Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Dean Dorton

Location: Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing / Creative

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes high-quality visual content for both digital and print platforms to enhance the firm's brand presence and marketing initiatives.

• Collaborates closely with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager and cross-functional teams to create compelling marketing collateral, social media graphics, and internal communication assets.

• Ensures all design outputs strictly adhere to Dean Dorton's established brand guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional visual identity across all channels.

• Supports broader marketing team objectives by contributing fresh design perspectives and innovative solutions that align with the firm's strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Junior Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes collaboration with a Senior Marketing Brand Manager and the need to uphold brand identity, suggesting opportunities for mentorship and direct impact on brand strategy. The "Non-Charge" responsibilities also indicate a culture that values contribution beyond client-facing tasks, including process improvement and proactive learning within the marketing function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of marketing collateral, including brochures, presentations, social media graphics, event signage, and advertisements, ensuring visual appeal and brand consistency.

• Create engaging visual assets for digital platforms such as the company website, email marketing campaigns, and internal newsletters, optimizing for various media.

• Uphold and meticulously apply Dean Dorton's brand guidelines across all design projects, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable visual identity.

• Provide design support for video, photography, and multimedia projects as needed, contributing to dynamic content creation.

• Effectively communicate with marketing team members and internal stakeholders to thoroughly understand creative briefs and project requirements.

• Proactively receive and thoughtfully incorporate feedback on design iterations to refine creative output and meet objectives.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while consistently delivering high-quality work.

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

• Organize and maintain design files, templates, and brand assets to ensure easy accessibility and efficient workflow for the entire team.

• Proactively research and learn new design tools, emerging trends, and innovative techniques to enhance design capabilities and maintain a competitive edge.

• Support firmwide employee communications and internal initiatives by creating impactful visual assets that foster engagement and alignment.

• Actively participate in marketing team meetings, process improvement discussions, and brainstorming sessions to contribute to the team's overall effectiveness and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are categorized into "Technical," "Behavioral," and "Non-Charge," providing a clear framework for performance expectations. The "Non-Charge" section highlights the opportunity to contribute to team efficiency and innovation, which is a strong indicator of a supportive and growth-oriented marketing environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 1–3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates who have worked within a marketing department, agency, or corporate environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Demonstrated mastery of InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for creating professional-grade design assets.

• Strong Attention to Detail: Keen eye for typography, layout composition, color theory, and overall visual hierarchy.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Ability to consistently apply and uphold established brand identity standards across all creative output.

• Digital Design Fundamentals: Understanding of design best practices for web, social media, and email marketing platforms.

• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts and clearly understand creative briefs and feedback.

• Organizational Skills: Capacity to manage multiple projects, files, and deadlines efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Video Editing & Motion Graphics: Familiarity or proficiency with video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro) and motion graphics tools (e.g., After Effects) is a significant plus.

• Lightweight Design Platforms: Experience with tools like Canva for quick content creation and broader accessibility.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Competence in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for integrated project work and internal communications.

• Project Management Tool Familiarity: Exposure to project management software such as Asana or Monday.com for workflow tracking and collaboration.

• Understanding of Professional Services Marketing: Prior experience designing for accounting, consulting, or similar professional services firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 1-3 years of experience, combined with a Bachelor's degree, positions this role as an entry-level to early-career opportunity. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is standard for graphic design roles, while the preference for video/motion graphics and project management tool familiarity suggests a modern marketing team that leverages diverse digital content and efficient workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Brand Adherence: Showcase examples where you successfully applied and maintained strict brand guidelines across various collateral types.

• Digital Asset Creation: Include a selection of social media graphics, web banners, email templates, or other digital visuals that highlight your understanding of online platforms.

• Print Collateral Design: Present examples of brochures, flyers, advertisements, or event signage that demonstrate your proficiency in layout, typography, and print production considerations.

• Process Improvement Examples (Optional but Recommended): If possible, include a case study or brief explanation of how you streamlined a design workflow, organized assets, or improved a design process within a previous role.

• Versatility in Software Use: Ensure your portfolio reflects proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, and ideally, any experience with video or motion graphics tools.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to discuss how you approach a design request from brief to final delivery, including steps for feedback and revisions.

• Asset Management: Understand the importance of organized file structures, naming conventions, and template creation for efficient team collaboration.

• Brand Guideline Interpretation: Demonstrate your ability to interpret and apply complex brand guidelines accurately.

• Software Proficiency Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your experience with the specified software and how you leverage their features for efficient and effective design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating core design skills, understanding of brand consistency, and efficiency in workflow. While direct "process documentation" might not be a formal requirement for submission, candidates should be prepared to articulate their design processes during interviews.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Junior Graphic Designers with 1-3 years of experience in Lexington, Kentucky, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $45,000 and $60,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region and the typical compensation for roles requiring proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and related design skills within the professional services sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedules: Opportunity to adapt work hours to better suit personal needs while meeting job requirements.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample paid time off to ensure work-life balance and employee well-being.

