Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer
Company: Quad (in partnership with Rise Media Agency)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: January 15, 2026
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on transforming complex strategies into compelling visual narratives for new business pitches and client presentations.
• The Visual Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design process, from concept development to final execution of creative assets.
• Key contributions include developing visually stunning presentations, pitch decks, proposals, and case studies that captivate potential clients.
• This position requires a blend of creative design skills, strong visual storytelling abilities, and a collaborative spirit within a fast-paced agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Visual Designer," the description emphasizes a strong focus on "presentation design" and "visual storytelling" within the context of new business development and client pitches for a Media Agency of Record. This role is less about general graphic design and more about crafting persuasive visual narratives that win business. The "Sr Associate" in the description suggests a more junior-to-mid-level role, with the "0-2 years" experience requirement confirming this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually compelling presentations, pitch decks, and creative assets that effectively translate complex strategies into engaging and clear visual narratives.
• Collaborate closely with strategists, business leaders, and creative teams to understand project objectives and translate abstract ideas into impactful visual communications.
• Own and maintain the visual identity for new business efforts, ensuring consistency, polish, and innovation across all client-facing materials.
• Lead the visual development and execution of Request for Proposals (RFPs), proposals, and case studies, tailoring designs to specific prospect brands, tones, and business needs.
• Utilize design software such as PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and Figma to produce high-quality, on-brand visuals.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring timely delivery of design assets while upholding high standards of quality and creative excellence.
• Actively solicit, interpret, and implement feedback from internal stakeholders to refine and improve design outcomes.
• Develop and maintain design templates, icon libraries, and visual systems to enhance efficiency and elevate the overall creative output of the new business team.
• Research and incorporate current design trends to bring fresh perspectives to agency presentations and client materials.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture by offering constructive feedback, sharing inspiration, and supporting colleagues across various disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proactive design leadership within the new business context, emphasizing ownership of visual identity and tailored client solutions. The mention of "RFPs, proposals, and case studies" indicates a direct impact on revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Media Arts, or a closely related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Experience: 0–2 years of progressive professional experience in visual design, presentation design, or a related creative role within an agency or corporate setting.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in PowerPoint for presentation design, including advanced formatting and slide master utilization.
• Strong working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for asset creation and manipulation.
• Demonstrated ability in visual storytelling, with a portfolio showcasing the capacity to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visual narratives.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a keen eye for layout, typography, color theory, and brand consistency.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with business-level English proficiency for clear articulation of design concepts and feedback.
• Solid interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, including comfort with giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• A proactive, curious, and growth-oriented mindset, demonstrating a desire to learn, adapt to new design trends, and contribute innovatively to team projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity or working knowledge of Figma or similar collaborative design and prototyping tools.
• Experience in designing for media agencies, advertising, or marketing-related new business pitches.
• Understanding of RFP and proposal design best practices and their role in the sales cycle.
• Ability to create and manage design templates and visual systems for consistent brand application.
• Experience with animation or motion graphics within presentations, if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level combined with the "Sr Associate" title suggests this is an entry-level to junior role. The emphasis on PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite is critical. Figma is listed as a plus, indicating it's not a primary requirement but a desirable skill for future growth. The portfolio requirement is paramount for assessing practical design and storytelling capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that highlight visual storytelling and presentation design expertise.
• Projects should demonstrate the ability to translate complex strategies or abstract concepts into clear, compelling visual narratives.
• Include examples of pitch decks, client presentations, proposals, or case studies that illustrate your design process and final output.
• Showcase strong layout, typography, color usage, and brand consistency across all submitted work.
• Demonstrate proficiency in PowerPoint and/or Figma for presentation development.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, be prepared to articulate your design process: how you approached the brief, brainstormed ideas, iterated based on feedback, and arrived at the final solution.
• Highlight how you ensured the visuals supported the strategic message and business objectives of the project.
• Be ready to discuss how you managed timelines, collaborated with stakeholders, and incorporated feedback to refine your designs.
• Showcase your ability to adapt your design style to different client brands and tones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is explicitly stated as required and is the primary differentiator for this role. The emphasis is on "visual storytelling" and "presentation design," not just general graphic design. Applicants should prepare to walk through their process and strategic thinking behind their visual choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $68,250 - $98,400 annually.
Benefits: While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided description, typical offerings for a full-time role at an award-winning media agency like Rise, backed by Quad, generally include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Access to company-sponsored events and social activities.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. Based on the "On-site" work arrangement and the fast-paced agency environment, flexibility may be required during peak periods or for critical client deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for an entry-level to junior Visual Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, especially within the media and advertising industry. The mention of "award-winning" and "full-service" agency suggests a robust benefits package is likely, though specific details require direct inquiry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Advertising (Media Agency of Record) - specialized in omnichannel media, commerce, retail media, advanced in-home media, content, and creator marketing.
Company Size: Quad is a large, established marketing solutions provider. Rise, as a part of Quad, operates as an award-winning, full-service media agency. The combined entity offers significant resources and broad industry reach.
Founded: Quad was founded in 1930. Rise operates within this larger, experienced framework, bringing specialized media agency expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will join the New Business Team, working closely with strategists, planners, and business leaders.
• This team is focused on developing compelling proposals, pitch decks, and creative assets to win new clients.
• Collaboration extends across disciplines within the agency, including creative, analytics, and media planning teams.

