Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: CESO, Inc. Location: Cincinnati, OH & Dayton, OH Job Type: Regular Full Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: May 11, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual execution of high-impact marketing and communication materials, including proposals, campaigns, and presentations, ensuring alignment with CESO's brand identity and strategic objectives.
• Develop visually compelling infographics, diagrams, and layouts that enhance complex technical ideas, client messaging, and storytelling for an architecture and engineering firm.
• Provide informal mentoring and quality assurance for junior designers, fostering a collaborative environment and upholding brand and quality standards.
• Partner closely with Marketing Coordinators and technical leaders to visually express complex ideas with clarity and creativity, driving project success.
• Contribute to the evolution and advancement of the company’s visual identity, templates, icons, and brand resources under the guidance of Marketing leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer within an architecture and engineering firm, indicating a need for strong visual communication skills applied to technical content. The emphasis on proposals, campaigns, and presentations suggests a close alignment with GTM (Go-To-Market) and Sales Operations functions, requiring the ability to translate complex technical information into easily digestible and persuasive visual assets. The mention of mentoring junior designers and evolving brand resources points to a leadership trajectory within the creative function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the visual design and execution of critical marketing collateral, including client proposals, integrated marketing campaigns, and executive-level presentations, ensuring brand consistency and strategic alignment.
• Create compelling infographics, technical diagrams, and dynamic layouts that effectively communicate complex architectural and engineering concepts, enhance client understanding, and elevate overall messaging.
• Conduct thorough reviews and provide constructive feedback on design work produced by junior designers, ensuring adherence to established brand guidelines, quality standards, and project objectives.
• Collaborate proactively with Marketing Coordinators, technical subject matter experts, and project managers to ensure all graphic elements accurately reflect project strategy, resonate with target audiences, and meet stringent delivery timelines.
• Drive the evolution and optimization of CESO's core brand assets, including templates, iconography, and visual resource libraries, in close partnership with Marketing leadership to maintain a modern and impactful visual identity.
• Actively participate in quality assurance processes and contribute to continuous improvement discussions regarding design workflows, tool utilization, and brand strategy implementation.
• Execute various graphic design tasks and responsibilities as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability within the marketing and creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and leadership, typical for a senior role. Emphasis on "visual execution of key marketing deliverables" and "develop infographics, diagrams, and layouts that enhance storytelling and client messaging" directly links this role to supporting sales enablement and GTM strategies by making technical information accessible and persuasive. The mentoring aspect suggests a need for strong communication and leadership potential.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field is strongly preferred, indicating a desire for candidates with a comprehensive understanding of design principles and theory.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a focus on creating marketing and communication materials.
• Experience within the architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) industry is highly valued, demonstrating familiarity with industry-specific visual communication needs.
• Proven experience in developing and refining brand identity elements, templates, and style guides.
• Prior experience mentoring or providing guidance to junior design staff is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: This includes expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for creating vector graphics, page layouts, and image manipulations.
• Exceptional eye for detail: Demonstrated ability to meticulously review and refine layouts, typography, color palettes, and content for accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
• Strong understanding of typography and layout principles: Ability to create visually appealing and effective designs that enhance readability and convey messages clearly.
• Visual storytelling and data visualization: Skill in translating complex information, data, and technical concepts into engaging and understandable infographics, diagrams, and charts.
• Brand Management Acumen: Understanding of brand consistency, visual identity systems, and the ability to apply them across various mediums.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team, incorporating feedback and contributing to a positive team dynamic.
• Time Management and Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving and Creativity: A talent for creative thinking and developing innovative design solutions to visual challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint for presentation design and Word for document layout integration.
• Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) or equivalent certification: Industry-recognized certifications validate a high level of skill in Adobe software.
• Experience with presentation software beyond PowerPoint: Familiarity with tools like Keynote or advanced PowerPoint features for dynamic presentations.
• Basic knowledge of animation or motion graphics: Ability to create simple animations or video elements for digital marketing assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an Associate's degree with a preference for a Bachelor's, combined with a minimum of 3 years of experience, positions this as a mid-level to senior role. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite and an "exceptional eye for detail" are critical for a graphic design position. The preferred skills, such as experience in the AEC industry and ACP certification, are valuable differentiators for candidates applying to this specific role within CESO.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Brand Consistency: Showcase projects where you successfully applied and maintained established brand guidelines across multiple deliverables.
