WRL Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: WRL Graphic Designer Company: AusNet Location: Melbourne or Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Communications Support Date Posted: 2025-09-22 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategy for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project, a significant infrastructure initiative in Victoria's energy transition.
• Translate complex technical information and project details into clear, accessible, and engaging visual assets for diverse stakeholder groups, including landholders and the community.
• Ensure all design outputs adhere strictly to WRL and AusNet brand guidelines, maintaining visual consistency across all project communications.
• Collaborate closely with communications, stakeholder engagement, and technical teams to effectively convey project information through compelling graphic design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not directly in Revenue or Sales Operations, it plays a crucial supporting role in GTM (Go-To-Market) communications for a major project, influencing stakeholder perception and engagement. The emphasis on clarity, accessibility, and brand consistency is vital for successful project outreach and public relations, which indirectly supports business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of digital and print materials, including fact sheets, infographics, presentations, signage, social media graphics, and landholder collateral.
• Collaborate with communications advisors, engagement leads, and technical experts to translate complex project content into accessible and visually compelling formats.
• Ensure all visual communications are aligned with WRL and AusNet brand guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional brand identity.
• Support the development and ongoing maintenance of WRL design templates and a library of visual assets for efficient content creation.
• Assist with the layout and formatting of various project documentation, such as reports, newsletters, and other critical project communications.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to ensure timely delivery and meticulous attention to detail.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of visual communication tools, processes, and best practices within the project team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong project management skills in handling multiple design deliverables for a large-scale project. The emphasis on translating "complex content" suggests a requirement for analytical thinking and the ability to simplify technical information visually, a key skill in operations-adjacent roles that bridge technical and business communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Tertiary qualifications in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a graphic design role.
• Demonstrated experience in designing for large-scale projects, ideally within the infrastructure, government, or community engagement sectors.
• Proven ability to manage multiple design projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expertise in creating compelling visual assets for both digital and print media.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop is essential for all design tasks.
• Portfolio Excellence: A strong and comprehensive portfolio showcasing high-quality, engaging, and accessible design work is mandatory.
• Brand Management: Ability to strictly adhere to and implement brand guidelines for consistency and professional representation.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and polish in all outputs.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Information Translation: Skill in translating complex or technical information into easily understandable visual formats.
• Digital & Print Design: Experience in designing for a variety of platforms, including web, social media, and print publications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles to ensure broad audience reach.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or digital asset management (DAM) systems.
• Basic understanding of the energy sector or major infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite are standard for design roles. However, the emphasis on "accessibility," "inclusivity," and translating "complex content" points towards a need for analytical and strategic thinking beyond pure aesthetics, aligning with operational efficiency and clear communication goals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Communication Case Studies: Showcase projects demonstrating the ability to translate complex information (e.g., technical data, project scope, community impact) into clear and engaging visual narratives.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Provide examples of how brand guidelines were applied effectively across various collateral types to maintain a unified project identity.
• Cross-Platform Design Samples: Include a diverse range of work for both digital (social media, web graphics, infographics) and print (brochures, reports, signage) formats.
• Accessibility Focus: Highlight any projects where accessibility standards were a key consideration, demonstrating an understanding of inclusive design principles.
• Project Impact Demonstration: Where possible, illustrate the impact of your design work, such as increased engagement or improved understanding of project details.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, including how they manage project briefs, iterate on designs, gather feedback, and ensure final delivery meets project requirements.
• Demonstrate an understanding of version control and asset management for design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting a major project like WRL, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic quality but also the strategic application of design to achieve communication objectives. This includes clarity, accessibility, and adherence to brand standards, mirroring the importance of process adherence and clear communication in operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers in Melbourne/Ballarat, Victoria, with 5+ years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between AUD $75,000 - $95,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the complexity of the project, the required skill set, and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Access to hybrid work arrangements and flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
• Generous Leave: More than standard personal leave, plus 14 weeks of paid parental leave with no minimum service requirement.
• Community Giving: One paid day per year to volunteer with their social impact partner, Foodbank, or another chosen cause.
