Junior Designer

Socket.dev; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible hybrid work

Generous vacation

401(k) matching

Medical/dental/vision

Parental leave

Job summary

Highwire's creative team seeks a motivated Junior Designer to support client and internal projects, executing on-brand visuals across presentations, social graphics, and campaign elements while building foundational skills. You'll work with senior designers and account teams, receiving mentorship in brand guidelines, feedback, and collaboration in a fast-paced agency environment.

The role offers remote and hybrid options with New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices; salary range $52,000 to

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of professional design experience (agency exposure a plus).
• Visual, graphic, or motion design degree, or equivalent coursework/experience.
• A portfolio showcasing foundational visual design work and an understanding of core design principles.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Familiarity with Figma; exposure to Adobe After Effects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute design deliverables with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines.
• Create on-brand visuals such as presentations, social graphics, and campaign elements.
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure brand alignment across projects.
• Incorporate feedback to improve design quality.
• Begin developing understanding of how creative output connects to client strategy.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Deadline-driven

Education

Visual, graphic, or motion design degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

Figma

Adobe After Effects

Job description

Junior Designer

Highwire's creative team leads the creative strategy, design and execution of powerful, valuable, and impactful ideas that drive business impact for our clients. We weave insights into ideas, make ideas real, and combine creativity with strategic storytelling so our clients stand out from competitors.

We are seeking a motivated Junior Designer to join our team and contribute high-quality design support across client and internal projects. This role is focused on executing on-brand visual assets, including presentations, social media graphics, and campaign elements, while building foundational skills in brand consistency, feedback incorporation, and creative collaboration. You'll work closely with senior designers and account teams to bring creative concepts to life, ensuring your work aligns with established client brand guidelines, all while receiving mentorship and hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced agency environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute design deliverables with minimal supervision while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Create on‑brand visual assets such as presentations, social media graphics, and campaign elements.
• Build relationships with team members by contributing ideas during brainstorming sessions.
• Incorporate feedback into revisions to continuously improve design quality.
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure consistent quality and brand alignment across projects.
• Work within established brand systems and design guidelines, applying them consistently across assigned deliverables.
• Begin developing an understanding of how creative output connects to broader client strategy and goals.
• Ask questions during briefing to clarify client goals and translate feedback into design decisions.
• Manage multiple smaller tasks and deliverables with growing independence and accountability.
• Stay curious about current design, social, and digital trends.

Success Factors (Qualifications)

• 1-2 years of professional design experience (agency exposure a plus).
• Visual, graphic, or motion design degree, or equivalent coursework/experience.
• A portfolio showcasing foundational visual design work and an understanding of core design principles.
• Working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Familiarity with Figma; exposure to Adobe After Effects is a plus.
• Basic understanding of motion graphic principles is a plus.
• Foundational understanding of color theory, visual hierarchy, and layout composition.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple smaller projects with support from senior team members, while meeting deadlines.
• Attention to detail and a willingness to learn from feedback.
• Ability to work within a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Genuine curiosity about how AI tools are reshaping creative workflows, with a willingness to experiment and learn.

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values‑driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities—can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people‑first culture is driven by four core values:

• Team Empowerment
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusion Always
• Fierce Distinction

We're looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award‑winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Highwire. Above all.

Our people‑first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

• Competitive salary with merit‑based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log‑off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog‑friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in‑office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Salary: The salary range for this position is $52,000 to $60,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well‑being and growth. #LI-Hybrid