Assistant Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer

Company: Berklee College of Music

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (within the United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role involves managing and tagging graphic assets within a content management system, requiring strong organizational and digital asset management skills.

• Creation of simple graphics for course content, utilizing design software to produce visual materials like line graphs, diagrams, and vector icons.

• Collaboration with instructional designers and content creators, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines.

• A focus on efficient workflow and asset reusability within an educational technology context.

• This is a remote position, offering flexibility within the United States, with a requirement for 10 hours of work per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Graphic Designer" title, combined with the mention of a content management system (Air), Adobe tools, and course content creation, strongly suggests this role sits within an educational technology or curriculum development department. The "0-2 Years" experience level indicates an entry-level position, suitable for students or recent graduates looking to build their portfolio and gain practical experience in digital asset management and graphic design for educational purposes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and meticulously tag graphic assets within Berklee's content management system (Air) to ensure ease of retrieval and facilitate reuse in new course development.

• Create and edit course-related graphics, including but not limited to line graphs, studio diagrams, and vector icons, using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Ensure all delivered graphics adhere to specified file formats (PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF), naming conventions, and folder structures, as managed via Google Drive.

• Participate in weekly meetings with the hiring manager to discuss workload, review deadlines, and address any necessary edits or feedback on created graphics.

• Maintain active communication via Slack and email to respond to queries and provide updates on assigned tasks during business hours.

• Uphold Berklee's established design guidelines and brand standards in all created and managed visual assets.

• Proactively seek opportunities to learn and apply new artistic skills, tools, and applications relevant to graphic design and educational content creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize core graphic design tasks within a structured educational environment. The specific mention of "Air" as the content management system, "Google Drive" for delivery, and weekly meetings via "Slack" provides concrete operational details that applicants should be aware of. The requirement to adhere to "Berklee design guidelines" highlights the importance of brand consistency in an academic setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled as a student at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

• Enrolled at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate-seeking undergraduate or graduate program (with a specific summer enrollment exception).

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for continued employment (first-semester students are exempt until their first GPA calculation). Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in graphic design or a related artistic field.

• Experience with digital art, logo design, vector icon creation, and typography is highly beneficial.

• Familiarity with content management systems and digital asset management principles is advantageous. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in or a strong aptitude for learning graphic design principles and artistic representation.

• Demonstrated ability to create visual assets such as line graphs, diagrams, and vector icons.

• Strong organizational skills for managing digital assets and adhering to file management protocols.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and feedback.

• Familiarity with Google Suite tools: Google Calendar, Google Email, Google Sheets, and Google Drive.

• Ability to follow instructions precisely and apply design guidelines consistently.

• Understanding of common file formats: PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF.

• A creative mindset and a proactive drive to learn new artistic skills and applications. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with Adobe Illustrator, particularly the pen tool, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Experience with free or alternative graphic design tools such as Gimp, Procreate, Affinity Designer, or Inkscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The educational requirements are specific to Berklee students. The experience level is entry-level, making a strong portfolio paramount. The distinction between "Required" and "Preferred" skills is crucial: while Adobe experience is preferred, the role is open to candidates with alternative tool experience, emphasizing adaptability and foundational design skills. The mention of "0-2 Years" experience aligns with a student position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing examples of previous art or design work is mandatory for consideration.

• The portfolio should demonstrate artistic ability in areas such as digital art, logo design, vector icon creation, and typography.

• Include examples that reflect an ability to create visual representations of objects, ideas, or data (e.g., diagrams, graphs).

• Ensure the portfolio is easily accessible, preferably as a PDF document or a direct link. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of file management processes, including correct file formats, naming conventions, and folder structures.

• The ability to follow established design guidelines and workflow processes is essential.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and the importance of asset tagging for reusability and organization will be assessed.

• The process for creating and delivering digital assets will be reviewed, focusing on efficiency and adherence to project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, as explicitly stated in the requirements. For an entry-level and student position, the portfolio is the primary method to assess a candidate's practical design skills and potential, rather than extensive work history. The emphasis on "process documentation" refers to the candidate's ability to articulate and follow established workflows for asset creation and management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly rate for this position is fixed at $16.97 USD per hour. Benefits:

• This is a part-time student employment position. Specific benefits typically associated with full-time employment (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans) are generally not provided for student roles.