Methodology:

• Rise emphasizes an omnichannel approach powered by data and advanced analytics, utilizing a proprietary tech stack.
• Transparency is a core value in their client interactions and internal processes.
• The team focuses on creating innovative work environments with diverse projects and clients, fostering continuous learning and development.

Company Website: https://www.quad.com/ (for Quad), with Rise operating as a specialized agency within it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is within a specialized media agency (Rise) that is backed by a larger, established marketing solutions company (Quad). This provides both a focused, innovative agency environment and the stability/resources of a large corporation. The culture is described as fast-paced, collaborative, and data-driven, with a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an Entry-Level to Junior Visual Designer role (0-2 years experience), positioned as a "Sr Associate" within the New Business Team. It's designed for individuals starting their careers in design with a focus on presentation and strategic visual communication.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or Head of New Business within the Rise agency. They will collaborate extensively with strategists and business development leads.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer plays a critical role in the revenue generation process by creating the visual materials that persuade potential clients to choose the agency. High-impact visuals directly influence the perception of the agency's capabilities, creativity, and professionalism, thereby impacting win rates for new business pitches.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in presentation design, visual storytelling, and specific design tools like Figma.
• Creative Leadership: Progress to Senior Visual Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director roles, leading design strategy for new business or other agency initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse clients and across different marketing disciplines (media, commerce, content).
• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of the advertising and media landscape, client needs, and competitive positioning.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from experienced creatives and strategists, contributing to professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth from an entry-level position into a specialized design career within the competitive media and advertising industry. The emphasis on new business means that success in this role can lead to significant visibility and opportunities for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as On-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, mentorship, and immersion in the agency culture.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at One South Wacker Dr, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606. This is a central business district location, offering accessibility and proximity to major city amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as fast-paced and collaborative, typical of an agency setting.
• Designers will have access to necessary design tools and technology, including industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite and PowerPoint.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with strategists, business leads, and other creative professionals are integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and supportive workspace.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). However, agency environments often require flexibility to meet client deadlines, which may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical pitch periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value placed on in-person collaboration, spontaneous idea generation, and team cohesion within the agency's new business efforts. This is common in creative roles where direct interaction and feedback are crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to involve multiple stages, designed to assess creative skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to ensure qualifications and creative alignment.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, discussing your design process, strategic approach, and key project outcomes. Be prepared to articulate your decisions and rationale.
• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or challenge, potentially involving a brief presentation or pitch deck creation scenario, to evaluate your design execution, problem-solving abilities, and speed under pressure.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, including strategists, business leaders, and possibly a Creative Director, to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the new business team.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase visual storytelling and presentation design. Prioritize work relevant to new business pitches, proposals, or case studies.
• Tell a Story: For each piece, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the problem you solved, your design process (including iterations and feedback incorporation), and the impact or outcome.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples of your strong typography, layout, color theory, brand consistency, and ability to simplify complex information.
• Showcase Tools: If possible, demonstrate proficiency in PowerPoint and mention any experience with Adobe Creative Suite or Figma.
• Be Prepared for Challenges: Anticipate being asked to critique existing designs, propose improvements, or even undertake a small, timed design task related to a hypothetical pitch.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Rise and Quad. Familiarize yourself with their services, client types, and recent work. Understand the role of a media agency in new business.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to be concise, engaging, and within a set time limit. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
• Design Exercise: If given a hypothetical pitch scenario, focus on understanding the core message, target audience, and desired outcome. Prioritize clarity and impact over excessive detail. Think about how to make complex information digestible and persuasive visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and a potential design challenge indicates that practical skills and the ability to articulate design strategy are critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their thought process and how their design choices support business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating compelling presentations and pitch decks. Proficiency with advanced features, slide masters, and graphic integration is expected.
• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and custom illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout of proposals, RFPs, and more complex document designs.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and asset preparation.
• Figma: Preferred but not required; experience with this collaborative design tool is a significant plus for modern agency workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this design role, an understanding of how visuals contribute to engagement metrics and client reporting dashboards can be beneficial. Familiarity with how data is presented visually in reports is a plus.

