Senior Graphic Designer - Gateway

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - Gateway

Company: Arcadis

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Communications Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-27T12:35:28

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation of visually compelling static and motion graphics to support public-facing communications for the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project.

• Translate complex data, research, and strategy into accessible and engaging visual narratives through infographics, fact sheets, and presentations.

• Manage the end-to-end design project lifecycle, from initial concepting and creative sessions to final production and quality assurance.

• Maintain and evolve brand guidelines, ensuring all visual outputs adhere strictly to identity, tone, accessibility, and usability standards.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Public Affairs, procurement, and program delivery teams to align design solutions with project objectives and messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for communicating the immense scale and importance of the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project to the public and stakeholders. The Senior Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping the perception and understanding of this nationally significant infrastructure initiative through expert visual storytelling. The hybrid nature suggests a need for strong self-management and remote collaboration skills, alongside on-site presence for key meetings and creative sessions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver a range of static visual content, including fact sheets, infographics, printed collateral, comprehensive reports, dynamic presentation decks, and engaging social media assets.

• Create compelling motion graphics and simple animations or video content, such as animated infographics, GIFs, and short motion spots, to enhance digital communication strategies.

• Effectively translate complex data, research findings, and strategic imperatives into clear, intuitive, and visually appealing narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

• Engage in proactive cross-functional collaboration with public affairs, procurement, program delivery, and other project teams to deeply understand communication goals, target audiences, and key messaging requirements.

• Lead creative concepting sessions, proposing innovative visual solutions that effectively align with campaign objectives, the project's brand identity, and its established voice.

• Plan, execute, and meticulously manage design projects from their inception through to final production, including setting realistic timelines, facilitating feedback loops, and ensuring strict adherence to deadlines.

• Uphold and strategically evolve established brand guidelines, ensuring that all design outputs consistently comply with visual identity, tone of voice, accessibility standards, and usability best practices.

• Conduct thorough reviews and proofreading of all graphic deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and an impeccable level of quality across all deployed platforms.

• Continuously research, recommend, and champion the adoption of new design trends, motion graphics techniques, software tools, accessibility standards, and emerging digital formats to elevate workflow efficiency and output quality.

• Provide expert design guidance, constructive feedback, and mentorship to external freelancers or junior team members as needed to ensure consistent quality and brand alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "translating data, research findings, and strategy into accessible, engaging visual narratives" highlights a crucial requirement for operations and communications professionals to move beyond aesthetic appeal and demonstrate strategic thinking. This involves understanding the underlying business goals and audience needs to create impactful visual communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a closely related field; alternatively, equivalent professional experience demonstrating mastery in graphic design principles and application.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, preferably within a communications, agency, nonprofit, or large-scale project setting, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and brand consistency.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating high-quality static and vector graphics.

• Proven experience with motion graphics and video editing tools such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, or comparable software for developing dynamic visual content.

• A strong and comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of static and motion design work, including examples of infographics, fact sheets, report design, social media campaigns, and animated or motion graphics.

• Familiarity with design principles for web and digital platforms, including an understanding of social media dimensions, responsive layouts, and best practices for exporting assets for various digital channels.

• Ability to conceptualize and distill complex information into clear, concise, and visually compelling graphics and narratives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prototyping or simple animation tools, and the ability to effectively work with and adapt motion templates.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles, video storytelling techniques, or advanced motion graphics capabilities beyond simple animation.

• Interest in or experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, public affairs, or government initiatives.

• Experience in providing design guidance and feedback to external collaborators or junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio with examples of both static and motion design" is paramount. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight projects that demonstrate the ability to translate complex information into clear visuals, manage brand consistency across various platforms, and showcase proficiency in both Adobe Creative Suite and motion graphics software. Quantifiable results or case studies within the portfolio, even for design roles, can significantly enhance an application by demonstrating impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Curate a portfolio that prominently features case studies demonstrating the ability to translate complex technical or strategic information into clear, accessible static graphics (e.g., infographics, fact sheets, reports).

• Include examples of motion graphics or simple animations that effectively communicate project updates, key data points, or conceptual ideas for public engagement.

• Showcase a consistent application of brand guidelines and visual identity across diverse deliverables, proving an understanding of brand management in large-scale projects.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design workflow, including how you approach project briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, manage revisions, and ensure final quality assurance.

