Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Dean Dorton

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 21, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (1-3 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the firm's brand presence through the creation of engaging, high-quality visual content across both digital and print platforms.

• Collaborates closely with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager and other internal teams to develop design assets that align with Dean Dorton’s established visual identity.

• Contributes to external marketing initiatives and internal communications by producing visually compelling and brand-consistent materials.

• Ideal for a detail-oriented and creative designer eager to learn, grow, and contribute fresh ideas within a collaborative professional services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the description implies a role that bridges creative design with marketing operations functions, particularly in maintaining brand consistency and supporting marketing campaigns. The emphasis on digital platforms, social media, and internal communications suggests a need for an understanding of how design integrates into broader GTM and internal enablement strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a variety of marketing collateral, including brochures, presentations, social media graphics, event signage, and advertisements, ensuring brand guideline adherence.

• Create visual assets for digital platforms such as the company website, email marketing campaigns, and internal newsletters to enhance engagement and information dissemination.

• Maintain a consistent visual identity across all design outputs by strictly following and contributing to the evolution of Dean Dorton’s brand guidelines.

• Assist with video, photography, and multimedia projects, offering creative input and design support as needed to enrich content offerings.

• Collaborate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders to thoroughly understand creative briefs, project requirements, and desired outcomes.

• Receive, process, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and the Senior Marketing Brand Manager into design iterations to achieve optimal results.

• Balance multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while upholding high standards of quality and creativity.

• Partner with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager to actively contribute to the evolution and consistent application of the firm's brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Organize and maintain design files, templates, and brand assets in a systematic manner to ensure easy team-wide access and efficient workflow.

• Proactively research and learn new design tools, emerging trends, and innovative techniques to continuously improve design capabilities and output.

• Support firmwide employee communications and internal initiatives by developing visually appealing and informative assets that foster engagement and clarity.

• Participate actively in marketing team meetings, contributing to process improvement discussions and brainstorming sessions for new campaign ideas and creative strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are structured around technical design execution, behavioral collaboration, and non-chargeable contributions to the marketing function's efficiency and growth. This structure highlights the expectation of proactive engagement and contribution beyond just fulfilling assigned design tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree, demonstrating a strong portfolio of design work. Experience:

• 1–3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a preference for experience gained within a marketing department, advertising agency, or a corporate environment.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality results under deadline pressure. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Strong foundational knowledge and practical application of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop, essential for creating professional marketing collateral and digital assets.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Proven ability to understand and meticulously apply brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency and brand integrity across all design outputs.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, receive constructive feedback, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, organize digital files, and maintain project workflows efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Video/Motion Graphics: Familiarity with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) and/or motion graphics tools (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for creating dynamic visual content.

• Digital Marketing Design: Understanding of design best practices for digital marketing platforms, including social media graphics, email templates, and web banners.

• Lightweight Design Platforms: Experience with tools like Canva for quick design tasks or for empowering non-designers with branded templates.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with project management software such as Asana or Monday.com for task tracking and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical proficiency in core design software and principles, while preferred skills point towards a desire for a designer who can contribute to a wider range of multimedia and digital marketing efforts, aligning with modern GTM needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Brand Consistency: Showcase examples of projects where you successfully maintained and applied brand guidelines across various collateral types.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include at least one project that illustrates your ability to identify a design challenge, propose a solution, and demonstrate the positive impact (e.g., increased engagement, clearer communication) through your design work.

• Systematic File Management: Briefly describe your approach to organizing design files, templates, and assets to ensure efficient retrieval and collaboration, perhaps with a screenshot example if feasible.

• Digital vs. Print Execution: Present a mix of digital assets (social media, web graphics) and print collateral (brochures, presentations) to demonstrate versatility.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process from brief to final delivery, including steps for client communication, feedback incorporation, and file preparation.

• Template Utilization and Creation: Highlight experience in using existing design templates and, if applicable, creating new ones to streamline future design efforts.