• Visual Communication of Complex Ideas: Include examples of infographics, diagrams, or data visualizations that effectively simplify technical or intricate information for a target audience.
• Proposal and Presentation Design: Present examples of high-impact proposals, pitch decks, or presentation materials that highlight your ability to create persuasive visual narratives.
• Template Development and Application: Showcase any experience in creating or refining design templates (e.g., for proposals, presentations, social media) and how they were implemented.
• Creative Problem-Solving Case Studies: Select 1-2 projects that illustrate a significant design challenge you faced and how your creative solution addressed it, ideally with measurable results.
• Mentoring or Team Collaboration Examples: Briefly describe or present work that demonstrates your ability to guide or collaborate with other designers or team members.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your typical design process from brief to final delivery, highlighting steps taken to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Collaboration and Feedback Integration: Detail how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders and team members into your design iterations.
• Brand Resource Management: Explain your approach to utilizing and contributing to brand asset libraries and style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, a robust portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on showcasing the ability to translate complex technical information (common in AEC) into clear, compelling visuals. The inclusion of proposal and presentation design is crucial, as these are key deliverables for the role. Demonstrating experience with brand evolution and mentoring junior designers will further strengthen an applicant's profile.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $68,415 - $122,252 USD per year.
• The company also specifies typical new hire pay ranges per location:
  • Cincinnati, OH: $72,216 - $87,573 USD per year
  • Dayton, OH: $72,216 - $87,573 USD per year
• Note: Actual pay is determined by factors including location, experience, education, skills, and internal equity, and is benchmarked against industry and market data.

Benefits:

• Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule: Offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Credited 100% upfront, providing immediate access to vacation and personal time.
• 401K with Company Match: Provides financial security and employer-supported retirement savings.
• Rewards and Recognition Program: Acknowledges and rewards employee contributions and achievements.
• Comprehensive Training and Development: Opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement.
• Paid Holidays: Standard company-paid holidays.
• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans available.
• Welcome Box: A thoughtful onboarding gift for new employees.
• Casual Dress Code: Promotes a comfortable and relaxed work environment.
• Reimbursement for Professional Licenses: Supports employees in maintaining professional credentials.
• Paid Time Off for Community Team Service Events: Encourages employee engagement in community initiatives.
• Voluntary or Supplemental Disability Insurance: Options for short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Company Paid Bonding and Recovery: Support for employees during significant life events.
• Employee Events: Regular social gatherings, lunches, and outings to foster team cohesion and a positive work environment.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically involving approximately 40 hours per week, in line with standard business operations.
• The hybrid work schedule suggests flexibility in how these hours are structured, balancing in-office presence with remote workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is broad, with specific new hire ranges for Cincinnati and Dayton indicating the company's approach to compensation based on location. The extensive list of benefits underscores CESO's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, which is attractive to senior-level candidates. The hybrid work schedule is a key perk for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture and Engineering (AEC). CESO operates within a highly technical and project-driven industry, requiring clear, precise, and professional communication. The firm is nationally recognized, suggesting a strong reputation and commitment to quality. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "national recognition," multiple locations, and a structured benefits package implies a medium-to-large sized firm, likely with established operational processes and a defined hierarchy. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's national recognition suggests a history and established presence in the market.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The Senior Graphic Designer likely sits within the Marketing department, reporting to a Marketing Manager or Director. This department would include Marketing Coordinators and potentially other designers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with technical leaders (engineers, architects), project managers, and business development teams to understand project requirements and translate them into compelling visual assets for proposals and client communications.
• Mentorship Dynamics: The Senior Graphic Designer is expected to provide informal mentoring, suggesting a collaborative and supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and skill development are encouraged.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While primarily a creative role, the emphasis on "visually express complex ideas with clarity and creativity" and "enhance storytelling and client messaging" implies a need for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically effective in conveying information.
• Process Optimization: The responsibility to "participate in quality assurance reviews and continuous improvement discussions" indicates a culture that values refining workflows and enhancing efficiency in design processes.
• Brand Stewardship: The role involves evolving and maintaining the company's visual identity, suggesting a structured approach to brand management and asset development.