CRM & Automation: No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as requirements for this design role, as the focus is on creative output rather than operational workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in PowerPoint and the core Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) is non-negotiable. Figma is highlighted as a desirable skill, suggesting the agency may be adopting it or uses it for specific projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and bring fresh ideas to client pitches and presentations.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional partnership, and open communication to achieve shared goals.
• Data-Driven Approach: While this role is design-focused, understanding how data informs strategy and how visuals can represent data effectively is valued.
• Client-Centricity: A commitment to understanding client needs and delivering visually impactful solutions that drive business outcomes.
• Excellence & Polish: A dedication to producing high-quality, meticulously crafted work that reflects positively on the agency.
• Growth Mindset: A proactive approach to learning, skill development, and staying abreast of design trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration is key, working closely with strategists, business leads, and other creative specialists.
• The environment encourages giving and receiving feedback openly to iterate and improve designs.
• A culture of knowledge sharing and mutual support among team members is fostered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative freedom and strategic execution, with a strong collaborative spirit necessary for the high-stakes environment of new business development.

<h3>⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities</h3> **Challenges:** - **Translating Abstract Concepts:** The primary challenge is transforming complex, abstract strategies into clear, compelling, and persuasive visual narratives. - **Fast-Paced Environment:** Working under tight deadlines for multiple concurrent new business pitches requires excellent time management and the ability to perform under pressure. - **Balancing Creativity and Brand Consistency:** Maintaining both innovative design and strict adherence to client brand guidelines and agency standards can be demanding. - **Incorporating Feedback:** Effectively integrating diverse feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining design integrity and vision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Presentation Design: Opportunity to become an expert in advanced presentation design techniques and best practices.
• Exposure to Diverse Industries: Working on pitches for a wide range of clients within the media, commerce, and retail sectors.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced creatives, strategists, and business development professionals.
• Trend Awareness: Staying current with the latest design trends, software capabilities, and agency best practices.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance into senior design roles, art direction, or specialized areas within the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant learning curve in a high-pressure environment, offering substantial growth potential for those who excel at visual problem-solving and strategic communication.

<h3>💡 Interview Preparation</h3> **Strategy Questions:** - "How would you approach designing a pitch deck for a client in the [specific industry, e.g., e-commerce] sector, given limited brand assets?" (Assesses strategic thinking, problem-solving, and resourcefulness.) - "Describe your process for translating a complex strategic concept into a single, impactful visual." (Evaluates visual storytelling and simplification skills.) - "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" (Tests collaboration, communication, and negotiation skills.) - "What are your favorite design trends right now, and how might they be applied to new business pitches?" (Gauges industry awareness and creative application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Rise and Quad, and why are you interested in working with us?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a fast-paced agency setting?" (Evaluates teamwork and cultural fit.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design style to meet specific brand requirements." (Tests flexibility and client-centricity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio by project, starting with a brief overview of the client/objective, then your process, key design decisions, and final outcomes.
• Focus on the "Why": For each design choice, explain why you made it. How did it serve the strategy? How did it enhance the narrative?
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate that you don't just create pretty pictures, but that you have a thoughtful, iterative design process. Include sketches, mood boards, or early concepts if relevant.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a project led to a successful pitch or positive client feedback, mention it. Even for hypothetical projects, discuss the intended impact.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your narrative to be clear, energetic, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of how design serves business objectives, particularly in the context of winning new clients. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight your strongest visual storytelling and presentation design skills. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visuals relevant to agency new business.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords such as "Visual Design," "Presentation Design," "PowerPoint," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Visual Storytelling," and "Project Management." Quantify achievements where possible, especially related to design impact on pitches or proposals.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and strategic rationale for your portfolio pieces. Be ready to discuss your experience with PowerPoint and Adobe Creative Suite, and prepare for a potential design challenge. Research Rise and Quad thoroughly.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Rise's services, client types, and recent work. Understand Quad's broader offerings and how Rise fits into their ecosystem. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

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

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