Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: Marcus & Millichap Location: Calabasas, CA Job Type: Full-time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: October 31, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of high-impact marketing collateral, transforming strategic direction into cohesive and visually compelling assets from concept through execution.
• Develop scalable design solutions, including branded presentations, editorial layouts, and templated pieces, to empower agents and support overall marketing strategies.
• Elevate marketing efforts by creating compelling visual systems that support agent goals and enhance brand presence across diverse platforms.
• Foster team collaboration and potentially mentor junior designers, contributing to a dynamic and productive creative environment.
• Ensure all creative output strictly adheres to brand style guides and maintains a consistent visual identity across all deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean towards a "Marketing Designer" or "Brand Designer" with a strong emphasis on collateral creation for sales agents. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and an understanding of marketing objectives, rather than purely conceptual or purely production-focused design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a wide range of high-impact marketing collateral, from initial concept development to final execution, to effectively support individual agents and overarching marketing strategies.
• Create branded presentations, sophisticated editorial layouts, and user-friendly templated pieces that agents and non-designers can utilize efficiently to maintain brand consistency.
• Partner closely with the Creative Director to foster strong team collaboration, share best practices, and provide mentorship to other designers within the team.
• Develop accurate and visually engaging data visualizations and infographics to communicate complex information clearly and effectively within marketing materials.
• Maintain an unwavering adherence to the company's visual identity, ensuring all creative deliverables align with established brand style guides and guidelines.
• Work with agility and efficiency, ensuring that creative deliverables meet project briefs, incorporate stakeholder feedback, and are completed within established timelines.
• Proactively stay abreast of current design trends, emerging tools, and innovative techniques to inspire and implement forward-thinking design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on both strategic marketing support and detailed execution. The mention of "templates for agents and non-designers" indicates a need for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and easily adaptable, suggesting a need for strong organizational skills and an understanding of user experience for internal clients.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior role and would be beneficial. Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in visual graphic design, with a demonstrated history of creating impactful marketing collateral and supporting brand initiatives.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio that clearly showcases creative problem-solving capabilities, a strong design aesthetic, and successful project execution across various mediums.
• Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard design software and tools, with a strong emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for integration with marketing materials and presentations.
• Experience in managing and developing assets for multiple brands, sub-brands, or subsidiaries, including the creation of co-branded and complementary marketing materials.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all design outputs.
• A process-improvement mindset, actively seeking ways to optimize design workflows and enhance efficiency.
• A keen eye for typography, composition, color theory, and imagery selection to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.
• The ability to effectively balance conceptual creative thinking with precise, detail-oriented execution.
• Strong collaboration skills, with a proven ability to translate stakeholder feedback into effective, brand-aligned design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in art direction and guiding visual concepts.
• Skills in data visualization and infographic design.
• Familiarity with project management tools or methodologies.
• Experience working within the real estate or financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "process-improvement mindset" is a key indicator that this role is not just about executing designs but also about refining the design process itself, which is crucial for operations-minded candidates. The emphasis on multiple brands and co-branding suggests a need for adaptability and a deep understanding of brand architecture.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating a range of design skills, including marketing collateral, presentations, and ideally, data visualization or infographic examples.
• Highlight projects that illustrate the ability to work within established brand guidelines and adapt designs for different sub-brands or co-branded initiatives.
• Include examples that demonstrate the process from initial brief or concept to final approved deliverable, ideally with context on the objective and outcome.
• Feature work that exemplifies strong typography, composition, and color usage, reflecting a sophisticated design sensibility.
• Present case studies that touch upon the problem-solving aspect of design, explaining the challenge and how the design solution addressed it.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from receiving a brief to final delivery, including how they manage feedback and revisions.
• Be ready to articulate how you ensure brand consistency and adherence to style guides throughout the design process.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader marketing strategies and project timelines.
• Prepare to discuss how you would approach creating and managing design templates for non-designers, emphasizing ease of use and brand integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Senior" role, the portfolio should not just show finished products but also hint at the candidate's understanding of process, brand management, and problem-solving. The ability to discuss workflow and template creation is critical for this specific role's responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 per year. Benefits: While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided information, typical benefits for a full-time role at a company like Marcus & Millichap often include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Access to company-provided design software and hardware.