Company Website: www.cesoinc.com (inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding CESO's industry (AEC) is crucial. Graphic designers in this field must be adept at presenting technical information clearly and professionally. The company's mission of "empowering our people to impact communities" suggests a culture focused on purpose, service, and employee development, which should be reflected in how candidates present themselves.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" Graphic Designer role, placing it at a mid-to-advanced career stage. It signifies a level of expertise, independent work capability, and potential for leadership or specialized development within the design function. It's a step beyond an entry-level or general graphic designer role, requiring strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to brand direction.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Marketing Manager or Director. The Senior Graphic Designer will also work closely with Marketing Coordinators and technical leaders across various departments (architecture, engineering). The expectation of mentoring junior designers indicates a hierarchical influence within the design team.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts CESO's ability to win new business by creating compelling proposals and marketing collateral. High-quality visuals enhance client perception, communicate the firm's expertise, and contribute to overall brand strength. This role is integral to the GTM strategy by ensuring that technical capabilities are presented attractively and persuasively to prospective clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director role, taking on more strategic oversight of design projects and team management.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as data visualization, presentation design, or brand strategy within the AEC industry.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Exposure to marketing strategy, business development, and project management through close collaboration, potentially opening doors to broader marketing roles.
• Continuous Learning: Access to training and development programs, reimbursement for professional licenses, and opportunities to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of autonomy and the expectation to contribute strategically, not just execute tasks. The growth opportunities should be framed around developing expertise within the AEC sector and potentially moving into leadership or specialized design roles that have a significant impact on the firm's business development efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Schedule. This indicates a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. The company likely has physical office locations in Cincinnati and Dayton. Office Location(s):

• Cincinnati, OH
• Dayton, OH Employees are expected to work from these locations, with the flexibility to work remotely on designated days.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on team collaboration suggest a workspace designed to facilitate interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing when employees are on-site.
• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite), potentially project management tools, and standard office technology. The company provides a "Welcome Box," suggesting a structured and supportive onboarding process.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing colleagues, technical experts, and leadership during in-office days, fostering strong working relationships and effective communication.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work hours (approximately 40 hours/week).
• The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in how and where these hours are performed, balancing structured office time with the autonomy of remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they maintain productivity and collaboration in both office and remote settings. The casual dress code also contributes to a more relaxed, modern work culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of applications and resumes.
• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where the Senior Graphic Designer's portfolio will be reviewed to assess design quality, technical skills, and relevance to CESO's industry and needs. Be prepared for specific discussions about your showcased projects.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An interview with the Marketing Manager or Director to discuss experience, skills, approach to design, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your process and problem-solving abilities.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Potentially meet with other marketing team members, Marketing Coordinators, and/or technical leaders to assess collaboration style and communication skills.
• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with higher leadership or a more in-depth review of your fit with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates your ability to design for technical audiences, create compelling proposals, and develop infographics.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly explain the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome/impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved proposal clarity," "enhanced engagement").
• Highlight Brand Application: Showcase examples where you’ve worked within or evolved a brand identity. For CESO, emphasize your understanding of professional branding in an AEC context.
• Showcase Technical Communication: If possible, include projects that demonstrate your skill in visualizing complex data or technical information effectively.
• Prepare a Concise Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio within a set timeframe (e.g., 15-30 minutes), focusing on key pieces and your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design task or a hypothetical scenario. This could involve creating a concept for a specific type of marketing collateral or refining an existing piece of content.
• Process/Strategy Questions: Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you approach client briefs, manage feedback, and stay updated on design trends.
• Mentoring Discussion: Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and collaborating with junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most crucial step for this role. Applicants should tailor their portfolio to showcase experience relevant to the AEC industry and the specific responsibilities outlined, especially proposal and presentation design. A well-structured presentation of the portfolio, highlighting problem-solving and impact, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency required in:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, document design, proposals, brochures, and marketing collateral.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating and designing presentations, proposals, and pitch decks. Intermediate knowledge is required.
  • Microsoft Word: For document layout and integration with InDesign or for creating basic documents.
  • Microsoft Outlook: For professional communication and email correspondence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how visuals impact engagement metrics (e.g., on digital platforms, in proposals) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics tools or reporting dashboards may be helpful for understanding content performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is not explicitly mentioned but could be beneficial if design assets are managed or distributed through such platforms.
