Marketing Graphic Designer

IES Communications
Full-timeβ€’Tempe, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Marketing Graphic Designer

Company: IES Communications

Location: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity of IES Communications, ensuring brand consistency across all marketing channels and initiatives.

  • The Marketing Graphic Designer will produce high-quality visual assets for a diverse range of applications, including digital campaigns, print collateral, event materials, and internal communications.

  • As an entry-level position, this role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with experienced marketing, public relations, and client support teams, contributing to business growth and customer engagement strategies.

  • The position demands a blend of creative talent and technical proficiency, with a strong emphasis on utilizing the Adobe Creative Cloud suite to deliver impactful design solutions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer," is positioned within a marketing context and focuses on supporting broader marketing and communications objectives. It implies a need for understanding Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, even at an entry level, by ensuring visual assets align with campaign goals and brand messaging. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office engagement for team synergy and project alignment.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and produce a wide array of marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, one-pagers, case studies, and professional presentations that effectively convey company value propositions.

  • Develop engaging graphics for social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, website updates, and digital advertising to enhance online presence and lead generation efforts.

  • Create impactful visual assets for events, such as signage, banners, booth graphics, name badges, programs, and promotional items, to reinforce brand visibility and engagement.

  • Design and update internal communications materials, newsletters, recognition programs, and company announcements to foster a cohesive internal culture and disseminate important information.

  • Prepare and manage artwork for print production, coordinating with external vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery of printed materials.

  • Maintain strict brand consistency across all visual communications, adhering to established brand guidelines and ensuring a unified brand image.

  • Assist with image selection, basic photo editing, and the creation of simple video graphics to support multimedia marketing initiatives.

  • Organize, manage, and maintain a comprehensive library of design files and brand assets for easy access and retrieval by the team.

  • Support the creation and optimization of website graphics and imagery for landing pages to improve user experience and conversion rates.

  • Collaborate effectively with content writers, event coordinators, marketing leadership, and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met on schedule and within scope.

  • Juggle multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for understanding how design directly impacts marketing campaign performance and brand perception. The emphasis on "multiple projects" and "fast-paced environment" suggests the need for strong project management and prioritization skills, essential for operations roles.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

  • Equivalent professional portfolio demonstrating advanced creative thinking and technical design capabilities may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience:

  • 0-2 years of professional design experience, with a strong emphasis on marketing and branding applications.

  • This entry-level role seeks candidates with demonstrable potential and a foundational understanding of design principles as applied in a business context. Required Skills:

  • Portfolio: A strong, well-curated portfolio showcasing creative thinking, design versatility, and technical proficiency in various design mediums.

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

  • Typography & Layout: A deep understanding of typography principles, layout design, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

  • Branding: Proven ability to apply and maintain brand guidelines consistently across diverse marketing materials.

  • Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy, quality, and brand integrity in all design outputs.

  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet stringent deadlines in a dynamic environment.

  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

  • Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to shared goals and fostering a positive working relationship.

Preferred Skills:

  • Canva Proficiency: Experience utilizing Canva for quick design tasks, social media graphics, or internal communications.

  • Basic Video Editing: Familiarity with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects for basic video graphics and animations.

  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Competency in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating visually appealing presentations, charts, and graphs.

  • Print Production: Experience in preparing files for commercial printing, understanding color modes, bleed, and resolution requirements.

  • Photography/Photo Editing: Basic experience with photography principles or photo editing software to enhance visual assets.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level for a Graphic Designer role, coupled with the need for strong Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency and a robust portfolio, indicates that while formal experience may be limited, a high level of demonstrated skill and potential is expected. The inclusion of "equivalent portfolio" suggests flexibility for candidates who can prove their capabilities through their work. The preferred skills point towards a desire for a well-rounded designer who can handle a variety of tasks, including some multimedia aspects.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate proficiency in designing for different marketing objectives (e.g., lead generation collateral, event branding, social media campaigns).

  • Include at least one project that highlights your ability to maintain brand consistency across multiple deliverables.

  • For each project, provide a brief case study detailing the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

  • Ensure all portfolio pieces are high-resolution and professionally presented, whether as a digital PDF, a dedicated website, or a curated collection of images.

