Design Solutions Specialist

Description

Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, with primary offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., is looking for a Design Solutions Specialist to join our Team either in our Chicago or Washington DC office.

We are seeking a Design Solutions Specialist who can turn complex ideas into clear, compelling and visually dynamic stories in PowerPoint and other client-facing materials while also combining creative storytelling with technical configuration to deliver efficient, functional, brand-aligned digital solutions at scale across clients and leverage Microsoft 365 tools and AI-driven capabilities to enhance content delivery, automation, and overall user experience. This role is ideal for an M365 expert with strong graphic design skills who thrives on bringing concepts to life - from client board meeting presentations to decks for the Smithbucklin President & CEO. The ideal candidates will know PowerPoint inside and out and appreciate it for both its power of conveying ideas and see it as a design medium.

The role reports to the Head of Association Performance and Operations with key stakeholders in association management, client innovation and growth and our corporate office. This is a pivotal time to join as we work on the evolution of our business.

At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.

What You'll Do

• Design and enhance visually engaging and Smithbucklin brand-compliant PowerPoint templates, reports, and executive-level materials for internal and client-facing use.
• Transform complex information into clear, visually engaging slides using graphics, data visualization, and storytelling techniques.
• Incorporate multimedia elements such as video, animation, and motion graphics, to enhance the audience's experience.
• Provide guidance on presentation structure, visual storytelling, and intranet design best practices.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by identifying opportunities to modernize processes through intelligent automation and AI integration.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and Microsoft 365 intelligent services to enhance SharePoint content discovery and user experience.
• Maintain adherence to Smithbucklin brand standards across all presentation materials and departmental initiatives.
• Demonstrate problem-solving ability in both design and technical configuration contexts.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including communications, IT, and client stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support key initiatives such executive communications and special event presentations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines with polish and precision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, information technology or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of professional PowerPoint and SharePoint design experience in an agency, corporate marketing, or professional services environment.
• A portfolio showcasing a range of high-impact presentation and design work for B2B or professional audiences created in PowerPoint. A portfolio must be submitted in order to be considered for this role.
• Demonstrated experience creating executive presentations and managing SharePoint intranet or site content.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint with advanced knowledge of layouts, templates, and data visualization.
• Working knowledge of M365, particularly SharePoint Online and Power Automate.
• Familiarity with web technologies including HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript concepts preferred.
• Familiarity with AI-powered workplace tools such as Microsoft Copilot or similar technologies applied to business productivity and content management.
• Detail oriented, with excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects. Initiative-driven and a self-motivator, but also a team player that thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Why You'll Love Working at Smithbucklin

At Smithbucklin, you'll be part of a creative, impact-driven company that offers:

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and volunteer time
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Our Values: Optimism, Ambition, Expertise, and Thoughtfulness

Where Do You Fit?

Whether you are just beginning your career or are a mid- or senior-level professional, working at Smithbucklin will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all of our people - regardless of position or compensation - an equal chance to experience the fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.

Smithbucklin is a hybrid work environment with in-office days established as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines.

Smithbucklin considers several factors when determining compensation, including a candidate's recent coursework, training, experience, and certifications, among other considerations. The expected pay for this role is $70,000-85,000.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on position.

Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment. You must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.