• Familiarity with marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) is a plus, especially if designs are used in automated campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign, for producing professional collateral. Proficiency in PowerPoint is also critical due to the emphasis on proposals and presentations. While not a direct requirement, understanding how design assets integrate into broader marketing technology stacks (CRM, automation) would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service-Oriented: CESO's mission emphasizes "empowering our people to impact communities by bringing clients’ visions to life." This suggests a strong focus on client success, community impact, and a desire to contribute meaningfully through one's work.
• Integrity and Authenticity: The company operates as a "principle-centered organization," highlighting the importance of ethical conduct, honesty, and genuine interactions.
• Development and Growth: CESO "develops leaders and empowers our associates," indicating a commitment to employee growth, learning, and providing opportunities for career advancement.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: The emphasis on "talented colleagues" and the need for cross-functional partnership points to a culture that values teamwork and mutual support.
• Creativity and Problem-Solving: As a design role, innovation and the ability to find creative solutions are implicitly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with technical teams (architects, engineers) and marketing coordinators, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate diverse perspectives into cohesive visual designs.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: The Senior Graphic Designer's role in mentoring junior staff fosters an environment where skills are shared, and junior team members are supported in their development.
• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Participation in quality assurance and continuous improvement discussions suggests a culture that welcomes constructive feedback and actively seeks ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align their personal values with CESO's stated principles of service, integrity, and development. Demonstrating an understanding of how design supports the firm's mission and client success will resonate well. The collaborative and mentoring aspects of the culture are key to highlight for a senior role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Jargon: Effectively visualizing complex architectural and engineering concepts for diverse audiences (clients, stakeholders) can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of design principles and clear communication strategies.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Project Needs: Ensuring that all designs adhere to CESO's brand guidelines while also meeting the unique requirements and creative brief of individual projects.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Inputs: Coordinating feedback and requirements from various technical and marketing stakeholders, each with potentially different priorities.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Staying current with the latest design software, techniques, and visual communication best practices in a competitive industry.
• Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining seamless collaboration, productivity, and team cohesion while working in a hybrid environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications or explore new design tools.
• Industry-Specific Design Workshops: Learning how to better represent AEC projects visually through specialized training or conferences.
• Mentorship and Leadership Skills: Developing coaching and leadership abilities through the informal mentoring of junior designers.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Gaining exposure to project management methodologies through close work with project teams.
• Brand Strategy Development: Contributing to the evolution of CESO's visual identity, offering insights into brand positioning and strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting the challenge of translating technical information into accessible visuals is a good way to frame the candidate's core skill. The growth opportunities should be linked to CESO's commitment to development and the specific needs of a senior role in a specialized industry like AEC.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical concept and translating it into a clear, compelling visual representation. Can you provide an example from your portfolio?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, audience consideration, and execution.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across all design deliverables while also meeting the unique creative needs of individual projects and clients?" (Look for your understanding of brand guidelines and flexibility.)
• "Imagine you receive conflicting feedback from two different stakeholders on a proposal design. How would you approach resolving this and moving forward?" (Assess your communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.)
• "What is your approach to mentoring junior designers? How do you provide constructive feedback to help them grow?" (Demonstrate your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CESO, particularly our mission in the architecture and engineering sector?" (Research CESO's projects, values, and recent news.)
• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the success of an AEC firm like CESO?" (Connect your abilities to the firm's business objectives.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss strategies for effective communication and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution, and the outcome (quantify if possible).
• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to design for technical audiences, create proposals/presentations, and develop infographics.
• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design process, including how you incorporate feedback and ensure brand adherence.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time, focusing on key highlights and impactful visuals.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and how your work aligns with CESO's brand and industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of CESO's industry, their values, and how the candidate's design skills directly support the firm's business objectives, particularly in winning new proposals. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a hybrid setting is also a key area to prepare for.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint, proposal design, infographic development, and any experience in the AEC industry. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant projects showcasing your ability to design for technical audiences, create compelling proposals and presentations, and maintain brand consistency. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link).
• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, explaining your process, challenges, and outcomes concisely and effectively.
• Research CESO: Understand the company's mission, values, industry, and recent projects to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Craft a Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Briefly explain why you are a good fit for CESO and this specific role, highlighting your passion for design and your understanding of their 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.