Design Associate, Studio

About the role

This position is remote and may require occasional travel to our Atlanta, GA office. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop proposals, pitch decks, and client-facing presentations from early drafts through final delivery.
• Translate written inputs into clear visual narratives (layout, hierarchy, pacing, and story flow).
• Proofread and quality-check decks for consistency, formatting, and accuracy prior to submission.
• Support copyediting for clarity, tone, and flow (not acting as primary copywriter).
• Build and maintain reusable proposal components (slide modules, case study pages, bios, capability slides, visual libraries) to improve speed and consistency.
• Collaborate with the SVP of Business Development & Creative Strategy and client stakeholders to develop and realize preliminary concepts during pursuit phases.
• Create and host charrette presentations (virtual and/or in-person), capturing key decisions, open questions, and next steps.
• Produce charrette summaries and concept recaps that translate workshop outcomes into clear, actionable artifacts.
• Provide preliminary concept visuals for select proposal opportunities (e.g., mood boards, photobash/collage, AI-assisted imagery, quick reference scenes) to communicate intent and direction.
• Support the Senior Design Director as needed, including presentation polish, pursuit coordination, and deadline support during peak periods.
• Support a structured handover of pursuit materials to the Design Team when projects are booked (organized files, final decks, references, concept notes, and key assumptions).
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs (Design, Marketing, Operations, Production, Exhibitions) to ensure proposal content is accurate, aligned, and on-brand.
• Maintain and evolve proposal/presentation templates to align with Imagine Studio brand standards.
• Bring brand awareness to the Imagine Studio brand by ensuring consistent, high-quality storytelling across materials and touchpoints.
• Help evolve the Studio brand over time through iterative improvements to templates, visual systems, and presentation standards.
• Aid in sales reporting and pursuit tracking materials as needed.
• Occasional travel to attend trade shows, events, conferences to pitch and sell Imagine Studio services, supporting on-site presentation needs and follow-up materials.
• Coordinate cross-functional inputs (Design, Marketing, Operations, Production, Exhibitions) to ensure proposal content is accurate, aligned, and on-brand.
• Maintain organization and oversight of Studio/Business Development document storage, templates, and version control.
• Manage a curated asset library (project imagery, icons, maps, textures, precedent references, brand elements) to support fast-turn pursuits.
• Handle sensitive client and deal information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Support Imagine Studio website updates and maintenance via the Wix platform (as needed), coordinating with internal stakeholders to keep content current and on-brand.
• Provide design/production support to other Imagine departments on an as-needed basis.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience in graphic design, presentation design, or proposal/pitch development with a strong portfolio of layout-driven work.
• Strong visual communication skills: typography, composition, hierarchy, and brand consistency.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including file hygiene, naming conventions, and version control.
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple concurrent deliverables in a fast-paced studio environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; able to take direction, incorporate feedback, and work cross-functionally.
• Strong conceptual thinking and ability to support early creative direction through visual references and frameworks.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (especially InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Proficiency in Keynote and/or other presentation tools (Google Slides, PowerPoint).
• Working proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive).
• Ability to meet deadlines without compromising accuracy, within schedule and budget constraints.
• Interest in themed entertainment, exhibitions, experiential design, and the built environment; awareness of trends and innovations.

Preferred Skills / Competencies

• Familiarity with project management tools and structured workflows (e.g., Wrike, Smartsheet, ClickUp, etc.).
• Experience creating early-phase concept visuals (collage, photobash, AI-assisted imagery, quick 3D/blocking, or similar).
• Experience supporting or facilitating client workshops/charrettes (agenda support, live presentation, recap documentation).
• Familiarity with experiential design documentation (design narratives, look & feel, precedent decks).
• Ability to identify, learn, and implement new tools (including AI-supported workflows) that improve quality, speed, and consistency of deliverables.
• Wix website editing/maintenance experience (or willingness to learn quickly).

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds to move equipment on and off shelves.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity using both hands.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally based on business needs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance