Graphic Designer & Brand Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Graphic Designer & Brand Specialist

🔹 Company: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

🔹 Location: Middletown, Pennsylvania

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Graphic Design, Brand Management

🔹 Date Posted: May 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexible work options

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing the organization's visual primary brand identity and program brands
• Creating graphics for internal and external visual communications
• Writing, developing, and adhering to creative briefs and processes
• Prioritizing and managing multiple projects within design specifications, deadlines, and budget restrictions
• Representing the PTC at various public events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, organization, and project management skills. It involves working closely with various departments to ensure branding initiatives are aligned and supporting the organization's goals.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Creates and manages the organization's visual primary brand identity and program brands

✅ Develops graphics for internal and external visual communications

✅ Writes, develops, and adheres to creative briefs and processes

✅ Prioritizes and manages multiple projects within design specifications, deadlines, and budget restrictions

✅ Researches, analyzes, and summarizes market trends to measure effectiveness of communication efforts

✅ Participates in strategic planning efforts regarding marketing campaigns, social media channels, and other projects

✅ Coordinates with other departments to ensure that all branding initiatives are aligned

✅ Supports the organization during weather activation by creating and managing graphics for social media and service plaza digital signs

✅ Proofreads, pre-flights, and prepares various digital files

✅ Maintains knowledge of current graphic design trends by attending design workshops and conferences, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional associations

✅ Represents the PTC at various public events, including trade shows, meetings, and other PTC events

✅ Provides direction to assigned contracted vendors, obtains and assembles information for vendors to use in developing final communications products, and evaluates requests for proposals (RFPs), plans, estimates, and invoices

✅ Provides support with administrative duties when needed

✅ Performs all related duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, digital arts, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and/or experience)

Experience: Eight (8) years of experience in graphic design or a related field, or four (4) years of experience with a relevant bachelor's degree

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency and experience designing in Adobe Creative Suite
• Valid driver's license (must obtain and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver's license within six (6) months of employment)
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with brand management software (e.g., Brandfolder, Frontify)
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages relevant to the region

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio demonstrating their graphic design skills and experience working with brands. They should also have a solid understanding of project management principles and be able to work effectively in a team environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,294.40 - $94,931.20 per year

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Flexible work options (hybrid work and alternate work schedules)
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible work options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job description. However, the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the organization's internal policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Truck Transportation, with a focus on toll road operations and management

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, with a decentralized structure and multiple locations

Founded: 1940, as the first superhighway in the United States

Company Description:

• Operates and maintains 564 miles of toll roads in Pennsylvania
• Responsible for collecting and processing toll payments, as well as managing traffic flow and safety on the turnpike
• Emphasizes customer service, innovation, and sustainability in its operations

Company Specialties:

• Toll road operations and management
• Brand management and marketing
• Customer service and experience
• Safety and traffic management

Company Website: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

ASSUMPTION: Working for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission offers opportunities to be part of a large, established organization with a significant impact on the state's transportation infrastructure and economy. The company values its employees and offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-career, with potential for growth into senior roles or management positions

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager of Strategy and Communications, with potential for collaboration with various departments, including Marketing, Public Relations, and Operations

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a combination of remote and on-site work, as well as flexible work options (alternate work schedules)

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to senior graphic design roles or management positions
• Expansion of responsibilities to include leadership and mentoring of junior team members
• Potential to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that impact the organization's brand and reputation

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large organization. The ideal candidate will be proactive, self-motivated, and eager to take on new challenges as they arise.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a combination of on-site and remote work

Office Location(s): Middletown, PA (Central Office Building), with potential for occasional travel to other locations, including King of Prussia and New Stanton

Geographic Context:

• Middletown, PA, is located in Dauphin County, approximately 15 miles east of Harrisburg, the state capital
• The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to major highways and attractions
• Middletown is home to various businesses, retail establishments, and residential communities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible work options, including hybrid work and alternate work schedules

ASSUMPTION: Working in Middletown, PA, offers a balance between a suburban environment and easy access to urban amenities. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility for employees to balance their personal and professional lives.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with additional stakeholders
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Graphic design skills and portfolio
• Brand management experience and understanding
• Project management skills and experience
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving abilities and adaptability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Include a link to your portfolio or attach samples of your work
• Prepare questions in advance to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the organization
• Be prepared to discuss your design process and how you approach projects

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Brand Management, Adobe Creative Suite, Project Management, Marketing, Communication, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Middletown, PA

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary, and the organization may use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage and review applications. Tailoring your application to include relevant keywords and following the organization's instructions will increase your chances of being considered for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
• Brand management software (e.g., Brandfolder, Frontify)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. The ideal candidate will have experience using these tools and be able to demonstrate their proficiency during the application process.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Safety: Prioritizing the safety of employees, customers, and the public
• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions
• Customer Focus: Ensuring customer satisfaction and exceeding expectations
• Innovation: Embracing change and continuous improvement
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals

Work Style:

• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges
• Results-driven and focused on achieving outcomes
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your design work aligns with the organization's brand guidelines and values?
• Can you describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and how did you prioritize your workload?
• How do you approach working with vendors and contractors to ensure that their work meets the organization's standards and expectations?

ASSUMPTION: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission values employees who embody their core values and work style. Assessing your fit with these aspects during the application process will increase your chances of success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Working with various departments and stakeholders to ensure branding initiatives are aligned
• Adapting to changes in the organization's brand or marketing strategies
• Maintaining a high level of creativity and innovation while working within brand guidelines
• Occasional travel and on-site work during weather activation events

ASSUMPTION: The role of Graphic Designer & Brand Specialist at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission presents unique challenges that require strong project management skills, adaptability, and a keen eye for detail. The ideal candidate will be proactive, self-motivated, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Graphic Designer vs. Graphic Designer & Brand Specialist: The latter role includes additional responsibilities for managing the organization's brand and working with vendors, requiring stronger project management and leadership skills
• In-house graphic designer vs. agency graphic designer: In-house roles may offer more stability and opportunities for growth, while agency roles may provide exposure to a wider range of clients and industries
• Graphic Designer & Brand Specialist vs. Art Director: Art Director roles may involve more strategic decision-making and leadership, while the former role focuses more on day-to-day design and project management tasks

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the unique aspects of this position will help you tailor your application and prepare for the interview process.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand style guide for the organization
• Creating a series of social media graphics to promote a new marketing campaign
• Designing and implementing a wayfinding system for a new service plaza
• Managing a rebranding project for one of the organization's key initiatives (e.g., E-ZPass, Toll By Plate)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the organization's brand and marketing efforts will be beneficial when working on these sample projects. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to understand and adapt to the organization's unique needs and goals.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the organization's brand management process and how this role fits into it?
• How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its graphic design team members?
• Can you provide an example of a recent branding initiative and how it was executed?
• How does the organization measure the success of its branding and marketing efforts?
• What are the most important qualities and skills you look for in a Graphic Designer & Brand Specialist?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions during the interview process will demonstrate your interest in the role and the organization, and provide valuable insights into the position and the company culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio or samples of your work, demonstrating your graphic design skills and brand management experience
• Prepare questions in advance to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the organization
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.