1

Graphic Design Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Marketing Intern - Graphic Designer

Hills, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

This position will report directly to the Senior Vice President, Marketing Director. We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Intern with a strong focus on graphic design to join our ...

Marketing Intern - Graphic Designer

Hills, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

This position will report directly to the Senior Vice President, Marketing Director. We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Intern with a strong focus on graphic design to join our ...

Marketing Intern - Graphic Designer

Hills, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

This position will report directly to the Senior Vice President, Marketing Director. We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Intern with a strong focus on graphic design to join our ...

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

$14.25 - $19/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency ... Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership * Ownership of real-world creative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graphic Design Director information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$25

$40

How much do graphic design director jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphic design director in Iowa is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $29.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a graphic design director do?

A Graphic Design Director leads and oversees the creative vision for a company's visual projects, such as branding, advertising, and digital media. They manage a team of designers, ensuring that all design work aligns with the client's objectives and brand guidelines. Their responsibilities include conceptualizing design strategies, providing feedback, and collaborating with other departments to deliver cohesive and impactful visual communications. They also stay updated with design trends and technologies to keep the team's output innovative and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphic design director?

To thrive as a Graphic Design Director, you need advanced design expertise, leadership experience, a strong portfolio, and typically a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, project management tools, and familiarity with branding systems are essential. Excellent communication, creative vision, and the ability to inspire and mentor teams are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative design solutions, managing creative projects, and guiding teams toward achieving organizational goals.

How does a graphic design director typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Graphic Design Director works closely with various departments, such as marketing, product development, and executive leadership, to ensure visual strategies align with broader organizational goals. This collaboration often involves attending cross-functional meetings, interpreting marketing briefs, and providing creative direction that supports campaign objectives. Effective communication and the ability to translate business needs into compelling visual concepts are essential, as the director often acts as a bridge between creative teams and non-design stakeholders. These interactions help maintain brand consistency and ensure project deliverables meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

What is the difference between Graphic Design Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectGraphic Design DirectorGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or related field; extensive portfolio; leadership experienceBachelor’s degree or certification in Graphic Design or related field; strong portfolio
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, collaborates with clients, oversees projects at a strategic levelExecutes design tasks, creates visual content, works on individual projects
Industry UsageUsed in agencies, corporate marketing, and large organizations for high-level oversightCommon across advertising, publishing, and freelance work

The main difference is that a Graphic Design Director oversees the entire creative process and manages teams, while a Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual content. The director has more strategic responsibilities and leadership duties, whereas the designer executes specific design tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphic Design jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Graphic Design jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Graphic Design Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Graphic Design Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Graphic Design Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,553 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Competitive Edge Advertising Specialty Mfg. Co. (Competitive Edge) is a large promotional products manufacturer and distributor located in Des Moines, Iowa and our extensive use of cutting edge technology makes us industry leaders. We have several websites and specialize in a wide variety of imprinted advertising specialty and promotional products. The Art Department is charged with enhancing the image of our company, as well as that of our clients.

We are seeking an Experienced Graphic Designer to join our Art Department in the design and layout of a variety of creative materials, including logos, t-shirts, catalogs, websites, marketing collateral and more. In this dynamic role you will apply your creative expertise to conceptualize, articulate, and present concepts.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

· Develop effective designs and layouts including logos, t-shirts, print and digital publications, catalogs, space ads, direct mail pieces, insert pieces, sample boxes, brochures, etc.

· Design and preparation of digital promotions including e-newsletters/e-blasts, websites, banners, social media, marketing collateral, etc.

· Create, clean up, or resize customer’s art and/or logos for various types of ad specialties and promotional products including artwork required for catalog orders.

· Create artwork for film output related to textile screen printing and digitizing of artwork for embroidery.

· Produce the artwork specifications for all ad specialty orders as described on art specification sheets or according to requirements described by salespersons or members of the management team.

· Prepare final original artwork to accompany purchase orders to vendors of imprinted ad specialty products.

Qualifications:

· Technical art or graphic design training or instruction; Associate Degree in Applied Arts, Graphic Design, or Commercial Art.

· At least 3 years experience of professional graphic design experience working with print, web, and digital media.

· Expertise in using Adobe Creative Suite

· Thorough knowledge of print, web, and digital production processes.

· Must have production skills including trapping color, textile color separation, etc.

· Capacity to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

· Ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines while paying impeccable attention to detail.

· Self-starter who works well independently and in a team environment with a strong interest in graphic design.

· Positive outlook and professionalism in all aspects of daily tasks.

We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with knowledge and experience level. For consideration, please send resume with salary history and requirements. Please reference “Graphic Designer” in the subject line. EOE.


#hc203496