• Articulate your understanding of how design processes integrate with broader communications and public affairs strategies for large infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrate an awareness of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and how they are incorporated into design and production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on public affairs and complex projects, the portfolio should not just display aesthetics but also the candidate's strategic thinking and process. Candidates should be ready to explain how they arrived at their design solutions and the impact those solutions had, especially in communicating technical information to a non-technical audience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• 401K retirement savings plan.

• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.

• Reward & Recognition Program to acknowledge outstanding contributions.

• Optional benefits including Wellbeing Benefits, Adoption Assistance, and Tuition Reimbursement.

• Nine paid holidays per year.

• 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) that accrue annually.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $100,000 - $180,000 USD is competitive for a Senior Graphic Designer role in New York City, especially considering the specialized nature of working on a major infrastructure project and the required expertise in both static and motion graphics. This range reflects the need for experienced professionals who can handle complex projects and high-stakes communication. The extensive benefits package further enhances the total compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Design, Consultancy, Construction Management. Arcadis operates globally, focusing on sustainable solutions for natural and built assets.

Company Size: Over 36,000 employees worldwide. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and a broad scope of operations.

Founded: Arcadis has a long history, founded in 1888. This deep heritage suggests stability, established processes, and a wealth of experience.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be part of a multidisciplinary team, likely integrated within or closely supporting the Public Affairs department.

• They will report to a manager within the communications or public affairs function, potentially working under a project director or communications lead for the Gateway Program.

Methodology:

• Arcadis emphasizes data-driven decision-making and delivering sustainable solutions. Expect a focus on evidence-based design and clear communication of project benefits and impacts.

• Workflow optimization and efficiency are likely key, especially given the scale and complexity of the Gateway Project, suggesting a need for streamlined design processes and effective tool utilization.

• A collaborative approach is fostered, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and best practices across diverse teams and disciplines to solve complex challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis's global presence and focus on sustainability mean that the Senior Graphic Designer will be part of a large, reputable organization with a mission-driven approach. The role on the Gateway Project specifically places the designer at the forefront of a high-impact, visible initiative, requiring them to align their creative output with corporate values and project-specific communication goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility for delivering critical design outputs. The role demands not just execution but also strategic input and leadership in creative direction for communications.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a management layer within Arcadis, likely overseeing communications or public affairs for the Gateway Program. This structure provides opportunities for mentorship and exposure to senior leadership within the project and the wider organization.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work will directly influence public perception, stakeholder understanding, and regulatory engagement for the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project. Effective visual communication is crucial for securing public buy-in, managing expectations, and highlighting the project's benefits and progress. This role is pivotal in translating complex engineering and policy into digestible narratives that support the project's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in design for large-scale infrastructure, public affairs communications, or advanced motion graphics for complex projects.

• Leadership: Potential to lead design strategy for future projects within Arcadis, mentor junior designers, or manage external creative resources on a larger scale.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn about project management methodologies, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the technical aspects of major infrastructure development, complementing design skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with diverse teams across engineering, construction, policy, and communications, broadening professional networks and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a need for strategic thinking and problem-solving beyond just executing design tasks. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their design choices support broader project objectives and how they can contribute to the project's overall communication strategy. The growth opportunities suggest a path for those who excel to take on more significant leadership roles within Arcadis's communication and design functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work with in-office collaboration. The New York office is located in the iconic Woolworth Building, offering a prestigious and inspiring workspace.

Office Location(s): The Woolworth Building, 233 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10279. This central Manhattan location provides excellent accessibility via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely collaborative, fostering interaction among multidisciplinary teams working on the Gateway Project.

• Access to modern design tools, software, and potentially advanced visualization technologies will be available, supporting high-quality output.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project stakeholders, leadership, and fellow team members will be frequent, facilitating effective communication and alignment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. While hybrid, the demands of a major project may require some flexibility to meet critical deadlines or attend key in-person meetings and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires candidates to be proficient in managing their time effectively, maintaining productivity both remotely and in the office. The prestigious Woolworth Building location suggests a professional and dynamic work atmosphere, aligning with the significance of the Gateway Project.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a deeper dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, technical skills (Adobe Creative Cloud, After Effects), and your approach to translating complex information into visuals. You may be asked to present specific case studies.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions focused on your experience managing projects, collaborating with diverse teams, handling feedback, problem-solving, and fitting into Arcadis's culture.

