Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer

Company: Strategic America

Location: West Des Moines, Iowa, United States (Hybrid) or Remote (US-based)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: 1-3 years (based on 1+ year requirement and typical progression)

Remote Status: Hybrid or Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Crafting user-centric website designs and digital assets that align with client strategies and brand guidelines.

• Translating creative concepts into functional wireframes, user flows, and final design implementations within a Content Management System (CMS).

• Ensuring the visual consistency and accuracy of digital marketing materials, including banners and email campaigns, through meticulous QA and content maintenance.

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including project managers, content strategists, and developers, to deliver high-impact digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the responsibilities heavily involve digital asset creation for marketing campaigns and CMS implementation, positioning this role within the broader scope of Marketing Operations or Creative Operations, with a strong emphasis on GTM support through digital channels. The requirement for UX/UI focus and collaboration with marketing strategists further solidifies this categorization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal design, development, and marketing teams to conceptualize and create visually compelling website designs and digital assets, adhering to UX/UI best practices.

• Develop detailed interaction flows, wireframes, style guides, and front-end webpage designs based on project requirements and stakeholder input.

• Design digital creative assets for marketing campaigns, including banners, email templates, and illustrations, ensuring a cohesive and impactful marketing strategy.

• Assist in the implementation of finalized designs into functional front-end solutions using HTML and CSS, meeting specified project requirements and technical constraints.

• Perform routine website content updates and maintenance within a CMS (e.g., WordPress), including adding new pages, publishing blog posts, and updating copy and imagery to ensure content accuracy and currency.

• Conduct thorough Quality Assurance (QA) and testing across various browsers and devices to verify design accuracy, functionality, and adherence to project specifications.

• Present and articulate design concepts and progress at key project milestones to internal and external stakeholders, incorporating feedback effectively.

• Partner with project managers, content strategists, developers, and other agency personnel to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.

• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement in the design process and actively seek innovative solutions, embodying the company's "find a better way, always" ethos.

• Stay abreast of the latest UI, UX, SEO, and broader digital design trends to inform and enhance design strategies and outputs.

• Manage and execute miscellaneous design-related tasks and duties as assigned to support client projects and agency initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, technical implementation (HTML/CSS, CMS), and operational tasks (content updates, QA). This requires a candidate who can bridge the gap between creative vision and practical application within a marketing technology stack.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional work experience.

Experience: Minimum of 1 year of related professional work experience in web design, digital design, or a similar creative role.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Adobe XD) for visual design and asset creation.

• Demonstrated understanding of design concepts, including typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Solid knowledge of web design best practices, including responsive design principles, mobile-first approaches, and digital user experience (UX) fundamentals.

• Experience with WordPress content management system, including familiarity with popular page builders (e.g., Avada, Elementor, or similar).

• Working knowledge of foundational front-end web technologies, specifically HTML and CSS, for design implementation and understanding.

• Ability to translate abstract ideas and requirements into tangible interaction flows, wireframes, and user interface designs.

• Experience in designing and producing various digital marketing assets such as website banners, email campaign graphics, and illustrations.

• Proficiency in performing Quality Assurance (QA) testing across multiple browsers and devices to ensure design integrity and functionality.

• Strong organizational, presentation, and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

• Proactive problem-solving capabilities with a resourceful and independent work ethic.

• Comfortable managing routine content updates with high attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UX/UI design principles and user research methodologies.

• Familiarity with SEO best practices and how they integrate with web design.

• Knowledge of other visual design and wireframing tools beyond Adobe XD.

• Experience with front-end development frameworks or preprocessors.

• Understanding of broader digital marketing strategies and campaign execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1+ year of related work experience" combined with the "Associate or Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience" suggests a role suitable for individuals transitioning from internships or junior positions, or those with a few years of focused experience. The emphasis on WordPress and specific page builders indicates a need for practical, platform-specific skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated online portfolio showcasing a range of website design projects, demonstrating UX/UI focus and visual design capabilities.

• Examples of digital marketing assets designed for campaigns (banners, email graphics, social media visuals) that highlight strategic alignment and creative execution.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the process of translating requirements into wireframes, user flows, and final designs.

• Demonstration of proficiency with WordPress, ideally including examples of sites built or managed using page builders like Avada or Elementor.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces that clearly articulate the design process, from initial concept and wireframing through to final design and implementation considerations.

• Examples that showcase the ability to manage website content updates and maintenance within a CMS, demonstrating efficiency and accuracy.

• Documentation or case studies that highlight participation in QA testing and troubleshooting efforts for digital projects.