  • Highlight projects that involved collaboration with other team members or stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to integrate feedback and work within a team structure. Process Documentation:

  • Within your portfolio or case studies, articulate your design process from brief to final delivery, including stages like research, conceptualization, iteration, feedback incorporation, and final file preparation.

  • For projects involving print, describe your process for preparing files for production, including pre-press considerations.

  • If applicable, demonstrate how you managed revisions and feedback from clients or internal teams, showcasing your adaptability and problem-solving skills within the design workflow.

  • For digital assets, outline your considerations for web optimization, file formats, and responsiveness.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For an entry-level creative role supporting marketing operations, the portfolio is critical. It serves as a direct demonstration of the candidate's ability to execute on the core responsibilities. The emphasis on process documentation within the portfolio is key, as it reveals how the candidate approaches problem-solving and workflow management, which are foundational to operations roles.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • The stated salary range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00 per hour.

  • This range is competitive for an entry-level Graphic Designer role in the Tempe, Arizona area, reflecting the required skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and marketing collateral design. Benefits:

  • Retirement Savings: Company 401K plan with an Employer Contribution Match, providing a valuable benefit for long-term financial planning.

  • Paid Time Off: Company Paid Time Off (PTO) allows for work-life balance and personal time.

  • Life Insurance: Company Paid Life Insurance offers financial security for employees and their families.

  • Health & Wellness:

    • Choice of Medical Coverage plans.
    • Prescription Drug Plans included with medical coverage.
    • Short-Term Disability Plans to provide income protection during temporary absences.
    • Choice of Dental Coverage plans.
    • Choice of Vision Coverage plans.
  • Additional Insurance Options:

    • Optional Long-Term Disability insurance.
    • Optional Critical Illness insurance.
    • Optional Accident insurance.
    • Optional Legal coverage.
    • Optional Pet coverage.
  • Discounts: Auto and Home Insurance Discount Programs available to employees.

Working Hours:

  • This is a full-time position, with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week.

  • The hybrid work arrangement suggests a flexible schedule where a portion of the work is performed remotely and a portion is conducted in the office. Specific office days and hours will likely be determined in conjunction with the hiring manager and team.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The provided hourly wage is typical for an entry-level graphic design position in a moderate cost-of-living area like Tempe, Arizona, especially for roles requiring specific software proficiency. The extensive benefits package, including optional coverages, is a significant draw and indicates a company that invests in employee well-being and financial security. The hybrid nature implies a need for strong self-management and communication to ensure productivity and team integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: IES Communications operates within the Industrial Products and Infrastructure Services sector, providing electrical, mechanical, and communications contracting solutions across commercial, industrial, residential, and renewable energy markets. This diverse market presence means the visual communications created will cater to a broad spectrum of industries and stakeholders.

Company Size: With over 5,000 employees and more than 79 domestic locations, IES Communications is a large, established organization. This scale suggests a structured environment with defined processes and opportunities for career progression, but also requires adaptability to large-scale operations and communication needs.

Founded: Founded prior to fiscal year 2020, IES has a significant history, evidenced by its substantial revenue ($1.19 billion in FY2020) and extensive employee base. This longevity points to stability and a well-established market presence.

Team Structure:

  • The Marketing Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, likely working closely with marketing leadership, content creators, and event coordinators.

  • Collaboration will extend to Public Relations and Client Support teams, indicating a cross-functional operational approach where design supports various business units.

  • The reporting structure will likely be to a Marketing Manager or Director, with potential for interaction with other departmental leads on specific projects. Methodology:

  • Design methodologies will likely emphasize brand consistency and alignment with overall marketing and business objectives.

  • A data-informed approach to design might be encouraged, where visual choices are considered for their impact on engagement metrics and campaign performance.

  • Workflow optimization is implied through the need to manage multiple projects efficiently and collaborate across departments.

