Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: RedPeg Marketing

Location: Alexandria, VA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing / Creative Services / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2025-11-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute compelling visual systems and brand identities for experiential marketing campaigns, including large-format assets, digital touchpoints, and environmental graphics.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as Art Directors, Creative Directors, Strategists, Production, and Client Services to translate creative concepts into production-ready designs.

• Manage multiple design projects from concept to delivery, ensuring accuracy, quality, and adherence to brand guidelines across diverse channels.

• Provide creative guidance and mentorship to junior designers and interns, upholding the agency's creative standards and fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Prepare and present design explorations, mockups, and pitch decks that effectively communicate creative ideas and support new business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior Graphic Designer" within an experiential marketing agency, indicating a need for strong visual problem-solving skills, mastery of design software, and the ability to manage projects from conception to final production. The emphasis on experiential and large-format design suggests a focus on creating impactful physical and digital brand experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design comprehensive visual systems for experiential campaigns, including mobile tours, pop-ups, installations, hospitality builds, and large-scale event environments.

• Create high-impact, production-ready large-format assets such as signage, vehicle wraps, scenic artwork, stage designs, footprint branding, environmental graphics, and wayfinding systems.

• Translate creative direction and brand guidelines into immersive and engaging experiential applications across various touchpoints.

• Design digital assets for interactive elements like kiosks, touchscreens, microsites, presentation content, and social media, ensuring a cohesive brand experience.

• Develop visually compelling mockups, visualization boards, branded toolkits, and design explorations to articulate and sell creative concepts to clients and internal stakeholders.

• Construct high-quality pitch decks, concept boards, mood boards, and case studies that effectively communicate ideas and storytelling for new business and project reviews.

• Visualize complex or abstract concepts through clear and intuitive diagrams, infographics, and system designs.

• Support new business pitches and internal brainstorms by contributing thoughtful visual development, concept exploration, and rapid ideation.

• Manage a portfolio of design assignments simultaneously, ensuring organization, accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail from brief to final delivery.

• Maintain close collaboration with Creative, Strategy, Production, and Account teams to ensure seamless alignment throughout project lifecycles.

• Prepare clean, well-organized design files and production-ready artwork for vendors, fabricators, and internal teams, ensuring precise handoffs.

• Provide constructive feedback, creative support, and mentorship to junior graphic designers and creative interns, elevating the overall quality of creative output.

• Uphold and model best practices in layout, typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, and the development of robust design systems.

• Cultivate a collaborative, positive, and solutions-oriented creative atmosphere grounded in craftsmanship, professionalism, and a spirit of curiosity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic application, emphasizing the designer's role in bringing brand experiences to life. The explicit mention of "production-ready artwork" and "handoffs for vendors, fabricators" indicates a need for technical proficiency beyond pure aesthetics, crucial for operations in an agency setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Proven ability to develop and execute strong brand systems and visual identities.

• Expertise in designing for experiential and environmental applications, including large-format assets.

• Proficiency in creating compelling presentation designs, pitch decks, and visual storytelling tools.

• Demonstrated experience preparing files for print, fabrication, and vendor production workflows.

• Excellent command of layout principles, typography, and overall visual communication skills.

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, manage competing priorities, and self-direct in a deadline-driven environment.

• Strong collaborative skills and comfort taking and incorporating feedback from various disciplines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to engage with clients at a senior level.

• Proficiency with general computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital and interactive design elements (kiosks, microsites, touchscreens).

• Familiarity with visualization tools for complex concepts (diagrams, infographics).

• Experience in conceptualizing and designing for event experiences.

• Prior experience mentoring or guiding junior designers or interns.

• Ability to travel to client activations as needed.

• A proactive "hunger to learn" and a willingness to contribute to agency innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical proficiency in core design software and specific experience in experiential and large-format design, which are critical for an agency focused on brand engagement. The mention of client communication at a senior level and mentorship responsibilities points to a need for leadership potential and strong interpersonal skills beyond design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in brand systems, including logo development, style guides, and consistent application across touchpoints.