Working Hours: The role is listed as full-time. A standard workweek is typically 40 hours, from Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of creative project deadlines, occasional flexibility or extended hours may be required to meet project briefs and ensure timely delivery of creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $80,000 - $90,000 for a Senior Graphic Designer in Calabasas, CA, aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced creative professionals in a high-cost-of-living area. This range suggests a mid-to-senior level position with significant responsibility. The lack of specific benefits details implies that candidates should inquire about these during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Real Estate Services (Commercial Real Estate Brokerage) Company Size: Marcus & Millichap is a large, publicly traded company with a significant number of employees, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and departments. Founded: Marcus & Millichap was founded in 1971, signifying a long-standing presence and deep expertise in its industry.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director, forming part of a dedicated creative team.
• This team likely collaborates closely with marketing departments, sales teams (agents), and potentially other corporate functions.
• The structure emphasizes clear reporting lines and cross-functional teamwork to support agent success and company-wide marketing initiatives.

Methodology:

• The company's methodology likely centers on data-driven insights and strategic support for its sales agents, a core aspect of their business model.
• Design processes will be geared towards creating marketing materials that are effective in generating leads and closing deals within the commercial real estate market.
• Emphasis will be placed on brand consistency and the creation of scalable assets that can be utilized by a large network of agents.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Marcus & Millichap's position as a leading commercial real estate firm is crucial. The operations of this company are heavily sales-driven, meaning the design team's work directly impacts revenue generation. The culture is likely professional, results-oriented, and focused on supporting a large network of independent agents.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Graphic Designer role represents a significant step in a graphic design career path. It implies a level of autonomy, project ownership, and the ability to influence creative direction within specific marketing contexts. It's a role where experience and refined skills are valued, moving beyond execution to include strategic input and potential mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Creative Director. This suggests a collaborative relationship where the Senior Designer will receive strategic guidance and feedback, while also being expected to take ownership of key projects and deliverables. The Creative Director likely oversees the broader creative strategy and team management.

Operations Impact: The work of the Senior Graphic Designer has a direct impact on the company's revenue-generating activities. High-quality, on-brand marketing collateral, presentations, and data visualizations are essential tools for sales agents to attract clients, showcase properties, and close deals in the competitive commercial real estate market. Effective design directly supports lead generation, client engagement, and the overall perception of Marcus & Millichap's professionalism and expertise.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like data visualization, editorial design, or brand system development within the real estate sector.
• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Art Director role, managing larger projects or a small team, and taking on more strategic creative responsibilities.
• Skill Enhancement: Access to training and resources to stay current with design software, trends, and potentially new areas like digital marketing design or UI/UX principles if the company expands its digital presence.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with various departments, gaining a broader understanding of business operations and marketing strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations impact" is significant here, as design directly fuels sales. Growth opportunities should be framed around both design craft and strategic contribution to the sales enablement function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within Marcus & Millichap's Calabasas, CA location. This suggests a professional, potentially corporate setting.

Office Location(s): Calabasas, California. This location is in the greater Los Angeles area, known for its business hubs and creative industries. Candidates should consider commute times and local amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration among the creative team and with other departments.
• Expect a standard office setup with access to necessary hardware (computers, monitors) and software (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Creative Director and potentially other marketing stakeholders will be frequent, facilitating clear communication and efficient workflow.
• A professional office environment will likely encourage structured workdays and a focus on task completion.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically Monday through Friday. While a standard 9-to-5 structure is common, the creative industry often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines. Operations-focused candidates will appreciate the structured environment but should be prepared for occasional periods of intense work to ensure timely delivery of critical marketing assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and a structured work environment, which can be beneficial for operations-minded individuals who thrive on routine and direct communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing your process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your designs. Be prepared to specifically highlight relevant marketing collateral and branding projects.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be given a design challenge or case study to assess your skills in a practical scenario, focusing on areas like branding, data visualization, or template creation under timed conditions.
• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Director and potentially other team members or stakeholders to evaluate collaboration, communication, and cultural fit.
• Final Round: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to discuss your strategic contributions and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best represent the responsibilities outlined (marketing collateral, branding, presentations, data viz).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the quantifiable results or business impact.
• Highlight Process: Demonstrate not just the final output but also your thought process, including initial concepts, revisions, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with different brands or adapt to specific client needs.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, and your experience with template creation and brand consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Thoroughly read and understand any design challenge or case study prompt.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across concepting, designing, and preparing your presentation.
• Focus on Objectives: Ensure your design solution directly addresses the objectives outlined in the brief.
• Brand Alignment: If a brand is provided or implied, ensure your solution aligns with its established guidelines or a plausible extension thereof.
• Presentation: Be ready to clearly articulate your design rationale and process, even if the design is not fully polished.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasis on a portfolio that showcases process, problem-solving, and impact, alongside specific skills like template creation, will be key for this role. The interview process will likely be a multi-stage evaluation of creative talent, technical skill, and professional maturity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all graphic design tasks, including collateral creation, layout, and image manipulation.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Solid working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is required for creating presentations, integrating text, and potentially working with data tables.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned, understanding how design impacts marketing performance (e.g., through A/B testing of visuals, engagement metrics) can be a plus. Familiarity with analytics platforms is generally beneficial for understanding campaign effectiveness.

