Decibel Blue is a 17-year-old PR & Marketing agency that specializes in lifestyle, multi-unit, franchise and real estate sectors. We offer public relations, social media, advertising, web, influencer and content marketing services that effectively reach the target audiences of our clients. Our team is focused on developing creative ideas that drive bottom-line results and yield a high return on investment. The firm has a presence in Phoenix, AZ and Denver, CO, while servicing clients all around the country.

As Decibel Blue’s Graphic Designer, you will work directly with our Creative Director, Art Director, Account Executives and Senior Partners to drive and support social media, website development, marketing, advertising, public relations and branding for our clients. Our primary areas of focus are multi-unit franchise and lifestyle brands, as well as real estate organizations.

Decibel Blue prides itself on developing creative that is not only evocative, clever, funny or beautiful, but most importantly, contributes to the bottom-line growth of our clients. Form is important, but function must always come first. That is after all what pays the bills. We’re looking for a seasoned graphic designer who is organized, detailed-oriented and can bring our clients’ stories to life through creative design. Most importunately, the selected candidate welcomes the opportunity to join a 17-year-old agency whose award-winning culture values family, respect and sincere collaboration above all else. There are no stars, egos or attitudes coddled at Decibel Blue. We are all in this together and we are doing this for our clients.

The Job

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design and execute clear and compelling creative concepts based on a deep understanding of our clients’ products, services, and target audiences, driving toward successful achievement of their business objectives.
Ability to design for various mediums including print and digital communications. Advanced coding expertise is not expected, but proficiency in front-end web design is paramount. Not to mention banner ads, social media graphics, print, web and advertising campaigns, direct mail, logos, sales collateral, presentations, newsletters and branding/identity development.
Participate actively in all agency brainstorming sessions (or as we like to call them, “rastas”) to drive the development of powerful conceptual solutions. Designers are part of the greater team and expected to view the success of all clients as the mission, whether they utilize design or not.
Comfortable presenting creative ideas based on input from communications and marketing teams
Manage multiple projects and adhere to established schedules and deadlines, ensuring that quality standards are met along the way
Adhere to production requirements while working with outside vendors; organize and maintain library of key art, logos and content updates
Consistently apply and enforce brand and style guidelines, ensure compliance with all brand expectations
Willingness to roll-up your sleeves and perform other duties as assigned. Our founders and partners do whatever is needed and so does the whole team.

You?

Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience as a professional designer with a marketing or advertising agency. In-house corporate experience will be considered, but an agency background is strongly preferred. Doing work for 8 clients in 4 different industries is very different than having 6 internal “clients” in one division.
Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications or other related field (if you don’t have the diploma, but have a killer portfolio still send it our way for consideration)
Fluent in Adobe Creative Suite on a Mac-based platform
An understanding of web-based design including rudimentary HTML and WordPress experience
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications
Experience with securing bids from third-party vendors and managing their fulfillment – printers especially.
Strong communication skills (including written) as well as organized — you need to be comfortable talking directly to a client!
Self-starter and problem-solver who doesn’t NEED or want to be micro-managed
Understand the need to be flexible and prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines
Strong aesthetic sense with type, color and page layout design
Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships in-house and within the community
Comfortable utilizing time management software so we can deliver the best results to clients, working with their budgets and our agency’s needs
Understanding of technical constraints of digital platforms
Collaborates well with others and genuinely welcomes polite, but constructive feedback
Photography and video editing skills are a plus

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience in the Phoenix market
Full benefits including fully subsidized health and dental PPO plans, short and long term disability.
More than 40 paid holiday and flex days per year. After one year with the agency you are eligible to take additional time as needed.
Unlimited sick time.
Team members come and go as they please. People are treated like adults. Where and when you do your work doesn’t matter as long as you are working effectively with your colleagues and clients. Communication and accountability are the skills that allow you to enjoy those perks.
Three month paid maternity and paternity leave.

Ready to apply?

To apply, email: thecove@decibelblue.com. Include your résumé, a link to your design portfolio and 3 professional references (trade references a plus!). Most importantly, why you? What makes you interesting? What is different or special about you? Of course you know Adobe, so what? Everyone applying for this job does. Why are you interested in Decibel Blue?