• Potential Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to assess your ability to conceptualize and design solutions for a specific communication challenge related to the Gateway Project.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior management or key stakeholders to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating static and motion design for complex topics, public-facing communications, or large-scale initiatives.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the challenges, your process, the solutions you developed, and the impact or results. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of infographics, fact sheets, social media assets, and at least one piece of motion graphics or animation.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools and techniques you used and why.

• Accessibility & Brand: If possible, include examples where you've considered accessibility standards or adhered to strict brand guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project thoroughly: understand its goals, challenges, stakeholders, and public perception.

• Familiarize yourself with Arcadis's brand and any publicly available communications materials for the project.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your solutions meet communication objectives and resonate with target audiences.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for a major infrastructure project with diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to "show, don't just tell." The portfolio review is a critical gate. Expect to walk interviewers through your work, explaining the strategic thinking behind each design choice. For a project of this magnitude, demonstrating an ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and engagingly to a broad audience will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, infographics), Photoshop (image editing, digital assets), and InDesign (layout, fact sheets, reports, presentations).

• Motion Graphics/Video Tools: Experience with After Effects (animation, motion graphics) and Premiere Pro (video editing) is essential for creating dynamic content.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design assets are deployed through various communication channels (websites, social media platforms, email campaigns) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Cloud and motion graphics tools is crucial. Candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery. Beyond the core tools, an understanding of how these designs will be integrated into digital platforms and potentially tracked for engagement will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished design work that upholds Arcadis's reputation and the project's importance.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and supporting collective project goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging fresh ideas and creative solutions to communicate complex information in engaging ways.

• Impact & Sustainability: A drive to contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive, lasting impact on society and the environment.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining high ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions and deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and communicative, ensuring stakeholders are informed and design concepts are clearly understood.

• Open to feedback and constructive criticism, viewing it as an opportunity for improvement and refinement.

• Adaptable to changing project needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in approach.

• Willingness to share knowledge and mentor junior team members or external collaborators to ensure consistent quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Arcadis's stated values around sustainability, impact, and collaboration are likely to permeate the team's culture. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design work aligns with these values and how they foster collaborative relationships within a large, complex project environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Communicating highly technical and complex infrastructure details to a broad, non-technical public audience effectively.

• Managing multiple stakeholders with potentially diverse expectations and feedback on design deliverables.

• Maintaining brand consistency and high design quality across a vast array of materials for a long-term, high-profile project.

• Adapting to evolving project scopes and timelines inherent in large-scale infrastructure development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in visual communication for major infrastructure projects and public affairs.

• Gain exposure to advanced project management and stakeholder engagement methodologies.

• Develop skills in motion graphics and animation for complex data visualization.

• Enhance understanding of UX/UI principles as they apply to public-facing project websites and digital platforms.

• Potentially lead design initiatives or mentor junior designers within the Arcadis framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic nature of this role. It's not just about making pretty pictures; it's about using design as a tool for effective communication, stakeholder management, and project success. The growth opportunities are substantial for someone looking to build a career in design for impactful, large-scale projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating complex technical information into an easily understandable infographic for a public audience. Walk us through an example from your portfolio."

• "How do you approach managing feedback from multiple stakeholders on a single design project, especially when there are conflicting suggestions?"

• "Tell us about a time you had to adapt your design approach to meet a tight deadline or a significant change in project scope."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about working on the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project specifically?"

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to Arcadis's mission of creating sustainable solutions?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type (static, motion) or by showcasing your most impactful case studies first.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the final solution, and the outcome or impact.

• Visuals: Ensure your visuals are high-resolution and clearly demonstrate your skills. Use zoom-ins where necessary to highlight details.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you can cover key points efficiently and effectively.

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions about your choices and encourage discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of how design serves communication objectives. Be ready to connect your past experiences and portfolio pieces directly to the requirements and challenges of the Senior Graphic Designer role on the Gateway Project.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with complex data visualization, public affairs communications, and both static and motion graphics. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases projects relevant to infrastructure or large-scale initiatives.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Motion Graphics," "Infographics," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "After Effects," and "Public Affairs" naturally throughout your resume. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X infographics that increased engagement by Y%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale for key decisions, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to present 2-3 key portfolio pieces in detail, focusing on strategy and impact. Research the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project and Arcadis's work.

• Company Research: Understand Arcadis's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those related to infrastructure and sustainability. Familiarize yourself with the Gateway Project's goals and public communication efforts.

⚠️ 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.