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

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

• Health & Wellness Support: Access to telemedicine services, mental health resources, and reimbursement for wellness program participation.

Working Hours: The standard work week is 40 hours, with the potential for flexible scheduling to accommodate both individual needs and business demands, reflecting a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for a Junior Graphic Designer in a mid-sized city in the US, considering the specified experience level and industry. The provided benefits are comprehensive and highly attractive, covering health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Certified Public Accounting, Business Advisory, Technology Solutions). Dean Dorton operates in a sector that demands high levels of trust, expertise, and client-centricity. The marketing function must effectively communicate complex services and build credibility.

Company Size: Dean Dorton is a significant professional services firm, indicated by its broad service offerings and multiple office locations. This size suggests a structured marketing department with specialized roles, offering opportunities for learning and development.

Founded: Dean Dorton has a history in the professional services sector, implying a stable and established organization with a developed brand and client base.

Team Structure:

• Marketing Team: The marketing team is described as critical for driving growth and visibility. It includes a Senior Marketing Brand Manager, indicating a clear leadership structure within the department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires collaboration across various teams within Dean Dorton, highlighting a culture that values integrated efforts and shared success.

• Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports to the Senior Marketing Brand Manager, suggesting a direct line of mentorship and guidance on brand-related initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategies: As a professional services firm, Dean Dorton likely emphasizes data in its client solutions; this extends to marketing, where campaign performance and ROI are likely tracked.

• Integrated Service Approach: The firm offers a suite of services, suggesting a marketing approach that communicates the synergy between accounting, advisory, and technology solutions.

• Client-Centricity: A core value is "Relationships – We value people, relationships drive our impact," indicating that client and internal stakeholder relationships are paramount in how the firm operates and how marketing supports these connections.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on professional services and its stated core values (Integrity, Relationships, Collaboration, Growth) provide strong clues about the expected work environment. The marketing team's role in driving growth and visibility suggests a dynamic function within a stable firm.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Junior Graphic Designer role is an entry-level to early-career position, typically suitable for individuals with 1-3 years of experience. It serves as a foundational role for developing core graphic design skills, understanding brand management, and gaining experience within a professional services environment.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Senior Marketing Brand Manager. This provides a clear reporting line and direct mentorship opportunities, allowing for focused skill development and understanding of brand strategy from an experienced professional.

Operations Impact: While not directly involved in "operations" in the traditional sense of revenue or sales operations, this role's impact is on the firm's brand operations and marketing effectiveness. High-quality visual content drives brand perception, client engagement, lead generation through marketing collateral, and internal employee morale. The designer contributes to the smooth functioning and visual appeal of marketing campaigns and communications.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Brand Strategy Development: As experience grows, the designer can take on more strategic design tasks, contributing to brand evolution and campaign conceptualization under the guidance of the Senior Manager.

• Leadership Potential: Successful performance could lead to roles such as Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or even Art Director positions within the marketing team or potentially in other creative capacities within the firm.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working with various departments allows for understanding different business needs, which can broaden the designer's perspective and potential career paths.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined from a junior role to potentially more senior creative or strategic positions. The emphasis on "Growth – We stay curious, growth is our mindset" as a core value directly supports the idea of continuous learning and career development within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job listing specifies a "Hybrid" work arrangement, indicating a blend of remote and in-office work. This suggests a modern workplace that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Lexington, Kentucky. While not explicitly stated, Dean Dorton likely has a physical office space in Lexington where hybrid employees will be expected to work some days of the week. Occasional travel to other Dean Dorton offices or events may also be required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager and other team members, implying an office setup that facilitates teamwork and idea sharing.

• Tools & Technology: The team utilizes Adobe Creative Suite and potentially other design and project management tools, indicating a well-equipped creative workspace.

• Team Interaction: Hybrid work means scheduled in-office days will be crucial for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and building rapport, fostering a connected team dynamic despite the remote component.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered. This allows for efficient design work, project management, and collaboration with team members across different time zones or work preferences, within the framework of completing tasks and attending scheduled meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. It suggests a company that trusts its employees to manage their time effectively while still valuing face-to-face interaction for critical collaborative tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Expect to present your portfolio to the hiring manager (likely the Senior Marketing Brand Manager) and potentially other marketing team members. This will involve discussing your design process, decision-making, and how you've applied skills to achieve project goals. Be prepared to articulate how your work aligns with Dean Dorton's brand and values.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design exercise or a case study discussion might be incorporated to evaluate your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and efficiency under timed conditions.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions will likely focus on your collaboration style, how you handle feedback, your approach to learning, and how you embody Dean Dorton's core values (Integrity, Relationships, Collaboration, Growth).

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level marketing leadership or HR to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest 5-7 projects that best represent the skills required for this Junior Graphic Designer role (digital, print, brand adherence).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. Visuals of the final product are key, but context adds significant value.