• Asset Management Strategy: Discuss how you approach organizing and cataloging design assets for long-term use and accessibility by a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The emphasis here is on showcasing not just aesthetic capabilities but also an understanding of process, brand integrity, and efficiency, which are key in a corporate marketing operations context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Junior Graphic Designer with 1-3 years of experience in Raleigh, North Carolina, the estimated salary range is between $50,000 - $65,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Raleigh and the typical compensation for roles requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and supporting marketing functions within professional services firms. Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedules & Environment: Offers adaptability to balance personal needs with professional responsibilities.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO to support work-life balance and personal rejuvenation.

• Comprehensive Leave Programs: Paid family leave, medical leave, and maternity/paternity leave programs to support employees during significant life events.

• Retirement Benefits: Robust retirement savings plan including a best-in-class employer match and automatic profit sharing, contributing to long-term financial security.

• Health & Wellness: Telemedicine services, mental health resources, and wellness program reimbursements to support overall employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility in scheduling, aligning with the firm's hybrid work model and emphasis on work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on available data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The benefits listed are comprehensive and reflect a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security, which are important considerations for attracting and retaining talent in the professional services industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Certified Public Accounting, Business Advisory, Technology Solutions). Dean Dorton operates within a highly competitive and client-focused sector where trust, expertise, and reliability are paramount. The firm positions itself as a partner in client success, emphasizing innovation and data-driven strategies.

Company Size: The exact employee count isn't specified, but Dean Dorton is described as a "leading professional services firm," suggesting a mid-to-large size organization with multiple offices and a significant client base. This size implies structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the description of "spanning certified public accounting, business advisory, and technology solutions" indicates a company that has likely evolved and expanded its service offerings over time, suggesting a history of adaptation and growth.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team Size & Specialization: The marketing team is described as playing a "critical role in driving growth, visibility, and strategic positioning." It appears to be a dedicated function within the firm, likely comprising specialists in areas such as brand management, content creation, digital marketing, and event support. The Junior Graphic Designer will work closely with a Senior Marketing Brand Manager.

• Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Marketing Brand Manager, indicating a clear line of management and mentorship within the marketing department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly requires collaboration across various internal teams to understand their creative needs and develop relevant visual assets. This suggests a culture where marketing supports different business units and initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly a data analysis role for the designer, the firm's overall emphasis on "data-driven strategies" suggests that marketing efforts, including design, should be informed by an understanding of what resonates with clients and drives business outcomes.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The "Non-Charge" responsibilities specifically mention contributing to the "efficiency and innovation of the marketing function" and "process improvements," indicating a culture that values optimizing operational workflows.

• Automation & Efficiency: The mention of organizing assets and learning new tools points towards an appreciation for efficiency and potentially leveraging technology to streamline marketing processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by core values of Integrity, Relationships, Collaboration, and Growth. These values are critical for understanding how the marketing team operates and how individual contributions are perceived. The "professional services firm" context is vital, implying a need for design that is sophisticated, professional, and client-centric, rather than purely avant-garde.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to junior position within the Marketing Operations and Creative Services function. It is designed for individuals with foundational design skills and some professional experience who are looking to develop their expertise in a corporate environment. The role focuses on executing design tasks under guidance while contributing to broader marketing goals.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Marketing Brand Manager. This provides a clear mentorship path and opportunities to learn advanced brand management and marketing strategy from an experienced professional.

Operations Impact: The Junior Graphic Designer's impact is primarily through enhancing the firm's brand perception and communication effectiveness. High-quality visual content can:

• Improve brand recognition and recall across digital and print channels.

• Increase engagement rates on social media and in email campaigns.

• Clarify complex information in presentations and brochures, aiding client understanding.

• Contribute to a professional and cohesive image that reinforces the firm's credibility and expertise.

• Support internal communications, fostering a stronger company culture and employee alignment. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, gain experience with video and motion graphics, and learn about digital marketing design best practices.