• Include examples of experiential and environmental design, highlighting the creation of immersive brand experiences.

• Feature a range of large-format assets (e.g., signage, vehicle wraps, environmental graphics) to demonstrate scale and production understanding.

• Present well-crafted presentation designs, pitch decks, and concept boards that effectively communicate ideas and strategic thinking.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of workflow management for design projects, from initial brief to final production-ready files.

• Examples of file preparation and handoff processes for print, fabrication, and digital vendors.

• Showcasing the iterative design process, including concept exploration, mockups, and revisions.

• Demonstrating how design solutions are developed to meet specific production feasibility and creative excellence requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily focused on showcasing practical application of design skills in the context of experiential marketing and large-scale production. This implies a need for candidates to demonstrate not just aesthetic talent but also an understanding of how designs are translated into physical or digital realities, a key aspect of operations in an agency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Participation in a collaborative and award-winning work environment.

• Access to employee resource groups (ERGs) for community and support.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• May require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines or attend client events.

• Flexibility may be available for specific tasks, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. For benefits, while not explicitly detailed in the original posting, standard agency benefits like health insurance, PTO, and professional development are inferred based on industry norms and the company's emphasis on employee well-being and growth. The "Exempt" classification for this role suggests eligibility for overtime pay is not standard.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Experiential Marketing and Brand Engagement. RedPeg Marketing specializes in creating customized, personal engagements that connect brands with consumers through unique experiences.

Company Size: The provided data indicates a company size that likely falls within the Mid-size to Large Enterprise category based on their client roster (Capital One, Marriott Bonvoy, Meta, Nike, Verizon, etc.) and recognition as a Top Workplace. This suggests a structured environment with established processes and a significant number of employees.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the company's established client list and recognition imply a history of successful operations and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to an Art Director, indicating a clear creative hierarchy within the design department.

• Collaboration is expected with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Strategists, Production, and Client Services teams, highlighting a matrixed, project-based team structure common in agencies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the focus on creating impactful brand experiences for major clients implies a data-informed approach to design, ensuring strategies align with consumer engagement goals.

• Experiential Focus: The agency's core methodology revolves around creating memorable, personal, and immersive brand experiences.

• Collaborative Ideation: The emphasis on brainstorming, concept development, and cross-functional teamwork suggests a highly collaborative and iterative design process.

Company Website: https://redpeg.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: RedPeg's identity as an "independent full service experiential marketing agency" and their "Top Workplaces" recognition are key indicators of their culture. This suggests an environment that values innovation, creativity, and employee well-being, while maintaining a professional, client-focused operational structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Senior" position, indicating a level of expertise and responsibility beyond entry-level or mid-level designers. It suggests a candidate who can independently manage complex projects, mentor others, and contribute significantly to creative strategy and execution.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director. This implies a clear line of command for creative direction and project oversight, providing a defined path for feedback and career development within the design team.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the success of client campaigns by translating brand strategy into compelling visual experiences. High-quality design execution is crucial for consumer engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, client satisfaction and retention. The role also contributes to new business pitches, directly influencing revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and interns, developing leadership and management skills.

• Creative Specialization: Deepen expertise in experiential, environmental, and large-format design, becoming a subject matter expert in these areas.

• Client Engagement: Grow skills in client communication and presentation, potentially leading to more client-facing responsibilities.

• Creative Direction Path: With demonstrated success and leadership, potential to advance to Art Director or Creative Director roles within the agency.

• Skill Expansion: Exposure to diverse client projects offers continuous learning and the ability to expand a design portfolio across various industries and mediums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and reporting structure suggest a clear growth path within RedPeg's creative department. The emphasis on mentorship and client interaction points to opportunities for developing both technical and soft skills essential for career progression in an agency setting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Alexandria, VA, and is described as "On-site." This indicates a traditional office environment where team collaboration and in-person interaction are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Alexandria, VA (specifically 22314). This location is within the Washington D.C. metro area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company emphasizes teamwork and collaboration across departments (Creative, Strategy, Production, Client Services), suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to facilitate idea exchange.

