Assistant Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer

Company: Department of Education

Location: Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Ongoing

Category: Graphic Design / Content Production

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 50% in-office after initial training)

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the production of accessible educational resources, specifically large-print and Braille textbooks for K-12 students with vision impairments.

• Utilizes desktop publishing software and optical character recognition (OCR) tools for text and layout editing, and document conversion.

• Manages digital assets, including scanning and editing vector images and photographs to enhance clarity and visibility.

• Collaborates with staff on file management and desktop publishing tasks to ensure the timely and high-quality output of learning materials.

• Requires a strong understanding of graphic design principles and software, alongside excellent time management and organizational skills to meet tight production deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the education sector, focusing on accessibility and adaptive learning materials. The "Assistant" title, coupled with the salary range and responsibility scope, suggests an intermediate level of experience is sought, where the candidate can independently execute tasks but also benefit from mentorship. The emphasis on specific software and technical processes points towards a need for practical, hands-on design and production skills rather than purely conceptual design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Edit and resize textbook text and layouts using desktop publishing software to create accessible large-print formats for vision-impaired students.

• Scan textbooks and other materials to prepare them for high-quality Braille and large-print reproduction, ensuring fidelity to the original content.

• Employ optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert scanned documents into editable Word files, facilitating content manipulation and accessibility adjustments.

• Perform detailed editing of vector images and photographs to improve clarity, contrast, and visibility, optimizing them for various required output sizes.

• Provide essential support to colleagues with effective file management practices and desktop publishing tasks, ensuring efficient workflow and asset organization.

• Contribute to the timely and high-quality production of textbooks and large-print resources, meeting departmental standards for educational materials.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current graphic design software and desktop publishing packages, including their application in accessibility contexts.

• Uphold and implement the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG, ensuring inclusive and culturally appropriate resource development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on production and adaptation rather than creative concept development. The tasks are technical and detail-oriented, requiring precision in software application. The inclusion of Braille and large-print production is a critical specialized function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is listed, a relevant qualification in Graphic Design, Multimedia, or a related field is highly beneficial.

• Demonstrated commitment to the value of public education is a mandatory requirement. Experience:

• Proven experience in graphic design, with a focus on production and layout.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a production environment.

• Experience with file management and digital asset organization. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design tools and software, particularly desktop publishing packages (e.g., Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress).

• Experience with image editing software for vector graphics and photographs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop).

• Competence in using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software for document conversion.

• Strong understanding of file management principles and digital asset workflows.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of accessibility principles in design, specifically for large print and potentially Braille production considerations. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in textbook editing or layout design for educational materials.

• Familiarity with Braille production standards or software.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards beyond large print (e.g., WCAG for digital content, if applicable to broader resource production).

• Understanding of the NSW Department of Education's Aboriginal Education Policy and Partnership Agreement.

• Experience working within a government or large organizational structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About you" section implies practical, hands-on experience with design software and project management. The emphasis on "managing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines" points to a need for candidates who can perform efficiently under pressure. The inclusion of specific policies suggests a need for cultural awareness and adherence to departmental guidelines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate proficiency in desktop publishing software through examples of edited text and layouts, ideally showing before-and-after transformations.

• Showcase experience with image manipulation, including examples of improving clarity and visibility of vector graphics and photographs for specific use cases.

• Include examples of efficiently managed file structures or digital asset libraries, if possible, to illustrate file management capabilities.

• Highlight any projects that involved adapting content for accessibility, such as large print or other accessible formats, to demonstrate understanding of user needs. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for editing and resizing content to meet specific formatting requirements.

• Be ready to explain their process for scanning documents and using OCR software for conversion, including quality control steps.

• Outline their approach to managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks to meet strict production deadlines.

• Be prepared to discuss how they ensure accuracy and quality in their design and production work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Graphic Designer role focused on production, a portfolio should emphasize practical execution, software proficiency, and problem-solving related to content adaptation and accessibility. It's less about conceptual design and more about technical skill and efficiency in delivering final, usable assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $87,199 to $95,482 per annum (AUD) plus superannuation and annual leave loading.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• 35-Hour Working Week: Standard full-time hours, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.

• Competitive Remuneration: Includes a strong base salary, salary sacrificing options, employer superannuation contributions, and annual leave loading.

• Generous Leave Entitlements: Access to flex leave, generous holidays, and other comprehensive leave conditions.

