Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: DAS Companies, Inc.

Location: Palmyra, PA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating strategic marketing objectives into compelling visual assets across both print and digital channels, ensuring brand consistency and consumer engagement.

• The Junior Graphic Designer will manage multiple creative projects from inception to completion, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities within a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration is key, as this position involves working closely with internal teams such as Marketing Communications, Sales, and Purchasing to understand project needs and deliver effective design solutions.

• A critical aspect of this role is acting as a brand steward, meticulously upholding brand standards and quality across all design deliverables to reinforce brand identity and support business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes a broad scope of responsibilities including project management, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor management, suggesting a role that offers significant learning opportunities and a chance to contribute meaningfully to the creative output of the company. The mention of "path-to-purchase" and "retail communications" indicates a focus on consumer-facing materials that drive sales.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative design concepts for a wide range of print and digital marketing materials, including retail communications, brand identity elements, packaging designs, and digital content, ensuring all materials are clear, engaging, and consumer-focused.

• Independently manage the end-to-end lifecycle of creative projects, from initial kickoff and concept development through final production, effectively balancing multiple concurrent assignments, deadlines, and evolving priorities.

• Partner cross-functionally with internal teams (Marketing Communications, Sales, Purchasing) and subject matter experts to thoroughly define project needs, objectives, and technical specifications, distilling complex information into clear creative briefs and effective visual solutions.

• Serve as a dedicated brand steward, ensuring strict adherence to established brand standards, maintaining messaging consistency, and upholding the highest quality in the design, proofing, and production of all marketing collateral and assets.

• Effectively present creative concepts, design rationale, and strategic recommendations to key internal stakeholders, actively incorporating feedback to maintain alignment with project goals and overarching brand objectives.

• Manage relationships with external vendors and creative partners as needed, ensuring timely delivery and quality output, and contribute to the ongoing development and continuous improvement of creative workflows and operational processes.

• Proactively research and stay current on emerging design trends, new tools, and relevant market developments, applying these insights to continuously evolve design strategies, approaches, and tactical execution.

• Share knowledge, best practices, and creative insights with fellow team members and perform other assigned duties to support the Creative Services department's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and project management, typical for a junior role that is expected to grow. The emphasis on "distill complex information" and "effective creative solutions" points to a need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied through design. The inclusion of "vendor management" suggests a level of responsibility beyond pure design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Media Design, Digital Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 1-2+ years of professional experience in a design role, preferably within an agency environment or a comparable fast-paced creative department. Experience with wide-format printing, digital media creation, and video production is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, image manipulation, creative ideation, concept development, and 2D prototyping across both digital and print media.

• Advanced working knowledge and hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Practical understanding of packaging and print production processes, including knowledge of CMYK color modes, bleeds, trims, and production specifications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and professionally to diverse stakeholders.

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design work and project documentation.

• Practical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Proactive, results-driven mindset with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team structure.

• Strong alignment with company values, including a customer-first mindset, teamwork, a positive attitude, and personal passion for design. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of Adobe Premiere and After Effects for video editing and motion graphics.

• Familiarity with wide-format printing processes and digital media creation techniques.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital design.

• Experience working with e-commerce platforms or retail marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design software and print production knowledge, which is standard for graphic design roles. The preferred skills, particularly Premiere and After Effects, along with wide-format printing and digital media creation, suggest the company utilizes a diverse range of media and is looking for a candidate who can grow into supporting these areas. The emphasis on "results-driven" and "customer-first mindset" indicates a commercial orientation for the design function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects that demonstrate a strong command of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout across both print and digital mediums.

• Projects should highlight experience with brand identity development, packaging design, retail communications, and digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, web banners).

• For each project, include a brief case study outlining the client's objective, your role in the project, the design process followed, challenges encountered, and the final outcome or impact.

• Showcase examples of creative ideation and concept development, illustrating your ability to translate briefs into innovative design solutions.

• Include examples that demonstrate an understanding of print production requirements, such as mockups with clear indications of die-lines, bleeds, or specific print finishes, if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly, from initial brief interpretation and research to concept development, client feedback incorporation, and final file preparation for production.

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage project timelines, prioritize tasks, and collaborate with stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

• Demonstrate an understanding of brand stewardship and how you ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across multiple projects and deliverables.

• Familiarity with file management best practices for design assets, including naming conventions and folder structures, will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. The requirements focus not just on the final output but also on the candidate's ability to articulate their thought process, project management skills, and understanding of production realities. This indicates the company values a structured approach to design and expects candidates to be able to "show their work" in a comprehensive manner.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (Estimated)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options, including PPO and QHDHP plans with HSA eligibility. Vision coverage is provided free for employee-only enrollment.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: A robust retirement savings option to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays: Generous time off to promote work-life balance and recognize public holidays.

• Company-Paid Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: Basic coverage provided, with options for additional voluntary coverage for employees and dependents.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Both Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA options are available to help manage pre-tax expenses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential, professional resources and support for personal and work-related needs.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Junior Graphic Designers in the Pennsylvania region with 0-2 years of experience, considering the company's industry (wholesale distribution, manufacturing) and size. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with standard offerings for full-time employees in the US, with specific details provided that add value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wholesale Distribution, Manufacturing, and Related Services (primarily automotive aftermarket, RV, and powersports). DAS Companies, Inc. operates as a significant player in providing distribution and manufacturing services for a broad range of consumer and commercial products.