• Brand Expertise: Develop a comprehensive understanding of brand management, visual identity systems, and their application within a professional services context.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various marketing initiatives and collaborate with different departments, broadening understanding of business needs and communication strategies.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or specialized roles (e.g., Digital Designer, Brand Specialist) within the marketing team or the broader firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Junior Graphic Designer in a firm like Dean Dorton typically involves mastering core design skills, understanding the nuances of corporate branding, and gradually taking on more complex projects and strategic input. The "Non-Charge" responsibilities specifically highlight opportunities for proactive learning and contribution, which are key indicators for growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests that while flexibility is offered, there's an expectation of in-person collaboration, team meetings, and access to office resources on designated days.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Raleigh, North Carolina. Occasional travel to other Dean Dorton offices or events may be required, indicating a need for adaptability and willingness to travel as business needs dictate.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration suggest a workspace designed to facilitate both focused individual work and interactive team sessions. Expect opportunities to engage with colleagues in person.

• Operations Tools & Technology: The role will have access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and likely project management tools. The firm's focus on technology solutions suggests a modern and well-equipped IT infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager and other marketing team members, as well as cross-functional colleagues, will occur both in the office and potentially through virtual collaboration tools.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week. The hybrid nature and the mention of "Flexible work schedules and environment" suggest that while core hours may exist for collaboration, there's a degree of autonomy in managing personal schedules, provided deliverables are met and team needs are accommodated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. It implies a need for self-discipline and effective time management, both for remote tasks and for scheduled in-office collaboration days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience alignment. Be prepared to discuss your design background and interest in Dean Dorton.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio. Be ready to walk through 2-3 of your strongest projects, explaining your design process, creative choices, challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on projects that demonstrate brand consistency, adaptability, and problem-solving.

• Behavioral & Technical Interviews: Expect questions related to your collaboration style, how you handle feedback, your understanding of brand identity, and your technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Prepare examples that align with Dean Dorton's core values (Integrity, Relationships, Collaboration, Growth).

• Meet the Team: You may have an opportunity to meet with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager and potentially other marketing team members or stakeholders to assess cultural fit and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a marketing leader or HR to discuss role expectations, compensation, and answer any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to a professional services firm. Include examples of marketing collateral, digital assets, and any work demonstrating brand application.

• Process-Oriented Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your design approach, the tools used, challenges encountered, and the results or impact of your design. Emphasize problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Showcase your ability to work within established brand guidelines. If you've contributed to evolving a brand, explain that process.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased social media engagement, higher click-through rates), highlight these achievements.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear descriptions and high-quality images.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a small design task or a hypothetical scenario to test your creative thinking and execution under a time constraint. This could involve creating a social media graphic, a simple ad, or a presentation slide.

• Brand Application: Be prepared to apply brand guidelines to a new concept or critique an existing design based on brand principles.

• Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively for design challenges. Focus on delivering a complete, well-executed piece rather than an overly complex one.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role heavily relies on the portfolio. Providing specific advice on how to present that portfolio, focusing on process and impact, is crucial for candidates. The "Non-Charge" responsibilities also suggest that interviewers will probe for proactivity and a willingness to contribute beyond the core design tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • InDesign: For layout design of brochures, presentations, and other print/digital collateral. Expect to create and edit multi-page documents.
  • Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations. Essential for scalable assets.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, retouching, and creating web graphics.

• Video Editing & Motion Graphics (Preferred):

  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For basic video editing, assembly, and output.
  • Adobe After Effects: For creating motion graphics, animations, and visual effects for digital content.

• Lightweight Design Platforms:

  • Canva: For quick design tasks, template-based creation, or potentially empowering non-designers with branded assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for the designer, familiarity with how design impacts digital marketing metrics (e.g., engagement rates on social media graphics, click-through rates on banner ads) is beneficial. Understanding how to export assets optimized for web and email is key. CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: Crucial for creating client presentations and internal decks.
  • Word & Outlook: For general communication and document creation.