• Career Advancement: Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department, fostering long-term career growth.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week. The role requires full-time in-office attendance during initial training, with a minimum of 50% in-office thereafter as per DoE flexible work requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for an intermediate-level graphic design role within the Australian public sector. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting the standard offerings for government employees, with a particular emphasis on work-life balance and career development. The hybrid work arrangement is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Education. The NSW Department of Education is a large, multifaceted organization responsible for public education across New South Wales, from early childhood to vocational training.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This implies a structured environment with established processes, diverse departments, and ample opportunities for internal movement and development.

Founded: The NSW Department of Education has a long history, with its modern iteration forming over many years, reflecting a stable and established public service institution.

Team Structure:

• The Assistant Graphic Designer likely sits within a central communications, publishing, or educational resource development team.

• The team structure would typically involve reporting to a Graphic Design Manager or a Publications Coordinator, with potential collaboration with content specialists, editors, and accessibility experts.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various departments and stakeholders within the education sector who require accessible learning materials. Methodology:

• The department emphasizes data-driven decision-making and adherence to policy guidelines.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial, especially in a production-focused role, to ensure efficient delivery of high-quality resources.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed, particularly with OCR and desktop publishing software, to streamline the production process.

Company Website: https://www.education.nsw.gov.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a government department like the NSW Department of Education means operating within a regulated framework. Culture is often characterized by a strong emphasis on public service values, policy adherence, and a structured approach to work. The scale of the department offers significant stability and potential for diverse career paths.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Assistant" level within a specialized function (graphic design for accessibility). It's an excellent entry or mid-level opportunity for a designer focused on production and specific output needs. It offers a chance to build expertise in a niche area of graphic design and educational resource development.

Reporting Structure:

• The Assistant Graphic Designer will report to a more senior member of the design or publishing team, such as a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Production Manager.

• This reporting structure provides opportunities for mentorship, skill development, and learning established departmental processes. Operations Impact:

• The impact of this role is directly tied to enhancing educational equity and inclusivity. By producing accessible materials, the designer directly enables vision-impaired students to access curriculum and achieve their learning potential.

• The efficiency and quality of the designer's work contribute to the department's ability to provide timely educational resources to students and staff across NSW. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in desktop publishing software, OCR technology, and accessibility design principles. Potential to become a specialist in large-print and Braille resource production.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or even a Production Coordinator role within the department. There may also be opportunities to move into broader content creation or digital accessibility roles.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to different aspects of educational resource development, policy implementation, and diverse student needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is strongly tied to specialization within accessible design and educational production. While the "Assistant" title might imply a junior role, the salary range and required skills suggest it's a solid intermediate position with clear pathways for development within the public sector's framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Rydalmere, NSW, and operates under a hybrid work model. This suggests a professional office environment that supports collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Rydalmere, New South Wales. This location will serve as the primary base, with specific details on office amenities and accessibility likely available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology and specialized design software.

• Collaboration is expected, particularly during the initial training period and for tasks requiring input from other team members or subject matter experts.

• The environment will necessitate adherence to departmental policies and procedures, including those related to data security and accessibility standards.

Work Schedule: A standard 35-hour work week, with flexibility as per the DoE's hybrid work policy, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work days after the initial intensive training period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing the need for in-person collaboration and training with the flexibility of remote work. The Rydalmere location is the operational hub for this specific function.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Assessment of resume and cover letter against essential requirements and capabilities. Emphasis on personally written responses reflecting individual experience.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant graphic design work, particularly in areas of layout, image editing, and any accessible design projects.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design task or software proficiency test to evaluate technical skills in desktop publishing and image editing.

• Interview Panel: Discussions will likely cover experience, problem-solving abilities, understanding of accessibility, time management, and alignment with departmental values and policies.

• Pre-Employment Screening: Successful candidates must pass a National Criminal History Check and provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Skills: Showcase specific examples of textbook editing, layout adjustments, and image optimization. Detail the software used and the challenges overcome.

• Demonstrate Accessibility Awareness: If possible, include projects that specifically addressed accessibility needs (e.g., large print versions, high contrast designs). Explain the rationale behind design choices.

• Showcase Workflow Efficiency: Include examples that illustrate effective file management or how tight deadlines were met. Be prepared to discuss your process for organizing and delivering projects.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize work that aligns with the K-12 education sector and the specific needs of vision-impaired students.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential practical exercise involving text resizing, image enhancement, or document conversion using common design software.