• Comprehensive Perks: Includes options for purchased leave, income protection insurance, novated leasing, corporate discounts, and private health cover discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility in scheduling as per the company's benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are quite attractive and focus on employee well-being and work-life integration, which is a strong selling point. The salary estimate is based on general market data; candidates should confirm the exact salary during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Infrastructure / Utilities. AusNet is a key player in Victoria's energy transmission and distribution network, critical for the state's energy security and its transition to renewable energy sources. Company Size: AusNet is a large organization, indicated by its significant role in state-wide infrastructure and its diverse employee benefits. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for professional development. Founded: AusNet's history as an energy provider in Victoria dates back many years, with its current structure evolving through various stages of energy sector reform. This long-standing presence implies a stable, established company with deep roots in the community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Communications, Stakeholder & Industry Engagement team, working within the broader Western Renewables Link (WRL) project.
• This team likely includes communications advisors, stakeholder engagement specialists, and project managers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on outreach and information dissemination.
• The designer will report to a Communications Lead or Manager, with close collaboration expected across various project workstreams and technical departments.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "genuine people working together making Real. Progress," suggesting a collaborative and results-oriented approach.
• Expect a focus on data-driven decision-making where applicable, though this role is more creative. The emphasis on "clear, accessible visuals" implies a methodical approach to content simplification and design execution.
• Processes will likely involve project brief intake, collaborative design reviews, stakeholder feedback loops, and adherence to brand and project communication strategies.

Company Website: https://www.ausnetservices.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: AusNet's positioning as a leader in the clean energy transition is a strong cultural driver. The company culture appears to value collaboration, employee well-being, and making a tangible impact, which is appealing to professionals seeking purposeful work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a specialist individual contributor position at a mid-to-senior level within the communications function. While not a direct operations role, it requires operational excellence in design execution, project management of deliverables, and adherence to processes. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Communications, Stakeholder & Industry Engagement team. They will likely work closely with project managers, engineers, and stakeholder engagement leads, providing them with visual assets. Operations Impact: The designer's impact is on the effectiveness of project communications. High-quality, clear visuals can improve stakeholder understanding, facilitate smoother engagement, enhance brand perception, and contribute to the overall success of the WRL project by ensuring information is accessible and engaging. This indirectly supports the project's operational goals by fostering positive stakeholder relationships and clear communication channels.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in visual communication for major infrastructure projects and the energy sector.
• Skill Development: Gain experience in translating highly technical information into accessible visual formats, a transferable skill.
• Project Exposure: Contribute to one of Victoria's largest infrastructure projects, offering significant portfolio enhancement and industry experience.
• Broader Communications: Potential to move into broader communications roles or take on more complex design challenges within AusNet or similar organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a design role, the context of a large, complex project means there are opportunities to develop skills in process management, stakeholder communication, and understanding the operational nuances of large-scale project delivery from a communication perspective.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Melbourne or Ballarat, suggesting a hybrid work model. This implies a mix of working from a physical office and remotely, allowing for flexibility. Office Location(s): Melbourne and Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

• Melbourne: Likely a modern office space in a central business district or accessible commercial area, offering collaborative workspaces and amenities.
• Ballarat: Potentially a regional office, providing a different working environment and access to local community engagement activities related to the project.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid nature suggests a blend of focused individual work (likely remote) and collaborative team sessions (in-office).
• Expect access to standard office technology and design software. Collaboration will involve team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design reviews, both in person and virtually.
• The team environment is described as "purpose-driven" and with "genuine people," indicating a supportive and collaborative culture.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week).
• The hybrid model and emphasis on flexibility suggest that specific daily schedules can be arranged to accommodate personal needs, provided project deliverables are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature, offering a balance that many professionals seek. The company's emphasis on flexibility suggests a mature approach to work management, focusing on outcomes rather than strict hours, which is a positive sign for work-life integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a link to your portfolio.
• Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio against requirements.
• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager or a senior member of the communications team to assess skills, experience, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your design process, experience with similar projects, and ability to handle complex information.
• Portfolio Review/Presentation: A dedicated session where you'll walk through your portfolio, explaining your design choices, process, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss specific case studies relevant to the role's responsibilities.
• Second Interview (Potential): May involve meeting other key stakeholders or team members from the WRL project.
• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, portfolio, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging visuals for diverse audiences. Prioritize projects relevant to infrastructure, community engagement, or large-scale initiatives.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Accessibility: If applicable, explicitly discuss how you incorporated accessibility and inclusivity into your designs.