• Opportunity to gain practical graphic design experience within a renowned educational institution.

• Development of skills in content management systems and digital asset management.

• Networking opportunities within Berklee's academic and creative departments.

• Potential for flexible scheduling around academic commitments. Working Hours:

• This is a part-time role requiring a minimum of 10 hours of work per week.

• A portion of these hours will be dedicated to mandatory weekly meetings during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST).

• The remaining hours are flexible and can be scheduled around the student's academic timetable, provided work is completed within the week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated, and the benefits are tailored to a student part-time role, focusing on experience and skill development rather than traditional employment benefits. The 10-hour work week with flexible scheduling is a key detail for student applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Music and Arts)

Company Size: Large (1,000-5,000 employees)

Founded: 1945

Team Structure:

• The Assistant Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger team focused on curriculum development, instructional design, or digital learning within Berklee.

• This team collaborates closely with faculty, academic departments, and other administrative units to create engaging and effective educational content.

• The role involves direct reporting to a Hiring Manager (Teanna Schmaeh) and interaction with other content creators or instructional technologists. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven content creation, utilizing student performance data and feedback to inform design choices.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially in managing a library of graphic assets for efficient reuse.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in asset tagging and retrieval within the content management system.

Company Website: https://www.berklee.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Berklee's reputation as a leading music and arts institution suggests a highly creative and collaborative environment. For operations roles (even creative ones like this), understanding the institutional structure and how departments collaborate is key. The mention of "content management system" and "course content" points to an educational technology or academic support function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Student Position

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to a Hiring Manager (Teanna Schmaeh), likely within an Academic Technology, Curriculum Development, or Instructional Design department.

Operations Impact: This role contributes to the effectiveness and visual appeal of online and blended learning materials, indirectly impacting student engagement and learning outcomes by ensuring assets are well-organized, accessible, and visually appropriate.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Enhance proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, gain experience with content management systems (CMS) like Air, and develop digital asset management skills.

• Portfolio Building: Create a substantial body of work for a professional portfolio, showcasing practical application of design skills in an educational context.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the operations of a major arts institution and the processes involved in digital curriculum development.

• Networking: Build connections with faculty, staff, and fellow students within Berklee's creative and academic communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, "growth" is primarily defined by skill acquisition and portfolio enhancement rather than traditional career advancement within the institution. The impact is on the quality of educational materials. The role provides foundational experience valuable for future careers in graphic design, UX/UI, or educational technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (within the United States)

Office Location(s): Primarily remote work, with potential for occasional on-campus collaboration if geographically feasible and required, though the listing emphasizes remote.

Workspace Context:

• A dedicated home workspace with reliable internet access is essential for remote work.

• Access to necessary software (Adobe Creative Suite or comparable tools) is required.

• Collaboration will occur primarily through digital channels like Slack, email, and Google Drive.

• The work environment supports flexibility, allowing students to balance academic responsibilities with work duties. Work Schedule:

• A commitment of 10 hours per week is required.

• Weekly meetings are scheduled during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST).

• The remaining hours offer flexibility to be scheduled by the student, accommodating academic demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role is a significant aspect, requiring self-discipline and effective digital communication. The emphasis on "business hours" for meetings suggests a need for availability during specific times, even within a flexible schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a required portfolio (PDF or link). Include availability and preferred hours.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily rely on the quality and relevance of the submitted portfolio.

• Potential Interview: Candidates whose portfolios align with the role's requirements may be invited for an interview (likely virtual) with the Hiring Manager, Teanna Schmaeh.

• Skills Assessment: The interview may include discussions about design process, problem-solving, and familiarity with required tools and file formats.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of communication skills, ability to follow instructions, and alignment with Berklee's collaborative environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work that demonstrates the skills mentioned (digital art, vector icons, diagrams, typography).

• Highlight Relevance: If possible, include any work related to educational content or information design.

• Clear Organization: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear labels and descriptions for each piece.

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate understanding of different file formats and design principles through your examples.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design process for key projects, especially those involving problem-solving or specific client requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, or alternative design tools.

• Familiarize yourself with common file types (PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF) and their appropriate uses.

• Understand the importance of design guidelines and asset management within a larger system.

