Summary of the Graphic Designer job at SMMA

At SMMA, design is at the heart of how we communicate our ideas, expertise, and impact. We are seeking a creative and ambitious Graphic Designer to join our collaborative marketing and communications team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategy, creativity, and visual storytelling to create meaningful experiences across print, digital, and interactive platforms. 

In this role, you will collaborate with a diverse group of professionals to bring ideas to life through compelling graphics, presentations, proposals, website content, and social media assets. From helping win new work to strengthening SMMA's brand presence, your work will influence how clients and employees experience our firm. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, a thoughtful designer, and a curious learner who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 

Core Responsibilities
 

• Lead Graphic Support for Pursuits: Develop strategic, client-focused graphics and visual communications that support the pursuit process, including proposals, qualifications, interviews, and presentations.  

• Transform complex content into compelling visual formats, including project sheets, resumes, schedules, charts, diagrams, infographics, and data visualizations.  

• Develop and Maintain SMMA’s Brand: Advance and maintain SMMA's brand standards by creating templates, design guidelines, and ensuring brand consistency across all external communications.  

• Promotional Graphic Support: Design and produce marketing and promotional materials across print and digital platforms, including brochures, portfolio books, conference materials, award submissions, website assets, social media graphics, and email campaigns.  

• Support internal communications and firmwide initiatives through the development of presentations, handouts, and engagement materials.  

• Assist with website design, content updates, and the creation and organization of digital content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and relevance.  

• Manage and maintain OpenAsset, SMMA's digital asset management system, including asset organization, metadata tagging, album creation, and taxonomy development. 

Successful Characteristics
 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues, senior leaders, and external partners.  

• Exceptional attention to detail and a refined eye for design, composition, and visual storytelling.  

• Ability to transform complex information into clear, engaging, and impactful graphic solutions.  

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.  

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines and deliver high-quality work on time.  

• Receptive to feedback and comfortable iterating on concepts to incorporate diverse perspectives and project goals.  

• Curious and adaptable, with a passion for exploring emerging design trends, tools, technologies, and best practices.  

• Enthusiastic about engaging with people, understanding their needs, and translating ideas into effective visual communications. 

Qualifications
 

• BFA or MFA in Graphic Design required for consideration.   

• 2 years’ professional experience.   

• Portfolio showcasing your creative design skills.  

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills coupled with design thinking.  

• Advanced understanding of typography, color, and layout.   

• Solid understanding of UX/UI best practices and how to apply them within WordPress, Elementor.  

• Must be able to work on Windows platform.  

About SMMA

SMMA is one of New England’s most unique design firms due to our composition, reputation, and focus. Cambridge-based since our incorporation in 1955, we offer an integrated, multidisciplinary environment driven by collaboration between architects, engineers, technologists, researchers, and industry experts.

We focus on building lasting relationships with strategic partners across public and private sectors, with work spanning K-12, higher education, corporate, commercial, life science, federal government, and advanced technology projects.

As an employee-owned firm, we believe that good ideas are welcome from anywhere. Our work reflects a shared commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Company Perks

• Employee-owned firm (ESOP)
• Hybrid work-from-home policy
• Competitive benefits package
• Company-funded MA Paid Family and Medical Leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mentor/protégé program
• Educational and licensure reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

The approximate pay range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000.