Many of our clients are national but our approach remains personal. We pride ourselves in taking care of our own team members, being easy to work with and being highly imaginative. We are casual, irreverent, loyal and steadfast in honoring our brand’s values. We are seeking a talented individual for a dedicated social media position:

The Job

Lead the development of social media strategies and campaigns that help achieve the marketing goals of our clients
Work collaboratively with team members on the creation of integrated marketing plans
Manage day-to-day activity of all relevant social media channels
Provide ideas on how to use social media in new and engaging ways – which means more than delivering “likes” and “follows”
Be a thought leader on social media advertising trends and techniques
Develop, manage and revise digital marketing campaigns on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and LinkedIn
Track, maintain and present performance/analytics to clients and managers on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis
Develop monthly reports on emerging social media trends to share with the entire Decibel Blue team
Analyze the long-term needs of Decibel Blue’s social media strategy, and offer quarterly reports to the partners that outline any necessary changes to the digital marketing plan

You?

Minimum 2+ years of experience in Social Media working in either an agency or high-volume marketing department
Have expert knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, Snapchat and emerging social media platforms, as well as location-based/check-in services, Reputation Management and Community Management tools and Blogging Platforms
Look forward to growing in your role but are ready to roll up your sleeves, do the work, manage client relationships and get things done yourself
Demonstrated experience with nurturing online communities
A history of developing compelling cross-channel campaigns and editorial calendars
Understand that clients hire us to produce financial results. We create an ad, secure a newspaper article, send an email blast or attract 10 new fans but those are objectives, not bottom line goals
Knowledge of social media analytics and listening platforms
You don’t want or need to be micromanaged
A desire to stay current – not just on technology, but the world. The sophistication and diversity of the content you create is directly tied to how much you read
You love unpredictable days and won’t blink at juggling as many as 10 clients at a time
Comfortable with the expectations and pressure that come with the 24/7 responsibilities of managing retail accounts in multiple time zones
You genuinely enjoy being part of a team and sincerely value what makes working at Decibel Blue special

To apply, email: thecove@decibelblue.com

Include your résumé, writing samples, screenshots or case studies demonstrating your work and salary requirements. All are required to be considered.

Whether Decibel Blue’s client is a world-renown brand or they are a start-up, our approach remains the same. Now in our 17th year of business, our Denver and Phoenix-based public relations agency is steadfast in upholding our brand’s values and taking care of each other and our families. Clients call us easy to work with, imaginative and effective, which is why some have been with us for more than a decade. We are seeking a talented individual who wants to become a member of our team, as a full-time Public Relations Account Executive.

All our accounts employ a team structure. You will never feel like you’ve been abandoned. Well, you might, but it won’t be because of something we did. Besides, that’s what psychologists are for. Initially, you will be asked to play a role on established client teams, and soon (hopefully) will then earn the opportunity to lead new accounts. The people who have flourished at Decibel Blue sincerely believe in the power of a team. We win and lose together and most importantly, we learn together.

The Job

Acts as the right hand to the Director of Public Relations and works with all four of the agency’s partners. They are all equally delightful in wonderfully “unique” ways. Like the spin?
Serves as the lead or support on accounts, maintaining an ongoing understanding of the client’s goals, the results they value and their company’s competitive landscape
Maintains regular client contact to ensure effective strategy, execution and reporting
Networks and cultivates relationships with journalists, influencers and colleagues
Develops and pitches compelling stories to local, regional, national, and trade media. We never waste journalists’ time and that’s why they keep taking our pitches.
Copywriting of bylined contributing articles, press releases, award applications and social media content. We all love AP Style, right?
Think creatively and strategically about new ways to use social media, digital marketing tools and influencer activations. Everyone on the team embraces social media and pitches in as needed.
Adept at online database and reporting software etc. How do you feel about Underwood typewriters?
Supports crisis communications and issues management projects although our clients never get in trouble
Develops creative, thoughtful and strategic annual plans and budgets for clients
Responds happily, to the last-minute and after-hours needs of both your clients and colleagues. OK, maybe “happily” was a bit much.
Manage relationships with partner vendors. Some are, uh, quirky. We love them all the same.
Work closely with your marketing and design colleagues to manage daily project workflow as it relates to PR accounts.

You?

