Visual Communications Strategist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Visual Communications Strategist

🔹 Company: Shive Hattery Group, Inc.

🔹 Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Architecture and Planning

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Connecting story, strategy, and design to create compelling visuals
• Leading creative content across multiple channels and teams
• Elevating Shive-Hattery's brand through strategic communications
• Collaborating with architects, engineers, marketers, and leadership

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of creative and strategic thinking, with a focus on visual storytelling and brand management.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Create visually compelling visuals for print, digital, and social media, including presentations, brochures, reports, and marketing materials

✅ Lead flagship communications, such as the quarterly employee magazine By Design and executive communications like the Shareholders and Semi-Annual Reports

✅ Maintain and evolve brand identity standards across all channels

✅ Work with various teams and coordinate with freelancers and vendors as needed

✅ Balance multiple priorities and timelines from concept to delivery

✅ Advise and consult with internal clients to understand their needs and deliver visuals that inform, persuade, and inspire

✅ Stay ahead of trends and explore new tools, tech, and trends to keep communications fresh and forward-looking

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of creative and project management tasks, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field

Experience: 4+ years in graphic design, brand communications, or visual storytelling (AEC, agency, or in-house)

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects)
• Experience with print production and digital fulfillment
• Familiarity with licensing/copyright (fonts, imagery, music, etc.)
• Brand system experience, including supporting growth or acquisitions
• Strong collaborator and communicator who can influence without authority
• Self-starter with excellent time management and detail-obsessed with editing and proofreading skills
• Curiosity and openness to AI and emerging design tech

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics and video
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their ability to simplify complex information into engaging visuals.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision – 4 tiers of coverage
• Voluntary Life Insurance – Employee, Spouse, and Child
• Voluntary Insurance Plans – Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
• FSA – Medical & Dependent Care
• 8 Paid Holidays + PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K/Roth 401K with Company Match
• Overtime Bonus
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• First Time License Bonus
• Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the company's internal structures and the candidate's qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Architecture and Planning. Shive-Hattery is a full-service architecture, engineering, and planning firm that focuses on designing spaces that improve people's lives and enhance communities.

Company Size: 201-500 employees. As a mid-sized company, Shive-Hattery offers a collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and learning.

Founded: 1895. Shive-Hattery has a rich history and extensive experience in the architecture and planning industry.

Company Description:

• Shive-Hattery goes beyond traditional design, providing customized solutions and supporting clients as an extension of their staff
• The company cultivates relationships and aims to be the trusted advisor for its clients
• Shive-Hattery is committed to designing spaces that make a positive impact on people's lives and communities

Company Specialties:

• Architecture
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• District Energy
• Surveying
• Branded Environments
• Traffic & Transportation
• Electrical Engineering
• Water & Wastewater
• Interior Design
• Landscape Architecture
• Building Information Modeling
• 3D Visualization
• Building Envelope
• Construction Services
• Environmental Services

Company Website: http://www.shive-hattery.com/

ASSUMPTION: Shive-Hattery's extensive range of services and specialties allow it to offer diverse career opportunities and growth paths for employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a balance of creative and strategic thinking, as well as strong project management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Communications Strategist will report directly to the Marketing Director and collaborate with various teams, including architects, engineers, and marketers.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of hybrid or remote work in the future, depending on the company's policies and the candidate's needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Shive-Hattery continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Visual Communications Strategist to take on more responsibilities or move into a management role
• The company offers professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement to support employees' career growth
• Working on diverse projects and collaborating with various teams can provide valuable experience and exposure

ASSUMPTION: The Visual Communications Strategist role offers opportunities for growth and learning within a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a collaborative and creative atmosphere

Office Location(s): Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Headquarters), with additional offices in various states

Geographic Context:

• Cedar Rapids is located in eastern Iowa and is the second-largest city in the state
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas
• Cedar Rapids has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals throughout the year

Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard business hours and the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The Visual Communications Strategist will work primarily in the Cedar Rapids office but may have the opportunity to collaborate with employees in other locations.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the Marketing Director
• In-person or virtual interview with the Marketing Director and a representative from the creative team
• Final interview with the CEO or another executive member
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Portfolio review and creative problem-solving skills
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Understanding of Shive-Hattery's brand and values
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and grow

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Include a link to your portfolio or attach samples of your work
• Be prepared to discuss your design process and the thought behind your creative decisions
• Research Shive-Hattery's company culture and be ready to explain how your values align with theirs

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Brand Communications, Visual Storytelling, Adobe Creative Suite, Print Production, Digital Fulfillment, Licensing, Collaboration, Communication, Time Management, Detail-Oriented, Editing, Proofreading, Curiosity, Emerging Design Tech

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's qualifications.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Brand management tools (e.g., Frontify, Brandfolder, Bynder)

ASSUMPTION: The Visual Communications Strategist will be expected to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Integrity
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Creative and strategic thinking
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your creative and strategic thinking skills align with Shive-Hattery's values?
• How do you approach balancing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines?
• How do you incorporate feedback and collaborate with various teams to deliver impactful visuals?

ASSUMPTION: Shive-Hattery values a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to changes in project scope or priorities
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and clients
• Keeping up with industry trends and emerging design technologies

ASSUMPTION: The Visual Communications Strategist role may present challenges related to project management, stakeholder communication, and continuous learning.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles, such as Art Director or Graphic Designer, the Visual Communications Strategist role places a greater emphasis on strategic thinking and brand management
• In the architecture and planning industry, this role is unique in its focus on visual storytelling and communications strategy
• Career progression may involve moving into a management role or specializing in a specific area, such as brand management or creative direction

ASSUMPTION: The Visual Communications Strategist role offers a unique blend of creative and strategic responsibilities within the architecture and planning industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand style guide for a new acquisition
• Creating a series of infographics to communicate complex data or concepts for a marketing campaign
• Designing and producing a quarterly employee magazine, including coordinating with writers, editors, and printers

ASSUMPTION: The Visual Communications Strategist will work on a variety of projects that require creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong project management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall marketing and communications strategy for the firm?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the firm, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Shive-Hattery support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that?
• How does Shive-Hattery incorporate sustainability and social responsibility into its projects and operations?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and helps you make an informed decision about your career.

📌 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
• Include a link to your portfolio or attach samples of your work
• Prepare for your phone or video screen by researching Shive-Hattery's company culture and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your interest in the role

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