• Showcase Brand Adherence: Demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines, showing examples of consistent application across different collateral.
• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud tools and any other relevant design software.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal design challenge isn't explicitly mentioned, be prepared for hypothetical scenarios during interviews. For example, "How would you design an infographic to explain the environmental impact of a transmission line?" or "How would you approach designing collateral for a community consultation event?"
• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your visual solutions meet communication objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical step. Candidates should treat it as a presentation of their capabilities, focusing on problem-solving and strategic thinking behind their design choices, rather than just showcasing aesthetics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Adobe InDesign: Essential for layout and design of print collateral like brochures, reports, and fact sheets.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and infographics.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics for social media and web.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Likely required for integration with Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and general document formatting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how visuals perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics) might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with how design assets are managed and distributed within project management or communication platforms could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are standard for graphic design. The emphasis on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop highlights the need for deep technical skill in these applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven Work: A strong emphasis on contributing to Victoria's clean energy future and essential community services.
• Collaboration: Working together with "genuine people" to achieve project goals, fostering a team-oriented environment.
• Progress & Impact: A focus on making "Real. Progress" and delivering tangible outcomes through effective communication and design.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: Celebrating unique voices and perspectives, encouraged through social events and employee networks.
• Efficiency: While not explicitly stated as an "operations" value, the need for clear, timely, and brand-aligned design implies an underlying value for efficient and effective communication processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with communications advisors, stakeholder engagement teams, and technical experts is central to the role.
• Feedback-Oriented: Expect a process of design reviews and feedback loops to ensure alignment and quality.
• Team Support: The culture appears supportive, encouraging employees to bring their best and make an impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of purpose, collaboration, and individual contribution. For a designer, this means being comfortable working within a team structure while also delivering independent, high-quality creative work that supports broader project objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be taking highly technical or complex project information and simplifying it into visually understandable and engaging formats for a non-technical audience.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the design needs and feedback from various internal teams (communications, technical, engagement) on a large project.
• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Maintaining visual consistency across a vast array of collateral under project-specific branding.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality design work under tight deadlines typical of major infrastructure projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Specialization: Gaining deep experience in visual communication for the energy sector and major infrastructure projects.
• Advanced Design Skills: Enhancing skills in infographics, data visualization, and complex layout design.
• Stakeholder Communication: Improving skills in communicating design rationale and managing feedback from diverse stakeholders.
• Project Management for Creatives: Developing better project management and time-management skills within a project-driven context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for creative roles supporting large projects. The growth opportunities lie in developing specialized industry knowledge and honing project-specific communication and design management skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing an infographic that explains a complex technical concept." Focus on your steps from brief to final delivery, including research, ideation, drafting, and refinement.
• Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Brand Adherence: "How do you ensure your designs remain consistent with brand guidelines while still being creative and engaging?" Discuss your approach to understanding and applying brand rules.
• Portfolio Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss the specific challenges, design choices, and outcomes of projects featured in your portfolio. Quantify impact where possible.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research AusNet's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly the Western Renewables Link. Understand their role in Victoria's energy transition.
• Consider how your personal values align with AusNet's stated values (e.g., collaboration, purpose, progress).
• Think about how you would contribute to a "purpose-driven team" and what "making Real. Progress" means to you in a design context.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or impact. For each key project, have a brief narrative prepared covering:
  • The Challenge: What was the client's problem or objective?
  • Your Solution: What was your design approach and why?
  • The Process: Key steps you took, tools used, and any iterations.
  • The Outcome: What was the result or impact of your design?
• Visuals: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and clean layouts.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a strategic understanding of how design supports broader project and business objectives. Emphasize clarity, accessibility, and problem-solving in your responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AusNet jobs portal. Ensure your resume and a link to your online portfolio are included.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible visuals, especially for infrastructure or community-focused initiatives.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and your years of experience, with specific examples of relevant design work.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AusNet's mission, values, and the specifics of the Western Renewables Link project to articulate your interest and fit during interviews.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to brand consistency, and how you handle feedback, preparing specific examples from your portfolio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description is based on the provided information and industry standards for graphic design roles. Specific details regarding responsibilities, team dynamics, and interview processes should be confirmed directly with AusNet during the application and interview stages.