• Visuals or descriptions of collaborative projects, illustrating how designs were presented and refined with stakeholder feedback throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Web Designer role, a strong visual portfolio is paramount. The "process" aspect should focus on demonstrating how the candidate approaches design challenges, collaborates, and delivers functional, visually appealing results, rather than complex operational process mapping.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $54,483 - $84,448 annually (based on Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act disclosure, applicable if the role were in Colorado; for other locations, this range serves as a benchmark for similar roles in the US market, with potential adjustments based on local cost of living and specific experience).

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): Participation in an employee-owned structure, building equity and sharing in company success with vesting over six years.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Wellness Initiatives: Access to an employee wellness program designed to support employee well-being.

• Financial Security: Life insurance, disability insurance, and a retirement savings plan.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and volunteer time off to encourage community engagement.

• Performance Recognition: Eligibility for a discretionary bonus plan and potential for equity growth through the ESOP.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid and remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is explicitly linked to Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. For roles outside Colorado, this range should be considered a strong indicator of the company's compensation philosophy for this level of position. The ESOP is a significant benefit and should be highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising Services. Strategic America operates as a full-service agency, providing strategic marketing, advertising, and digital solutions to a diverse client base.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the company's growth, employee ownership structure (ESOP), and focus on talent suggest a mid-sized to large agency environment (likely 100-500 employees, based on typical ESOP structures and agency operations). This size implies a balance of established processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Since 2021, Strategic America has been employee-owned (ESOP). The company's broader history and establishment date are not provided, but this recent transition to employee ownership is a defining characteristic.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of a broader Creative team, potentially within a Digital Design or Marketing Services department. This team is expected to be collaborative, with specialists in various areas.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Creative Director, Design Manager, or potentially a Digital Marketing Lead, depending on the specific departmental organization.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The company emphasizes a strategic approach, suggesting that design decisions are informed by client goals, user data, and market analysis.

• Process Optimization: The company's slogan, "find a better way, always," indicates a culture of continuous improvement and a proactive approach to refining workflows and methodologies.

• Agile Collaboration: Working in a fast-paced agency environment implies agile methodologies, iterative design processes, and frequent communication to manage projects effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly defined by its employee ownership (ESOP), its commitment to diversity and inclusion (4A's Workplace Enlightenment Certification), and a proactive, results-oriented approach ("strategic team," "wired for action," "find a better way"). This is crucial context for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior professional position. It requires foundational design skills and practical experience, suitable for individuals looking to build a career in digital design within an agency setting. The responsibilities are hands-on with opportunities to learn and contribute to client projects.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will report to a manager or director within the creative or digital department, working closely with project managers and cross-functional teams. This structure offers mentorship and exposure to various agency functions.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer plays a vital role in executing client GTM strategies by creating compelling digital interfaces and assets. Their work directly influences client brand perception, user engagement, and the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns, contributing to client success and, by extension, agency growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, front-end development, specific CMS platforms, or digital marketing asset creation.

• Client Exposure: Gaining experience with a diverse range of clients and industries, understanding different strategic objectives and design challenges.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to grow into senior design roles, lead projects, or mentor junior designers, especially within the collaborative agency environment.

• Employee Ownership: The ESOP provides a unique long-term growth opportunity, allowing employees to build personal equity in the company's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Web Designer in an agency typically involves becoming a more senior designer, potentially specializing in UX/UI or front-end, or moving into project management or team leadership roles. The ESOP adds a significant financial growth dimension.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers hybrid flexibility in West Des Moines, Iowa, or fully remote options for US-based candidates. This suggests a modern work environment that balances in-office collaboration with remote autonomy.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is West Des Moines, Iowa (ZIP code 50266).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and agency setting promote a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming, team meetings, and client interactions. Remote employees will likely engage through digital collaboration tools.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD) and CMS platforms (WordPress) is expected. The company likely provides necessary software licenses and IT support.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with diverse teams, including designers, developers, strategists, and project managers, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility to manage tasks and projects effectively, especially for remote and hybrid employees. Deadlines and client needs may occasionally require adjustments to this schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote flexibility is a key aspect of the work environment, catering to modern work preferences while maintaining a connection to the agency's culture and collaborative spirit.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and online portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: An interview where you will be asked to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Expect questions about your approach to UX/UI, CMS implementation, and collaboration.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: You may be given a design challenge or asked to complete a small task to evaluate your practical skills in areas like wireframing, mock-up creation, or basic HTML/CSS implementation.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversations with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, cultural alignment with Strategic America's values (diversity, inclusion, continuous improvement), and overall fit within the agency environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (web design, digital assets, CMS experience, UX/UI).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, your design process (ideation, wireframing, design), the tools used, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your projects demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, HTML/CSS, and UX/UI principles.

