Typical responsibilities include:

Liaising with the marketing/sales department to determine their requirements, timescale, and budget.
Developing concepts, graphics, and layouts, including making decisions about fonts, images, readability, and readers’ needs.
Determining size and arrangement of copy and illustrative material, as well as font style and size.
Preparing rough drafts of material based on an agreed brief.
Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

Key skills for graphic designers
Excellent IT skills, especially with design and photo-editing software.
Exceptional creativity and innovation.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment.
Professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.