CRM & Automation: No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role, as it's primarily focused on design execution rather than sales or marketing operations management. However, understanding how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRMs could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office indicates a need for candidates who are not only skilled designers but also proficient in the standard tools used for business communications and marketing asset creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism: A commitment to delivering high-quality work on time and maintaining professional conduct in all interactions.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and supporting colleagues and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Efficiency: A focus on optimizing workflows, utilizing templates effectively, and ensuring timely delivery of creative assets to support sales efforts.
• Brand Integrity: A dedication to upholding and consistently applying brand standards to maintain a cohesive and professional company image.
• Results-Orientation: Understanding that design work directly contributes to the success of sales agents and, by extension, the company's revenue.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, encouraging shared learning and mutual support, particularly under the guidance of the Creative Director.
• Expect cross-functional collaboration with marketing teams and direct interaction with sales agents to understand their needs and translate them into effective design solutions.
• A culture of constructive feedback is essential for growth and ensuring creative output meets strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values will likely mirror a professional corporate environment focused on sales enablement and brand consistency, emphasizing efficiency and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing High Volume & Quality: Managing a high volume of design requests from numerous agents while maintaining exceptional quality and brand consistency.
• Translating Complex Data: Effectively visualizing complex real estate data and market trends into clear, compelling infographics and charts.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Working under pressure to deliver creative assets for time-sensitive marketing campaigns and agent needs.
• Adapting to Diverse Needs: Catering to the varied design preferences and requirements of a large network of sales agents, while ensuring brand adherence.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas like advanced typography, data visualization, or editorial layout through internal training or external workshops.
• Brand Management: Gaining deeper insights into brand strategy and how to effectively manage and evolve visual identity systems for a large organization.
• Industry Knowledge: Developing a strong understanding of the commercial real estate market, which can inform design decisions and increase relevance.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Creative Directors and senior team members, potentially developing mentorship skills yourself.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational demands of supporting a large sales force, while growth opportunities focus on deepening design craft and strategic understanding within a specific industry context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating marketing collateral from concept to final delivery, especially when working with multiple brands." (Focus on workflow, feedback integration, and brand consistency.)
• "How do you approach translating complex data into clear and compelling visualizations or infographics?" (Highlight your methodology for data analysis and visual storytelling.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines or challenging stakeholder feedback." (Demonstrate your problem-solving and collaboration skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Marcus & Millichap and the commercial real estate industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent achievements.)
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of our sales agents?" (Connect your abilities to the company's revenue-generating goals.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with others." (Align your collaboration style with the company's likely professional and team-oriented culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome (e.g., increased engagement, clearer communication).
• Highlight Process: Show sketches, mood boards, or earlier drafts to illustrate your creative journey and problem-solving.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., "This brochure design was used in X number of successful property pitches").
• Emphasize Template Creation: Be ready to discuss your experience creating and documenting design templates for broader use, ensuring ease of use and brand adherence.
• Be Ready for Design Challenges: Practice quick design exercises related to branding, layout, or data visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent but also an understanding of business objectives, process efficiency, and collaborative capabilities relevant to a sales-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the application portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of marketing collateral, presentations, and ideally, data visualizations or infographics relevant to a sales or corporate environment. Tailor your case studies to highlight problem-solving and brand adherence.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, focusing on achievements in design execution, brand consistency, and collaboration. Use keywords such as "marketing collateral," "brand identity," "Adobe Creative Suite," "data visualization," and "process improvement."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the narrative, process, and impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with template creation and working within established brand guidelines.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Marcus & Millichap's business model, their market position, and their visual branding. Understand how design supports their sales agents and overall business 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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