Experience – 2+ years experience in public relations, ideally at an agency. Why not corporate? At an agency you have to balance the needs of multiple clients in multiple industries and know how to make each one feel like they are your only client. And while doing that, you understand that being meticulous about tracking your time is an essential part of your job because it is the foundation of any agency’s business model.
Expertise – Our areas of focus are real estate, retail, wellness and restaurants. And our sister agency Decibel Green handles cannabis clients. Ideally, one or more of those industries is how you roll too. You are an exceptional writer. Not just media pitches and press releases, but bylined articles, social media posts, client briefings and tight, clear business emails. You know AP Style inside and out. Even if the person who wrote this perhaps doesn’t. You appreciate that while getting that big “hit” is exciting, media is just one part of public relations. You understand ultimately all that matters is the result the client sees. Which usually means making the cash register ring.
Personable – Connects easily with people. You have the relationship skills and confidence to work daily with the CEO of a $150 million business and reassure them, that while you’re young in your career, you’ve got it all under control. We are partners to our clients, not just their vendors (yes, there is a difference). Being able to hold a conversation about something other than work, with the person who writes us a check every month, is just as important as writing them a great press release.
Accountable and Collaborative – There is no “CYA” at Decibel Blue. The only acceptable finger pointing is raising your hand and asking a colleague how you can help them. We call our brainstorms Rasta’s. We all participate in a Rasta whether it’s “our” account or not. Every client is everyone’s responsibility. The only stars at Decibel Blue are the clients. And Ella Fitzgerald the turtle.
Professional – You have zero tolerance for typos or careless mistakes, because our clients won’t and the media doesn’t, which means the people paying you never will. Details matter. Deadlines matter. No joke.
Mindful – Someone who has some life experience or perspective. If you value what makes Decibel Blue’s culture special, you belong here.
Passion – You like to learn, stay educated, develop a network and proactively make contributions to the agency that extend beyond your official job duties. We run lean, wear lots of hats, shoes and jackets.
Fun – You like to laugh and make others laugh, because no, we are not curing cancer here.
Hungry – You welcome the opportunity to help develop, find, pitch and close new business opportunities. And reap the rewards.
Fearless – The right person will hit the ground running, and while you will, of course, have a learning period of at least a day or two, you also understand the importance of immediate success and results.

When can you start?

To apply, email: thecove@decibelblue.com. Include your résumé, writing samples, screenshots or case studies demonstrating your work and salary requirements. All are required to be considered.

What are the details?

Our culture is supportive, collaborative and as trite as it sounds, much like a family (the functional kind). We don’t take ourselves seriously but are very serious about our clients’ businesses. The Trainees are the backbone of our organization and embody everything we believe in.

How do I apply?

Send your resume and cover letter to thecove@decibelblue.com. Tell us why YOU belong at Decibel Blue. We don’t want to know about your classes or your great communication skills. If we wanted token answers, we’d hire your baby sister. DO say something interesting. Be memorable. Nothing impresses us more. Relax. Be yourself. Make it a conversation. Oh, and it helps if you ask what a Honey Bear is.

What can I expect?

Great Trainees understand that you don’t get anywhere in life without paying your dues. You will have typical “intern” duties, however, our promise is to give you a head start on what it means to be a professional in our industry. How to write an effective email. How to handle delicate situations. You will be trained in marketing/advertising/public relations. The ins-and-outs of writing press releases, assembling editorial calendars, pitching reporters, helping clients, developing ad campaigns, using social media. And then some.

We see how you represent Decibel Blue and hear how you interact with our clients and friends. We are casual and like to have fun, but this is still a business. We don’t care if you spend a few minutes scrolling Tik Tok, but deadlines better be met.

You have to earn that Decibel Blue credential on your resume. We don’t hand it out to just anyone. Real life experience is precious. We want you to have it here at Decibel Blue.

Who can a trainee be?

Thunderbird MBA’s, ASU Cronkite and University of Colorado students, career changers, freshmen, professional reporters and college dropouts have all joined the ranks of Decibel Blue Trainees.

And we have had nearly 300. 13 have gone on to have full-time positions with Decibel Blue. Many more work with agencies and companies in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, New York and San Diego.

What do I have to commit and what will I get?

We appreciate that the Program is unpaid and people are juggling jobs, families, class and obligations. The ideal time commitment is 15 to 20 hours a week. It takes awhile to learn the ins-and-outs, see accounts start up and campaigns roll out. Most importantly, you need to earn our trust before you will be assigned the more substantial and interesting projects. Whatever your time commitment, make it count instead of just sitting home and playing PS5. It’s your future, folks.

Anything else?

What you put into the Decibel Blue training program will determine what you take away. Work hard, have a great attitude and you will make friendships and professional connections you never imagined. Your resume bullet points will shame your competition in the job market.

We will work with you on your resume, cover letters and interviewing skills. Write recommendations. Cold call employers to sing your praises. We also belong to an international network of PR firms and have the capacity to open doors in dozens of cities around the world.

Once you join our team, you won’t say “you.” You’ll say “we”, and you’ll be proud of it.

When can you start?

To apply, email: thecove@decibelblue.com. Include your résumé and writing samples. Both are required for consideration.