• Showcase Breadth: Include examples of both website designs and other digital marketing assets (banners, emails) to demonstrate versatility.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, and how you collaborate with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge prompt. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Focus on Process: Even if the output is a single deliverable, be prepared to explain your thought process, the constraints you considered, and the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across understanding the brief, ideation, execution, and review.

• Presentation: Practice presenting your solution clearly and concisely, highlighting how it meets the challenge's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio walkthrough and potential design challenges is standard for creative roles. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just their finished work but also their problem-solving process and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for visual design, including Photoshop (raster graphics, photo editing), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons), and InDesign (layout, print collateral, though less critical for this digital role).

• Adobe XD: A key tool for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration on user interfaces.

• WordPress: The primary Content Management System (CMS) for website building and content management.

• Web Page Builders: Familiarity with builders like Avada, Elementor, or similar platforms used within WordPress to facilitate design implementation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or marketing automation tools are listed as primary requirements for this design role, though understanding how digital assets integrate with email marketing platforms or campaign management systems is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around design software and CMS platforms. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress with page builders is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Action: A culture that values genuine work and a proactive, results-driven approach to client challenges.

• Collaboration & Connection: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional integration, and building relationships within the company and with clients.

• Inclusivity & Belonging: A commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming environment, supported by ERGs and certifications like the 4A's Workplace Enlightenment Certification.

• Continuous Improvement: The ethos of "find a better way, always" drives a culture of learning, innovation, and process refinement.

• Employee Ownership: Fostering a sense of shared responsibility and investment in the company's success through the ESOP.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with cross-functional teams working together on client projects.

• Open communication and feedback loops are encouraged, as evidenced by the need to present designs at key milestones and the company's focus on continuous improvement.

• Knowledge sharing is likely facilitated through team meetings, internal reviews, and a culture that values diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company actively promotes its inclusive culture and employee ownership as key differentiators. Candidates who align with these values will likely thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Needs: Effectively translating diverse client requirements and brand guidelines into innovative yet practical designs.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: Juggling design tasks for various clients and internal projects simultaneously in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Staying Current with Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid changes in web design trends, UX/UI best practices, and digital marketing technologies.

• Adapting to Different CMS Platforms/Builders: While WordPress is primary, clients may have unique setups or require familiarity with other tools or custom solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses on advanced UX/UI, motion graphics, or emerging design tools.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications in specific design software, CMS platforms, or digital marketing disciplines.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced designers and agency leaders through formal or informal mentorship.

• Exposure to Strategy: Gaining a deeper understanding of marketing strategy and how design contributes to broader business objectives.

• ESOP Growth: Understanding equity and financial planning related to employee ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a creative role in an agency, requiring adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly with the ESOP and the agency's focus on professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a website design from initial brief to final mock-up. How do you incorporate UX/UI principles at each stage?" (Demonstrate your structured approach, mention wireframing, user flows, and iterative design).

• "How do you ensure your designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet the client's strategic marketing goals and user needs?" (Focus on alignment with objectives, user research, and testing).

• "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with developers or content strategists on a project. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight communication skills, problem-solving, and teamwork).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Strategic America, particularly our employee ownership model and commitment to diversity and inclusion?" (Research company values, ESOP, and 4A's certification; express genuine interest).

• "How does your design philosophy align with our agency's approach of 'finding a better way, always'?" (Connect your proactive, problem-solving mindset to the company's ethos).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Choose Impactful Projects: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your web design, digital asset creation, and CMS skills.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, explain the client's problem, your role, your process (ideation, wireframing, design, implementation considerations), the tools used, and the results or impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out your use of Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, HTML/CSS, and UX/UI principles within your project examples.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, responsiveness, browser compatibility, and CMS implementation.

• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, illustrate how you collaborated with others on your portfolio pieces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and an understanding of how design serves business objectives within an agency context. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Strategic America careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "UX/UI design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "WordPress," "HTML/CSS," and "digital marketing assets." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Online Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible, and showcases your best work relevant to this role. Organize it clearly with project descriptions that detail your process and impact.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss your rationale and outcomes.

• Research Strategic America: Familiarize yourself with the company's website, mission, values, client work, and their unique employee ownership (ESOP) model and diversity initiatives. Understand their culture and what makes them stand out.

⚠️ 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.