Company Size: DAS Companies, Inc. is a medium-to-large enterprise. While specific employee numbers fluctuate, they are known to employ several hundred individuals across various divisions and locations, indicating a stable and established organization with opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: Founded in the 1970s and incorporated in 1981, DAS Companies, Inc. boasts a long history and a strong family heritage, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. This blend suggests a company that values tradition and stability while remaining agile and innovative.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Services team likely operates as a centralized function, supporting various business units. It is headed by a Sr. Graphic Designer, indicating a clear reporting line and mentorship structure for the Junior Graphic Designer.

• This team collaborates closely with Marketing Communications, Sales, and Purchasing departments, suggesting a highly integrated and cross-functional operational environment.

• The structure implies a dynamic where design is not isolated but is a critical component of broader business strategies. Methodology:

• The company's operations likely emphasize efficiency, quality control, and customer satisfaction, given its manufacturing and distribution focus.

• In the Creative Services team, this translates to a process-driven approach for project management, brand consistency, and delivering marketing materials that directly support sales and consumer engagement.

• Data-driven decision-making might be employed in marketing, with design playing a role in visualizing and communicating insights derived from sales and market data.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and long history suggest a stable environment with a focus on tangible products and business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) market engagement. The "family heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and stewardship commitment" indicates a company culture that may value loyalty, community involvement (e.g., Brittany's Hope), and a results-oriented yet people-centric approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Junior Graphic Designer position is entry-level, designed for individuals with foundational design education and 1-2 years of practical experience. It represents a crucial stepping stone for aspiring designers to build their professional portfolio and gain diverse industry exposure.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Sr. Graphic Designer. This provides a clear mentorship path, with opportunities for hands-on guidance, skill development, and direct feedback from an experienced professional within the design field. This structure is typical for junior roles in creative departments.

Operations Impact: As a Junior Graphic Designer, the impact is primarily through the creation of effective visual assets that support marketing campaigns, product launches, and sales initiatives. High-quality design contributes to brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, drives sales by making products and promotions more appealing and understandable. The role contributes to the efficiency of marketing efforts by ensuring brand consistency and clear communication.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as packaging, wide-format printing, digital media, or motion graphics through hands-on project experience and potential training.

• Career Advancement: Potential to progress to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or specialized roles (e.g., Packaging Designer, Digital Designer) within DAS Companies, Inc. or its affiliated entities.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with various departments, understanding different business functions, and how design integrates into broader company strategies.

• Mentorship: Benefit from direct guidance and knowledge transfer from the Sr. Graphic Designer, fostering professional development and learning industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential is framed around building core design competencies and gaining exposure to different facets of the business. The emphasis is on developing a strong foundational skillset that can lead to more specialized or senior roles within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is located at the company's facility in Palmyra, PA. This suggests an on-site work environment within a corporate or industrial setting, typical for companies involved in manufacturing and distribution. The presence of physical production and operational teams implies a dynamic, real-world application of design work.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 724 Lawn Rd, Palmyra, PA 17078. This is a specific physical address, indicating a non-remote position.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely a dedicated area within the Creative Services department, equipped with standard design workstations and software.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with opportunities to interact with the Sr. Graphic Designer, marketing teams, sales representatives, and purchasing agents. This fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and ensures design solutions are practical and aligned with business needs.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided, enabling the designer to execute their tasks efficiently.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are Monday through Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. This provides a consistent schedule, allowing for predictable work-life balance while engaging in the core responsibilities of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role implies a traditional office environment within a larger operational facility. This setting can offer unique advantages, such as direct interaction with product samples or production processes, which can inform design decisions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios to assess foundational design skills, relevant experience, and alignment with job requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and problem-solving approaches for selected pieces. This may be followed by technical questions related to design software and production.

• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with members of the marketing, sales, or purchasing teams to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of business objectives, and ability to translate marketing needs into design solutions.

• Final Interview: Typically with the Sr. Graphic Designer and potentially a hiring manager or department head to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and confirm overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to DAS Companies' industry (e.g., consumer goods, automotive aftermarket, retail). Highlight versatility across print, digital, and packaging if applicable.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools used, your specific contribution, and the positive outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%," "supported a successful product launch").

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to walk through your workflow, from brief to final delivery. This shows your organizational skills and critical thinking.

• Highlight Brand Stewardship: Show examples where you've successfully adhered to or developed brand guidelines, emphasizing your understanding of brand consistency.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your comfort level with specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and any experience with video or wide-format printing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a concept for a new product label, a social media graphic, or a small print ad based on a given brief.

• Focus on quickly understanding the brief, brainstorming relevant concepts, and presenting a clear, concise visual solution, even if it's a rough concept.