• Tools and Technology: As a design role, access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially other visualization or project management tools is expected.

• Team Interaction: The daily work will involve close interaction with Art Directors, fellow designers, and cross-functional teams, fostering a dynamic and communicative work setting.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily a full-time, on-site role, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM).

• The "Exempt" classification suggests potential for extended hours during peak periods or project deadlines, though the expectation is generally a 40-hour work week.

• Occasional travel to client activations may be required, necessitating flexibility in schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Alexandria, VA, suggests a collaborative physical workspace. The company's culture, as indicated by "Top Workplaces" and emphasis on teamwork, points towards a supportive and engaging office environment conducive to creative output and cross-functional project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

• Portfolio Submission & Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a digital portfolio showcasing relevant work, especially in experiential, large-format, and brand systems design. The Art Director and potentially other creative leaders will review this to assess creative talent, technical skills, and alignment with RedPeg's aesthetic and functional requirements.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving abilities, speed, and execution under pressure, mirroring real-world agency tasks.

• Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews are probable, including discussions with the Art Director, Creative Director, HR, and potentially team members from Production or Account Management to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills. Questions will likely focus on design philosophy, project experience, and how the candidate approaches challenges.

• Final Round: May involve a presentation of past work or the creative challenge, demonstrating communication and presentation skills to senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best align with RedPeg's focus on experiential marketing, large-format design, and brand systems. Ensure variety and showcase your range.

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the final outcome. Visuals of mockups, sketches, and iterations are beneficial.

• Emphasize Experiential/Large-Format: Dedicate significant space to projects involving environmental graphics, signage, large-scale installations, or mobile tour designs. Clearly articulate the design considerations for these formats.

• Showcase Brand Systems: Include examples where you've developed or applied comprehensive brand guidelines across multiple touchpoints.

• Production Readiness: If possible, include examples where you've prepared files for production, noting the specific requirements or challenges.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate (e.g., a clean PDF or a professional online portfolio).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Thoroughly read and understand any creative challenge prompt. Identify key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Time Management: Practice working within a given timeframe. Prioritize core elements and focus on delivering a clear, well-reasoned solution.

• Visual Communication: Prepare preliminary sketches or mood boards to quickly explore concepts before committing to final execution.

• Justify Decisions: Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind your design choices, linking them back to the brief and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and practical skills. The mention of salary requirements upfront and the need for a cover letter indicates a formal application process. The portfolio review is critical and should highlight specific types of work relevant to experiential marketing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Mastery is essential, specifically:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital mockups, and raster-based design elements.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout, presentation design, and potentially brochure or toolkit creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for general business tasks, documentation, and presentations.

• Google Suite: Familiarity with Docs, Sheets, and Slides for collaborative work and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools (Inferred):

• Prototyping/Mockup Tools: Such as Adobe XD or Figma, for digital interactive elements or faster mockup creation.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com might be helpful for managing design tasks and deadlines within agency workflows.

• Large-Format Design Software: Experience with software or plugins optimized for large-scale printing and fabrication might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Adobe Creative Cloud mastery is a key technical skill. The inclusion of Microsoft Office and Google Suite indicates standard office software proficiency is expected. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with digital prototyping tools and project management software would be beneficial for a senior role in a fast-paced agency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Pioneering Spirit: Encourages bold ideas, independence, and creating new paths in marketing. For designers, this means bringing innovative visual concepts and pushing creative boundaries.

• Real Connections: Focuses on creating creatively driven experiences that foster genuine connections between brands and audiences. Designers must translate this into visually impactful and engaging designs.

• Inclusive Excellence: Values diversity, ensuring every voice is heard and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This translates to respectful collaboration and open communication within the design team.

• Detail Obsessed: Emphasizes craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail to create flawless, meaningful, and unforgettable experiences. This is paramount for a Senior Graphic Designer, ensuring high-quality execution.

• Embody One Team: Promotes collaboration, teamwork, and a lack of silos or egos. Designers are expected to work harmoniously with all departments to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Strategists, Production, and Client Services, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate creative ideas across different functional areas.