• Practice explaining your design process, particularly how you approach adapting existing content for specific output requirements and user needs.

• Review the NSW Department of Education's Aboriginal Education Policy and Partnership Agreement, and be ready to discuss their importance and how they might influence design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "authentic and personally written responses" and the value placed on individual experience suggest the selection panel is looking for genuine candidates. The portfolio should clearly demonstrate technical execution and an understanding of the role's specific purpose in educational accessibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Desktop Publishing Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe InDesign is essential. QuarkXPress may also be relevant.

• Image Editing Software: Strong skills in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for editing vector images and photographs.

• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software: Experience with tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or other OCR applications for converting scanned documents into editable formats.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how to export and manage files for reporting or quality assurance purposes will be necessary.

• Familiarity with file naming conventions and metadata for efficient asset tracking. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM mentioned, but familiarity with digital asset management systems or shared network drives for file management is implied.

• Understanding of workflow automation within design software (e.g., scripting, preflight checks) could be beneficial.

• Experience with scanning hardware and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and OCR technology. A strong command of these tools is non-negotiable for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Public Education: A fundamental value, requiring dedication to providing equitable educational opportunities for all students.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: A core principle, demonstrated through the creation of resources that cater to diverse learning needs, particularly for vision-impaired students.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Essential for supporting colleagues and ensuring efficient production workflows within the department.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging staff to stay updated with software and best practices in graphic design and accessibility.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding departmental standards in all aspects of work, including ethical conduct and adherence to policies.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive and Service-Oriented: The role involves supporting colleagues and ensuring their needs for accessible materials are met.

• Process-Driven: Collaboration will likely follow established workflows and communication channels within the department.

• Feedback-Informed: Openness to feedback on design work and production processes to achieve optimal outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Department of Education emphasizes values related to public service, equity, and inclusivity. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding and embodiment of these values in their approach to work and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Technical Precision: Ensuring absolute accuracy in text editing, layout, and image adjustments for accessibility can be demanding.

• Deadline Management: Balancing multiple projects with competing deadlines requires strong organizational skills and resilience.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with updates in design software and accessibility standards requires ongoing learning.

• Interpreting Diverse Needs: Understanding and translating the specific needs of vision-impaired students and staff into effective design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Deepen expertise in accessibility design, Braille production standards, and advanced features of desktop publishing software.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses related to graphic design, accessibility, and educational technology.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and production specialists within the department.

• Career Mobility: Exploring opportunities within the broader NSW Department of Education for roles in content development, digital accessibility, or broader communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to develop specialized skills in a field with significant social impact. The challenges are primarily technical and logistical, offering clear paths for skill development and professional growth within a supportive public sector framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience with desktop publishing software like Adobe InDesign. Can you walk me through a project where you had to significantly edit and resize text and layouts?"

• "How do you approach improving the clarity and visibility of images for specific output requirements? Provide an example."

• "What is your process for managing multiple design projects with tight deadlines? How do you prioritize your tasks?"

• "Discuss your understanding of accessibility in design, particularly for large print or visually impaired users. What are the key considerations?"

• "How do you ensure accuracy and quality control in your design and production work?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the NSW Department of Education and contributing to accessible educational resources?"

• "How do you align with the Department's commitment to public education and inclusivity?"

• "Describe your experience working collaboratively within a team. How do you handle feedback on your design work?"

• "What are your thoughts on the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and Partnership Agreement?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for this role, speak to the efficiency gains or quality improvements achieved through your work.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss specific software techniques and problem-solving approaches.

• Showcase Adaptability: Highlight projects where you had to adapt existing content or meet specific, non-standard requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills, a strong understanding of accessibility principles, and an alignment with the public service ethos. The portfolio is a critical tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the 'Apply Now' button on the careers site.

• Resume Enhancement: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, OCR tools), production work, and any projects involving accessibility or layout adaptation. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that directly addresses the key responsibilities and "About you" criteria. Emphasize your experience with desktop publishing, OCR, image editing, and your commitment to accessible education.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio (digital format preferred) showcasing relevant design work, focusing on layout, image editing, and any projects related to accessibility or print production. Be ready to discuss your process for each piece.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the NSW Department of Education's mission, values, and specifically the Aboriginal Education Policy and Partnership Agreement. Understand the importance of public education and accessibility in their work.

• Prepare for Screening: Be ready to provide your Working with Children Check (WWCC) number and undergo a National Criminal History Check if successful.

⚠️ 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.

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