Graphic Designer 1

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

POET is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Graphic Designer I to support the development and execution of visual communications across print and digital applications. This role works closely with the creative director, fellow designers, project managers to produce compelling, on-brand creative materials that support POET's marketing and business objectives.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in graphic design principles, an eye for detail, and a willingness to learn and grow. This individual should be comfortable executing established creative concepts, supporting larger design initiatives, and independently managing routine design projects.

Success in this role requires creativity, organization, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset, along with the ability to balance multiple projects while maintaining high standards of quality and brand consistency.

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

Design Execution & Production

• Design and produce a variety of print and digital materials, including brochures, flyers, posters, banners, tradeshow graphics, advertisements, presentations, website graphics, social media content, and other marketing collateral.
• Support the creative director and fellow designers in executing creative concepts, campaigns, and larger design initiatives.
• Adapt, resize, format, and update existing creative assets for various platforms, formats, and applications.
• Prepare and package final production-ready files for print vendors, digital platforms, and internal distribution.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail across all design deliverables.
• Assist with layout development, typography, image selection, photo editing, and other design production tasks.

Creative Development & Collaboration

• Conduct visual research and develop mood boards, reference materials, and initial design concepts to support creative projects.
• Collaborate with designers, marketing team members, and business stakeholders to understand project requirements and execute creative solutions.
• Work both independently and in a supporting role, taking creative direction while contributing ideas and solutions.
• Continuously develop design skills, technical proficiency, and creative problem-solving abilities, taking on increasingly complex projects and greater creative ownership as experience grows.

Brand Consistency & Asset Management

• Maintain and apply POET's established brand guidelines across all creative materials, ensuring consistency in typography, color, imagery, and visual identity.
• Support the organization and maintenance of digital asset libraries, including photography, graphics, templates, and other creative resources.
• Perform basic photo editing, retouching, and image optimization for print and digital applications.
• Assist with occasional photography needs and the sourcing of stock imagery or other visual assets.

Project Management & Team Support

• Manage assigned projects, priorities, and deadlines while balancing multiple requests simultaneously.
• Proactively communicate project status, questions, potential challenges, and resource needs to ensure timely completion.
• Facilitate routine project reviews, revisions, and approval processes in collaboration with the creative and marketing teams.
• Maintain organized working files and follow established creative workflows and file management practices.
• Build positive working relationships across departments and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Represent and champion POET's mission, values, and brand within the organization and community.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a related field preferred.
• Foundational experience in graphic design through professional work, internships, academic projects, or equivalent practical experience.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design fundamentals, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to execute polished visual communications. Portfolio required.

Technical & Design Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Strong understanding of graphic design fundamentals, including typography, layout, composition, color, and visual hierarchy.
• Basic knowledge of print production processes, file preparation, and digital design specifications.
• Ability to work within established brand guidelines while maintaining a high level of design quality.
• Experience creating and adapting graphics for multiple print and digital formats.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when preparing final production files.
• Basic photography and photo-retouching experience.
• Familiarity with presentation design, particularly Microsoft PowerPoint.

Professional Attributes

• Creative, curious, and eager to learn and develop new skills.
• Receptive to feedback and comfortable working under the direction of the creative director and fellow designers.
• Resourceful problem-solver with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-first attitude.
• Comfortable taking ownership of assigned responsibilities while recognizing when to ask questions or seek guidance.
• Adaptable and willing to support a variety of creative projects and production needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.