• Process-Oriented: The role involves preparing production-ready files and collaborating with vendors, indicating a structured approach to workflow and output.

• Mentorship and Support: Senior designers are expected to guide and support junior team members, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: RedPeg's PRIDE values (Pioneering Spirit, Real Connections, Inclusive Excellence, Detail Obsessed, Embody One Team) are central to their culture. For a Senior Graphic Designer, this means not only excelling in craft and detail but also embracing innovation, collaborative teamwork, and contributing to an inclusive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Visualizing complex or abstract ideas into clear, engaging designs for experiential campaigns can be challenging.

• Balancing Creativity and Production: Ensuring creative excellence while meeting the strict technical requirements and feasibility constraints of large-format fabrication and production.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Collaborating effectively with diverse teams (creative, strategy, production, account) and potentially clients, each with different priorities and perspectives.

• Rapid Ideation and Execution: The fast-paced agency environment demands quick concept development and efficient execution, especially for new business pitches and tight deadlines.

• Mentorship Responsibilities: Effectively guiding and developing junior designers while managing personal workload requires strong leadership and time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Experiential Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in a niche but high-demand area of marketing design.

• Client Presentation Skills: Develop confidence and skill in presenting creative work and strategic rationale to senior clients.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Gain experience in managing, guiding, and developing junior talent, a crucial step towards leadership roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Learn about production, fabrication, strategy, and account management, broadening overall industry understanding.

• Exposure to Major Brands: Work on campaigns for well-known clients, enhancing portfolio and professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complex, multi-faceted nature of agency design work, requiring more than just artistic talent. The growth opportunities emphasize skill development in specialized design areas, leadership, and client interaction, aligning with senior-level career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex campaign concept you had to visualize for an experiential activation. What was your process, and what were the key design decisions you made to ensure it was impactful and feasible?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and understanding of experiential constraints.)

• "How do you approach developing a cohesive visual system for a brand that needs to extend across print, digital, and large-format environmental applications? Walk us through an example." (Assess brand consistency, system thinking, and multi-channel application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody RedPeg's PRIDE values (Pioneering Spirit, Real Connections, Inclusive Excellence, Detail Obsessed, Embody One Team) in your design work and team interactions?" (Assess cultural fit and understanding of company ethos.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or interns. What is your approach to providing feedback and fostering their growth?" (Evaluate leadership potential and team collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: For each selected project, craft a narrative that includes the client's challenge, your role, the creative process, key design solutions, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Experiential & Large-Format: Clearly articulate the unique considerations for these types of projects (e.g., scale, materials, user interaction, fabrication). Use mockups and renderings effectively.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss file preparation, print specifications, and handoff processes. If asked, be prepared to show file structure or specific technical aspects.

• Connect to RedPeg's Work: If possible, draw parallels between your past work and RedPeg's portfolio, showing you understand their client base and project types.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewer's time. Practice your presentation to be clear, confident, and engaging. Be prepared for questions and discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative skill and operational understanding. Candidates need to articulate their design process, ability to work within production constraints, and alignment with RedPeg's PRIDE values. Portfolio presentation should be strategic, highlighting relevant project types.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on RedPeg's careers portal.

• Tailor Your Cover Letter: Clearly articulate why you are a strong fit for RedPeg's experiential marketing focus and how your experience aligns with the Senior Graphic Designer role. Mention specific projects that showcase your expertise in experiential, large-format, or brand systems design.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your 5-8 years of experience, mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud, and any experience in agency environments or with similar client types. Use keywords from the job description such as "experiential design," "large-format assets," "brand systems," and "production-ready artwork."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio (PDF or online) that prominently features 5-7 of your strongest projects relevant to the role's requirements, with a focus on experiential and large-format design. Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects during an interview, detailing your process, challenges, and solutions.

• Research RedPeg: Familiarize yourself with RedPeg's client roster, recent campaigns, and company values (PRIDE). Understand their approach to experiential marketing and how your skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.