. Provide context for each piece.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for creating a complex presentation or proposal graphic from scratch, including how you would gather requirements, brainstorm ideas, and refine the design.

• Anticipate questions about how you manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Practice articulating how your design decisions support the overall message and win strategy of a proposal.

• Familiarize yourself with AECOM's recent projects and its brand guidelines to show you've done your research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and presentation skills is crucial for this role. Candidates should be prepared to not only show their work but also explain their strategic thinking behind it and how it contributes to business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: Essential for layout, long-form document creation (proposals, SOQs), and template management. Proficiency in creating interactive elements and managing complex documents is key.
  • Illustrator: Critical for creating vector graphics, custom illustrations, diagrams, charts, and logos.
  • Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, compositing, and creating high-impact visual assets.

• Adobe Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing interactive PDFs, including form fields and security features.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: The primary tool for developing client presentations, interview decks, and storyboards. Advanced skills in animation, transitions, and template utilization are expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For document integration, editing, and collaboration with authors.
  • Excel: For data visualization, chart creation, and integration into proposals/presentations.
  • Outlook: For professional communication and calendar management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• SharePoint: Widely used for document management, collaboration, and team communication, especially within a hybrid work environment.

• Microsoft Teams: Essential for real-time communication, virtual meetings, file sharing, and team collaboration.

• Understanding of how design assets are stored and retrieved within larger marketing or proposal management systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core toolset is firmly established around Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on InDesign and PowerPoint for the specific deliverables. Collaboration tools like Teams and SharePoint are critical for a hybrid, large-organization environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, including proposal managers, technical experts, and business development leaders, to achieve common goals.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding client needs and delivering visually compelling materials that directly support AECOM's business objectives and client engagement strategies.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work that adheres to brand standards and meets rigorous client expectations, especially in critical pursuits.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to explore new design techniques, tools, and approaches to enhance efficiency, creativity, and the impact of marketing materials.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining professionalism when handling confidential information and interacting with internal and external stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring seamless collaboration with individuals from various technical and business units.

• Feedback-driven: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback is essential for refining designs and improving processes.

• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is vital, especially in a hybrid setting, to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and design requirements.

• Team-oriented: While individual design expertise is valued, the ability to function as part of a larger pursuit team is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "delivering a better world" suggests a culture that values impact and purpose. For this role, this translates to creating visuals that clearly communicate AECOM's value proposition and its contribution to societal improvements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Tight Deadlines: Proposal and pursuit timelines are often aggressive, requiring the ability to work efficiently under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Translating Technical Complexity: Condensing complex engineering or environmental concepts into easily understandable and visually appealing graphics can be challenging.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Customization: Maintaining AECOM's brand integrity while creating unique, compelling designs tailored to specific client needs and RFPs.

• Navigating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with various stakeholders who may have different opinions or expectations regarding design and messaging.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with new design software features, collaboration tools, and industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Access to training programs for Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software to deepen technical skills.

• Industry Best Practices: Opportunities to learn and implement best practices in proposal design, visual communication, and GTM strategy through internal resources and industry forums.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design or marketing leaders, or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.

• Exposure to Major Projects: Work on high-profile, impactful infrastructure projects, which can be highly rewarding and contribute to professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for this role is the dynamic, deadline-driven nature of business development support, requiring strong project management and adaptability alongside design skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Proposal Design Strategy: "Describe your process for approaching a complex RFP. How do you ensure your design elements effectively communicate the proposal's key themes and discriminators?" (Prepare to discuss your workflow from RFP analysis to final design output).

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design, especially when there are conflicting opinions?" (Prepare examples of diplomacy, negotiation, and achieving consensus).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you need to visually represent a highly technical process for a client presentation with limited information. How would you approach this challenge?" (Focus on your creative problem-solving and research methods).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as AECOM's core values, and how do you believe your design approach aligns with them?" (Research AECOM's mission, values, and recent projects).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to the collaborative environment of our East Design Studio Team?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio into logical sections (e.g., Proposals, Presentations, Custom Graphics). For each piece, provide a brief overview, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.

• Focus on Strategic Impact: Don't just show pretty pictures. Explain why you made certain design choices and how they served the proposal's objectives or communicated key messages.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with specific software features and techniques used in your examples.

• Showcase Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines while also creating unique, impactful designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize the strategic application of design skills to business development goals, not just artistic talent. Candidates should be ready to discuss their process, problem-solving abilities, and how they contribute to winning new business.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in proposal and presentation design, specifically mentioning your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and PowerPoint.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, relevant software skills, and any experience in the A/E/C industry or professional services. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Contributed design elements to proposals that secured X amount in new business").

• Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a digital portfolio (link or PDF) that prominently features your best work in proposal design, SOQs, and client presentations. Be ready to walk interviewers through 2-3 key projects, explaining your strategic approach and design decisions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM, its services, recent projects, and its business development approach. Understand their brand guidelines and target markets to better align your application and interview responses.

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

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