Company Website: https://joinus.ies-co.com

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company's scale and diverse market focus mean the design role will be exposed to a wide range of project types and audiences. Understanding the B2B nature of industrial services is crucial for effective visual communication. The "hybrid" work arrangement within a large organization suggests a need for clear communication protocols and proactive engagement to maintain visibility and project momentum.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level position (0-2 years experience) designed for individuals beginning their careers in graphic design, specifically within a marketing operations context. It provides foundational experience in corporate branding, visual communications, and cross-functional project support.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Marketing department, likely to a Marketing Manager or Director. The designer will collaborate with peers in marketing, PR, and client support, offering exposure to different functional areas and their operational needs.

Operations Impact: The Marketing Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, marketing campaign effectiveness, and internal stakeholder communication. High-quality visuals are essential for generating leads, supporting sales efforts, and maintaining a professional company image, all of which are critical operational outcomes for IES Communications.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Expansion: Opportunity to expand proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and gain experience with additional tools like Canva, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.

  • Industry Exposure: Develop a deep understanding of visual communication strategies within the industrial products and infrastructure services sector, learning how design supports B2B sales and marketing.

  • Portfolio Development: Build a robust professional portfolio with diverse projects, showcasing growth in creative problem-solving and execution for a large, established company.

  • Cross-Functional Learning: Gain insights into the operational workflows of PR, Client Support, and broader Marketing functions, potentially leading to specialization or broader GTM strategy understanding.

  • Potential Advancement: With demonstrated success and skill development, potential pathways could lead to Senior Graphic Designer roles, specialized roles (e.g., Digital Designer, Brand Designer), or even pivot into marketing coordination or campaign management roles over time.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While this is a design role, its placement within marketing operations means growth could involve not just design mastery but also understanding the strategic impact of design on business outcomes. The hybrid environment may offer opportunities to develop remote leadership and project management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, meaning it combines remote work with in-office presence. This typically involves a structured schedule where employees are expected in the office for a set number of days per week for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work that benefits from in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Tempe, Arizona. Specific details about the office environment, such as layout (open-plan, cubicles, private offices), amenities, and proximity to public transport or major roads, would need to be confirmed.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a strong emphasis on collaboration. The office days are likely dedicated to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on project work where direct interaction is beneficial.

  • Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to company-provided design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially other collaboration tools. The company's IT infrastructure will support both remote and in-office work.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing team members, PR, and client support staff will be present during office days, fostering team cohesion and efficient communication.

Work Schedule:

  • The standard work schedule is expected to be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week.

  • The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing work hours, but core collaboration times and project deadlines will dictate availability. Clear communication regarding work hours and availability is crucial for a hybrid setup.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment requires strong self-discipline, time management, and proactive communication skills. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they maintain productivity and collaboration in such a setting. The office in Tempe will serve as the central hub for team meetings and in-person collaboration.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and understanding of marketing objectives. This stage will likely focus on your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process.

  • Portfolio Review / Creative Challenge: You may be asked to present your portfolio in detail, explaining your creative decisions, process, and the impact of your work. A small design challenge or a take-home assignment might be given to assess your skills in a practical scenario relevant to IES Communications' needs.

  • Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members from marketing, PR, or client support to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to discuss overall fit and career aspirations within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Thoughtfully: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility and understanding of marketing objectives.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your solution, your process, and the impact. Use metrics if available.

  • Highlight Process: Demonstrate your thinking – how you approached the brief, your iterations, and how you incorporated feedback. This is crucial for operations roles.

  • Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that prove you can adhere to and evolve brand guidelines.

  • Tailor to IES: If possible, include a piece that reflects an understanding of industrial services or B2B marketing, or explain how your existing work translates to this sector.

  • Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

  • If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

  • Prioritize clarity, brand consistency, and strategic thinking over elaborate aesthetics for an entry-level role.

  • Be prepared to justify your design choices and explain your thought process clearly and concisely.

  • If it's a take-home assignment, manage your time effectively to deliver a polished, well-reasoned response within the given deadline.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and a potential design challenge highlights the practical, skill-based nature of this hiring process. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the "why" behind their design decisions, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills relevant to operations.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for all core design tasks.

  • Canva: Preferred experience for rapid design creation, especially for social media and internal communications.