• Emphasize Brand Consistency: Clearly demonstrate your understanding of brand guidelines and your ability to apply them consistently.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): Even for a junior role, if a design contributed to increased engagement, event attendance, or improved communication, mention it.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-quality images. A PDF format or a dedicated portfolio website is ideal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Principles: Refresh your knowledge of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Brand Application: Be ready to discuss how you would adapt a given brand guideline or create assets for a specific marketing campaign.

• Software Proficiency: Be prepared to answer questions about your specific workflows and techniques within Adobe Creative Suite.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you approach creative challenges and incorporate feedback effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical design skills and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design thinking and demonstrate how they align with the firm's values.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for this role. Proficiency is required in:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of brochures, presentations, and print collateral.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, logos, and icons.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Video Editing & Motion Graphics Tools (Preferred):

  • Adobe Premiere Pro: For video editing and assembly.
  • Adobe After Effects: For creating motion graphics and animated elements.

• Lightweight Design Platforms (Familiarity):

  • Canva: For quick design tasks and potentially empowering non-designers within the firm.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how designs perform on digital platforms (website analytics, social media engagement metrics) is beneficial. Familiarity with how marketing campaigns are tracked and reported on will be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Crucial for integration with marketing collateral and internal communications (Word for documents, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for email).

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Asana or Monday.com is preferred for managing design workflows, tasks, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is Adobe Creative Suite. The preference for video/motion graphics and familiarity with project management tools indicates a modern marketing team that values dynamic content and efficient operational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Uphold honesty and ethical standards in all design work and communications, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in client-facing and internal materials.

• Relationships: Value and foster strong working relationships with team members, stakeholders, and potentially clients through clear communication, responsiveness, and a collaborative spirit. Design work should aim to build connections.

• Collaboration: Actively participate in team projects, share ideas, and contribute to a supportive environment where collective success is prioritized. Be open to diverse perspectives and feedback.

• Growth: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning by staying curious about design trends, new software, and evolving marketing strategies. Proactively seek opportunities to expand skills and knowledge.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Workflow: Work seamlessly with the Senior Marketing Brand Manager and other marketing team members, understanding how individual design tasks contribute to larger campaign objectives.

• Feedback Loop: Be receptive to constructive criticism and actively engage in discussions to refine designs, demonstrating a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the team's collective knowledge by sharing insights on design trends, efficient techniques, or new tools. Be a resource for visual communication best practices within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicitly stated core values are central to the team culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their daily work and interactions, particularly "Relationships" and "Growth" in the context of a design role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: A primary challenge will be to innovate and create engaging designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and corporate messaging.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling various design requests from different internal stakeholders, each with unique requirements and deadlines, will require strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Marketing Trends: The digital marketing landscape changes rapidly. Staying current with new design trends, platform best practices, and emerging technologies will be an ongoing challenge.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Effectively interpreting and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, some of whom may not have design expertise, can be challenging but is crucial for project success.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to hone core design skills in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially gain expertise in motion graphics, video editing, or advanced digital design techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Exposure to marketing strategies within the professional services sector, understanding how design supports business development and client engagement.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Senior Marketing Brand Manager provides a structured path for professional growth and learning industry-specific best practices.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gaining insight into the operations and needs of accounting, advisory, and technology departments can broaden understanding of business functions and inform design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a corporate marketing department. The growth opportunities are directly linked to the company's stated value of "Growth" and the structured reporting line within the marketing team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering the final asset. How do you ensure it aligns with brand guidelines?" (Focus on workflow, feedback integration, and brand adherence.)

• "How do you prioritize when you have multiple design requests with competing deadlines?" (Demonstrate organizational and time management skills.)

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of? What was the objective, your role, and the outcome?" (Prepare a compelling case study showcasing your best work and problem-solving.)

• "How do you stay current with graphic design trends and new software?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dean Dorton and the professional services industry?" (Research the company's services, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you embody our core values of Integrity, Relationships, Collaboration, and Growth in your work?" (Prepare specific examples for each value.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on your design. How did you handle it?" (Showcase your openness to feedback and ability to improve.)

• "Why are you interested in working in a hybrid environment?" (Discuss your understanding of its benefits and how you manage remote work effectively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Process: Explain why you made certain design choices, not just what you did.

• Highlight Brand Application: Explicitly show how you applied brand guidelines, especially if the project involved a tight brief.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Aim for 1-2 minutes per project, focusing on the most relevant aspects.

• Engage: Ask questions about the team's current design needs or challenges to show your interest and proactive thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical proficiency and a strong cultural fit, aligning with Dean Dorton's values and the hybrid work model. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant projects that showcase your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, digital and print design, and brand guideline adherence. Prioritize work that aligns with the professional services sector if available.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 1-3 years of experience, relevant software skills (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any experience in corporate or agency marketing environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects in detail, and preparing examples that demonstrate Dean Dorton's core values. Be ready to discuss your approach to hybrid work and collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Dean Dorton's services, company culture, and core values. Understand their market position and how marketing supports their business objectives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.