• Practice articulating your design choices and how they align with the objective and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes not only creative talent but also the ability to integrate design into business objectives and collaborate effectively. A strong portfolio that tells a story and demonstrates a structured process is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop (image editing, manipulation), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, page design for print and digital).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Practical proficiency in Word (document creation), Excel (basic data handling, reporting), and PowerPoint (presentations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this junior role, familiarity with how design impacts metrics like click-through rates, engagement, or conversion is beneficial. Basic understanding of how design elements are tracked in digital marketing platforms is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but an understanding of how marketing materials are deployed through these systems (e.g., email marketing platforms, social media schedulers) is advantageous. Other Potential Tools:

• Adobe Premiere Pro & After Effects: Working knowledge is preferred, indicating potential use for basic video editing or motion graphics.

• Wide Format Printing Software/Printers: Familiarity with the technical aspects of preparing files for large-format printing.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Basic understanding of how design assets are stored and retrieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is centered around the Adobe Creative Suite, which is standard for graphic designers. The preference for Premiere and After Effects, alongside wide-format printing experience, suggests the company utilizes a diverse range of creative outputs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-First Mindset: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the needs of both internal stakeholders (sales, marketing) and external customers through effective design solutions.

• Teamwork: Collaboration is highly valued, with an expectation that designers work cohesively with the Sr. Graphic Designer and other departments to achieve shared goals.

• Positive Attitude: A proactive and optimistic approach to challenges and daily tasks is encouraged, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

• Personal Passion: The company seeks individuals who are genuinely enthusiastic about design and their craft, bringing energy and dedication to their work.

• Stewardship: Reflecting the company's broader commitment, this can translate to a sense of responsibility for brand integrity and quality in design output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to actively engage with marketing, sales, and purchasing teams, participating in discussions to understand project requirements and provide creative input.

• Feedback Exchange: An open environment for giving and receiving constructive feedback on design work is implied, essential for iterative design processes and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: The team culture likely encourages sharing design techniques, industry insights, and best practices to elevate the collective skill level of the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values suggest a culture that is both professional and people-oriented, with a strong focus on achieving business objectives through collaborative effort. This is a positive sign for a junior role where learning and integration are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing and prioritizing a diverse workload with competing deadlines is a primary challenge for junior designers in a fast-paced environment.

• Translating Business Needs into Design: The challenge of distilling complex marketing or sales objectives into clear, compelling, and on-brand visual communications requires strong interpretive and creative problem-solving skills.

• Adhering to Brand Standards: Consistently maintaining brand identity and messaging across a wide array of deliverables while also pushing creative boundaries can be a delicate balance.

• Learning New Technologies/Processes: Staying current with evolving design tools and adapting to specific company workflows, such as those for wide-format printing or video production, presents ongoing learning opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Direct involvement in a variety of design projects across different media (print, digital, packaging) provides invaluable practical experience.

• Mentorship from Senior Designer: Direct guidance, feedback, and skill-sharing from an experienced professional is a significant growth opportunity.

• Exposure to Diverse Industries: Working with DAS Companies' product lines (automotive aftermarket, RV, powersports) offers exposure to different market segments and their unique design requirements.

• Potential for Training: Opportunities for specialized training in areas like motion graphics, advanced print production, or digital design tools may arise based on business needs and individual development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a junior role but are framed as opportunities for growth and skill development, particularly through mentorship and diverse project exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering final assets. How do you ensure you meet project objectives and deadlines?" (Focus on your structured approach, project management, and communication.)

• "How do you approach translating a marketing or sales objective into a visual design concept?" (Highlight your ability to understand business goals and translate them creatively.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing priorities. How did you handle it?" (Prepare a specific example demonstrating prioritization and time management skills.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design projects and media?" (Discuss your understanding of brand guidelines and your methods for maintaining them.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DAS Companies and our industry?" (Research the company's products, history, and mission. Show genuine interest.)

• "How do you align with our company values of customer-first, teamwork, positive attitude, and personal passion?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with team members." (Emphasize collaboration, communication, and a proactive attitude.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best represent your skills and are most relevant to DAS Companies' business (e.g., consumer packaging, retail graphics, digital ads for products).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: The Client/Objective, Your Role, The Challenge, Your Solution (Design Process), and The Outcome/Impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, design choices, and understanding of print production.

• Showcase Versatility: If possible, include examples of both print and digital work to demonstrate your range.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure you are concise, confident, and can clearly articulate your design thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also an understanding of how design serves business goals, a collaborative spirit, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Resume and Portfolio: Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience and skills, and your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and showcases your best work. Tailor your portfolio to include examples relevant to DAS Companies' industry if possible.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in the role, how your skills and experience align with the job requirements, and why you are a good cultural fit for DAS Companies. Mention your enthusiasm for their industry or company mission.

• Prepare to Discuss Your Process: Be ready to articulate your design workflow, from concept to final delivery, and how you manage projects and collaborate with stakeholders.

• Research DAS Companies: Familiarize yourself with their products, brands, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their industry (automotive aftermarket, RV, powersports) to better align your design thinking and interview responses.

• Practice Your Portfolio Presentation: Rehearse walking through your selected portfolio pieces, focusing on clear communication of your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

⚠️ 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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