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Word for document creation, Excel for basic data handling (if applicable to design briefs), and PowerPoint for presentations is critical.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with how marketing teams use reporting dashboards for campaign performance would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

  • No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role, but an understanding of how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms (e.g., email campaigns) would be a plus.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud. The inclusion of Canva and PowerPoint as preferred skills indicates a need for versatility and the ability to work within various content creation and presentation environments common in marketing operations.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Brand Integrity: A commitment to maintaining and strengthening the IES brand through consistent, high-quality visual communications.

  • Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and innovative design solutions that support company initiatives and resonate with target audiences.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

  • Efficiency & Timeliness: A focus on delivering projects on schedule and managing workloads effectively to meet business demands in a fast-paced environment.

  • Professionalism & Detail: Upholding a high standard of professionalism in all interactions and ensuring meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with diverse teams (Marketing, PR, Client Support), emphasizing clear communication and understanding of different departmental needs.

  • Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from colleagues and leadership to refine designs and achieve optimal results.

  • Shared Knowledge: A culture that encourages sharing design best practices, new techniques, and insights to collectively elevate the team's capabilities.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style suggest a dynamic, team-oriented environment where visual communication plays a key role in supporting broader business objectives. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values through their work ethic and interpersonal skills.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing competing deadlines and priorities for various internal and external stakeholders will be a primary challenge.

  • Adapting to Diverse Needs: Designing for a broad range of markets (industrial, commercial, residential, renewable energy) requires flexibility and the ability to tailor visual messaging to different audiences.

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency at Scale: Ensuring brand integrity across numerous deliverables and departments within a large organization presents an ongoing challenge.

  • Keeping Pace with Design Trends: Staying current with design software updates and emerging visual communication trends while meeting business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud and explore new design techniques through internal training or external resources.

  • Industry-Specific Design: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for the industrial products and infrastructure services sector, understanding unique communication needs.

  • Marketing Operations Acumen: Developing an understanding of how design contributes to broader marketing strategies, campaign performance, and GTM initiatives.

  • Professional Portfolio Growth: Building a substantial portfolio of work that demonstrates significant growth and versatility, opening doors for future career advancements.

  • Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning from professionals in PR, Client Support, and various Marketing functions to gain a holistic view of business operations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growing designer in a large corporate environment. The growth opportunities focus on both design mastery and the development of broader marketing and operational understanding, positioning this role as a strong launchpad for a career in creative operations or marketing.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for taking a design brief from initial concept to final delivery, especially when working under tight deadlines." (Focus on workflow, collaboration, and time management.)

  • "How do you ensure brand consistency across various marketing materials and platforms?" (Highlight adherence to brand guidelines and attention to detail.)

  • "Tell me about a time you had to design for a B2B audience or a technical industry. What were the unique considerations?" (Demonstrate adaptability and understanding of different market needs.)

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to iteration and collaborative problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about IES Communications and the industrial services sector?" (Research company mission, values, and recent projects.)

  • "How do you see your design skills contributing to our company's goals and brand strength?" (Connect your abilities to IES's business objectives.)

  • "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a hybrid setting." (Discuss collaboration, communication, and self-management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Begin with an overview of your portfolio and then walk through 2-3 key projects in detail.

  • Narrative: For each project, clearly state the client/objective, your role, the problem, your design solutions, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

  • Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality of your design work. Use high-resolution images and clear typography.

  • Process Emphasis: Explicitly discuss your design process, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them. This is crucial for demonstrating operational thinking.

  • Engagement: Be prepared for questions about your creative choices and be ready to discuss alternative approaches.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should balance showcasing creative talent with demonstrating an understanding of operational processes, project management, and the ability to align design with business objectives. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, serving as both a demonstration of skill and an insight into the candidate's problem-solving approach.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Marketing Graphic Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the IES Communications careers site.

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your strongest projects, emphasizing those that demonstrate brand consistency, marketing collateral design, and your process. Ensure it is easily accessible (e.g., a link to your online portfolio or a well-organized PDF).

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills such as proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, typography, layout, branding, and any experience with marketing collateral or digital asset creation. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, your approach to collaboration, and your understanding of brand management. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss your creative rationale.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with IES Communications' industry, services, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their brand identity and consider how your design skills can support their mission and values.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or a related field and possess a strong portfolio demonstrating technical ability. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and excellent attention to detail are required for this entry-level role.