• Be ready to articulate how you manage your time and workload, especially when balancing multiple academic and work commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process strongly emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and demonstrate practical skills relevant to creating educational graphics and managing digital assets. The interview will likely focus on practical application and self-management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Preferred tool for vector graphics, icon creation, and diagram design. Experience with the pen tool is a plus.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, raster graphics, and potentially creating textures or composite images.

• Google Drive: Essential for file storage, organization, and sharing of created assets.

• Google Calendar: For scheduling meetings and managing availability.

• Google Sheets: May be used for tracking tasks, asset lists, or simple data visualization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how graphic assets contribute to course engagement or learning outcomes could be a plus.

• Familiarity with content management system analytics (if applicable to "Air") would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Content Management System (Air): The core system for managing and tagging graphic assets. Familiarity with CMS principles is key.

• Slack: Primary communication tool for team interaction and quick queries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on creative tools and collaboration platforms. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is preferred, but alternatives are accepted, highlighting the importance of foundational design skills over specific software mastery. Google Suite and Slack are crucial for daily operations and communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Artistic Expression: A core value in an arts institution, encouraging innovative visual solutions.

• Organization & Precision: Essential for managing digital assets, adhering to naming conventions, and maintaining a structured library.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valued for effective teamwork within the curriculum development process and with the hiring manager.

• Efficiency & Reusability: Emphasized through the use of a CMS and the goal of creating assets that can be easily reused.

• Adaptability & Learning: Encouraged through the willingness to learn new tools and artistic skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily digital and asynchronous, facilitated by Slack and Google Drive.

• Regular synchronous check-ins via weekly meetings to ensure alignment and provide feedback.

• Cross-functional interaction with other content creators, instructional designers, or faculty may occur.

• A supportive environment focused on developing student talent and contributing to educational content quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values creativity alongside structured processes for asset management, reflecting the blend of artistic and operational demands in educational content creation. The emphasis on learning and adaptability is key for a student role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Workload: Effectively managing time to meet the 10-hour weekly commitment while pursuing a full-time degree.

• Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Consistently applying Berklee's specific design guidelines and asset management protocols.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and workflow efficiency without in-person interaction.

• Learning New Systems: Quickly adapting to and mastering Berklee's content management system (Air) and specific workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Experience: Gain hands-on experience in creating various types of graphics for real-world application in educational courses.

• Digital Asset Management: Develop expertise in organizing, tagging, and managing large libraries of digital assets.

• Software Proficiency: Enhance skills in Adobe Creative Suite or explore alternative design tools.

• Educational Technology: Understand the principles and tools used in creating digital learning content.

• Professional Communication: Improve skills in communicating design ideas, receiving feedback, and collaborating remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges are self-management and adherence to specific institutional processes. The growth opportunities are squarely focused on skill development and practical experience relevant to the creative and educational technology fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a large number of digital assets. What systems or methods did you use to keep them organized?" (Assesses organizational skills and CMS familiarity).

• "How do you approach creating a visual representation (like a diagram or graph) for a complex concept?" (Evaluates problem-solving and design thinking).

• "Walk me through your process for creating a vector icon from concept to final delivery." (Tests understanding of design workflow and technical execution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about creating graphic content for educational courses at Berklee?" (Assesses motivation and alignment with the institution's mission).

• "How do you ensure you adhere to specific brand or design guidelines?" (Probes attention to detail and ability to follow instructions).

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when balancing multiple responsibilities, such as coursework and this role?" (Evaluates self-management and organizational skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Pieces: Choose 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your skills in vector graphics, icon design, or data visualization.

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly describe the problem, your approach, the tools you used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Relevance: If you have any projects related to education, information design, or organizational systems, emphasize them.

• Discuss Technical Aspects: Be ready to talk about file formats, resolution, and color modes if relevant to your showcased work.

• Be Prepared for Feedback: Show openness to discussing potential edits or improvements based on the role's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, organizational capabilities, and the ability to work within specific institutional constraints. The portfolio is central, so candidates must be able to articulate their work and process effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight graphic design skills relevant to educational content creation (e.g., diagrams, icons, graphs). Include examples that showcase your ability to follow design guidelines and manage digital assets.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your current student status at Berklee or Boston Conservatory, your GPA, and any relevant design experience or technical skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• Availability Articulation: Clearly state your weekly availability (minimum 10 hours) and preferred working hours within the Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST window.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Berklee College of Music's mission, its approach to education, and its visual branding to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.