• Project Management Tools:

  • Asana, Monday.com (or similar): Familiarity with these tools is preferred for task tracking, project management, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard design software. The "preferred" mention of video/motion graphics tools indicates areas for potential growth and expanded responsibilities within the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all design work and communications. This means being honest about capabilities, providing accurate estimates, and ensuring all created content is truthful and compliant.

• Relationships: Valuing connections with team members and internal clients. This translates to effective communication, responsiveness to feedback, and a willingness to support colleagues.

• Collaboration: Actively working with others to achieve common goals. This involves sharing ideas, contributing to team projects, and being open to diverse perspectives in the design process.

• Growth: Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. This means proactively seeking new skills, staying updated on design trends, and embracing feedback as an opportunity to learn.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires working with various departments, necessitating clear communication and an understanding of different business needs. The marketing team acts as a central hub for design requests.

• Process Review & Feedback: Expect a culture where design work is reviewed and feedback is provided. The ability to constructively receive and incorporate this feedback is essential.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively contributing to the team's knowledge base by organizing assets, sharing new techniques, or participating in brainstorming sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values are deeply embedded in the company's operations and influence how employees are expected to behave and interact. For a designer, this means balancing creative expression with professional responsibility and a team-oriented approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences, while maintaining brand consistency.

• Evolving Brand Identity: Contributing to the evolution of the firm's visual identity requires careful consideration of existing brand equity and strategic forward-thinking.

• Rapidly Changing Digital Landscape: Staying current with design trends and platform-specific best practices for digital marketing and social media can be demanding.

• Time Management Under Pressure: Meeting deadlines for multiple projects in a fast-paced corporate environment requires excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to gain proficiency in video editing, motion graphics, and advanced illustration techniques.

• Digital Marketing Strategy: Learning how design integrates into broader digital marketing campaigns, understanding SEO best practices for visual content, and social media strategy.

• Brand Management: Deepening understanding of brand strategy, identity systems, and their application across diverse marketing channels.

• Professional Services Acumen: Gaining insight into the business operations and client needs of a professional services firm, which can inform design decisions.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from the Senior Marketing Brand Manager, providing guidance on technical skills, career development, and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. The emphasis on learning and development highlights the company's commitment to employee advancement, which is a strong draw for junior professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new marketing brochure from receiving the brief to final delivery. How do you ensure brand consistency?" (Assesses process, brand adherence, and project management.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs? Can you give an example?" (Evaluates collaboration, receptiveness to feedback, and problem-solving.)

• "Imagine you need to design a social media graphic for a new service offering. What steps would you take to ensure it's visually compelling and aligned with our brand?" (Tests creative thinking, understanding of digital platforms, and brand application.)

• "What are your favorite design tools, and why? Are there any emerging design trends you're excited about?" (Gauges technical knowledge and passion for design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dean Dorton and our core values (Integrity, Relationships, Collaboration, Growth)? How do you see yourself embodying these values in this role?" (Assesses research and cultural fit.)

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment? What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?" (Evaluates adaptability and self-management.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Tests organizational and time management skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final output. Explain the problem, your solution, your role, the tools used, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Highlight your thought process, sketches, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills beyond just aesthetics.

• Brand Relevance: Select projects that showcase your ability to work within brand guidelines or adapt to different brand styles. If you have experience with professional services or similar industries, emphasize those projects.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity), present these metrics clearly.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the specific software and techniques you used for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to assess not only technical design skills but also the candidate's understanding of the professional services context, their collaborative abilities, and their alignment with the company's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience and skills most relevant to this role, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, brand guideline adherence, and any digital marketing design experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best design work, focusing on projects that demonstrate your ability to create marketing collateral, digital assets, and maintain brand consistency. Ensure it's well-organized, visually appealing, and ready for presentation.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you will present your portfolio projects, focusing on the story behind each design, your process, and any measurable impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and feedback.

• Research Dean Dorton: Familiarize yourself with Dean Dorton's services, clients, and core values. Understand their brand identity and how your design skills can contribute to their success in the professional services industry.

⚠️ 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.