A Marketing Communications Specialist describes and promotes an organization and its products including graphics, product collateral, logos, or other promotional products. Analyzes customer requirements, develops messaging architecture and competitive positioning, specifies vehicles/projects, secures resources, communicates project development and drives creative development processes. Works with outside vendors/agencies for design and execution of advertising campaigns, trade show exhibitions, mail campaigns, and seminars.
The Thrasher Group has been improving the communities where we live and work since 1983 - not as outside consultants, but as residents and neighbors. Thrasher is the largest privately owned architecture, engineering, and surveying firm in West Virginia, and maintains a growing presence in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Our roots throughout central Appalachia and the Mid-Atlantic region have allowed us to build a reputation for doing meaningful work for communities of all sizes. What does this mean for you? Thrasher provides real opportunities to be a part of vital projects, handle real-world responsibility, and develop a career that grows with you. Our multi-disciplinary teams work across the full life cycle of a project and with an array of industry professionals - giving you the knowledge and experience to do more. In short, we're not a steppingstone. Thrasher is a firm where people build better careers and better communities, all in the places they call home.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Marketing & Design Specialist plays a key role in supporting Thrasher's business development, marketing, and communications efforts. This position combines graphic design, strategic thinking, proposal development, and content creation to help the firm pursue new opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and communicate complex ideas effectively. This is not a traditional graphic design position. While strong design skills are essential, success here requires curiosity, critical thinking, strong communication skills, and a genuine desire to learn about the industries and communities we serve. The ideal candidate understands that great design is more than aesthetics — it is a tool for communicating ideas, influencing decisions, and telling compelling stories.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop, coordinate, and produce proposals, qualifications packages, statements of interest, interview presentations, and other business development materials Research clients, communities, projects, funding opportunities, industry trends, and competitors to support strategic pursuits and marketing initiatives Collaborate with technical staff and project teams to gather information, identify key messages, and develop compelling content for proposals, presentations, and marketing materials Transform complex technical information into clear, persuasive, and audience-focused communications Create presentation materials, graphics, infographics, maps, charts, and visual elements that improve understanding and strengthen communication Write, edit, and format project descriptions, staff resumes, case studies, award submissions, articles, and marketing content Develop print and digital marketing materials, advertisements, event materials, recruitment pieces, and promotional content Assist with and curate content for websites, social media, email marketing, and other communications as needed Maintain proposal, presentation, and marketing templates while ensuring consistency with company brand standards Manage multiple deadlines and priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Required Education:
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, Communications, or a related field Design software: Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite — particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop — and other contemporary design platforms
Communication:
Excellent written communication, editing, and research abilities
Microsoft Office:
Advanced proficiency in
PowerPoint and Word Organization:
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred Experience:
Professional experience in marketing, communications, graphic design, or a related field
Proposals:
Experience developing proposals, presentations, and pursuit materials Industry background: Experience in architecture, engineering, construction, planning, transportation, infrastructure, or professional services
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
The successful candidate will become a trusted resource to both the marketing team and technical staff — helping transform complex ideas into persuasive, visually engaging, and strategically focused communications. They will not simply execute assignments but will actively contribute ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and help strengthen the firm's ability to pursue, win, and deliver work.
BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance; flexible spending and dependent care accounts; a Health Savings Account with company contributions; company-paid short- and long-term disability; and a $100,000 life insurance policy paid for by the company. We also offer supplemental life, dental, and vision insurance, along with accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness coverage for added peace of mind. We invest in our employees' futures through a traditional and Roth 401(k) with up to a 4% company match, profit sharing, and discretionary bonuses. Employees enjoy paid time off, paid parental leave, and support for continuing education and professional registrations, plus assistance with warehouse club memberships, gym, and race entry fees. We recognize the importance of work-life balance and offer schedule flexibility within a family-oriented culture that's been building communities across the Mid-Atlantic for over 40 years. The Thrasher Group conducts pre-employment drug screens and background checks on all applicants who accept offers of employment. Authorization to work in the United States is a precondition of employment.
