CEHD - Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CEHD - Graphic Designer I

Company: Texas A&M University System

Location: College Station, TX, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support marketing and communications initiatives through the design and editing of graphics for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

• Collaborate with marketing teams and clients to bring creative concepts to life, ensuring projects meet communication objectives and brand standards.

• Develop engaging visual content for various channels, including websites, social media, presentations, and print collateral, to enhance brand presence and engagement.

• Manage project workflows using project management software, ensuring timely delivery and proper documentation from concept through completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an entry-level Graphic Designer position within a university's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). While not a traditional revenue operations role, the "Marketing Operations / Creative Services" category is used to highlight the operational aspects of design execution, brand management, and project delivery, which are critical for efficient marketing and communication workflows. The emphasis on managing projects, maintaining brand standards, and supporting various communication channels aligns with operational efficiency in a creative context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and edit graphics, photos, and motion graphics for use in print publications (brochures, newsletters, signs), web content (websites, online advertisements), and multimedia presentations.

• Ensure all designed materials adhere to established brand standards and maintain consistency across all communication channels for the College of Education and Human Development.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, clients, and the MarCom Team from project inception to final delivery, managing feedback and revisions effectively.

• Utilize project management software to track project progress, deadlines, and associated documentation, including approvals, comments, drafts, and final artwork.

• Assist in packaging projects for the printing process and perform light work within Content Management Systems (CMS) for web content updates.

• Develop and maintain documentation for each design project, ensuring a clear record of approvals, revisions, and final assets.

• Support the marketing and communications needs of the CEHD by creating visually compelling assets that align with strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize practical execution and workflow management inherent in operations roles, even within a creative function. The mention of "packaging a project for the printing process" and "light work in various CMS platforms" points to operational readiness and technical execution skills beyond pure design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience:

• No required experience for entry-level candidates.

• Two years of experience in graphic design is preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Working knowledge of most social media platforms and their graphic requirements.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong oral and written communication skills for effective collaboration and client interaction.

• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience packaging projects for the printing process.

• Ability to perform light work in various Content Management Systems (CMS) for web updates.

• Experience with motion graphics design for web and multimedia presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills focus heavily on core design software, which is critical for operational output. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who can handle more of the production and deployment aspects, aligning with operational efficiency in creative execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in print, web, and multimedia graphics.

• Include examples that highlight the ability to maintain brand standards and ensure visual consistency across different applications.

• Provide samples of work that illustrate the process from concept development to final execution, reflecting an understanding of project lifecycle.

• Feature projects that demonstrate effective use of Adobe Creative Cloud suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and any CMS experience. Process Documentation:

• Projects should ideally include documentation of client feedback, revision rounds, and final asset delivery.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow management, potentially through examples of project tracking or organization.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that explain the design rationale, problem-solving approach, and how the final design met specific objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio is crucial for a design role. This section infers what a strong portfolio should demonstrate, focusing on operational aspects like process, documentation, and adherence to standards, which are key for any operations-aligned role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Commensurate with experience. Based on industry benchmarks for entry-level Graphic Designers in College Station, TX, a typical range might be between $45,000 - $60,000 annually. Benefits:

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability insurance

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Eight hours of paid sick leave per month

• At least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

• Free exercise programs and release time

• Access to free LinkedIn Learning training and webinars

• Employee Tuition Assistance

• Educational Release time for completing a degree Working Hours:

• Full-time, typically 40 hours per week.

• May require work beyond normal office hours and/or on weekends, as needed for project deadlines or special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical entry-level Graphic Designer roles in the specified location and industry, considering the "commensurate" phrasing. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are comprehensive for university employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University System)

Company Size: Large (Texas A&M University System is a vast network of institutions)

Founded: The Texas A&M University System was established in 1948, with Texas A&M University itself founded in 1876. This history signifies a stable, established institution with deep traditions.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer I will be part of the MarCom (Marketing and Communications) Team within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

• This team likely collaborates closely with various departments and faculty within CEHD to support their communication needs.

• The role will report to a Marketing/Communications Manager or Director, with potential for collaboration with other creative professionals and university-wide marketing departments. Methodology:

• Emphasis on maintaining brand standards and ensuring accessibility in designs.

• Collaborative approach to project development, working from concept through completion.

• Use of project management software for workflow and documentation.

• Focus on data-informed design where possible, though primarily driven by communication objectives and brand guidelines.

Company Website: https://education.tamu.edu/about/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large university system like Texas A&M implies a structured environment with established processes and a strong emphasis on brand integrity and compliance. The MarCom team likely functions as an internal agency supporting academic and administrative units.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer. This role is focused on executing design tasks under guidance, with opportunities to learn and develop core design skills and understand operational workflows within a creative department.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer I will report to a manager or director within the CEHD MarCom team. This structure provides direct supervision and mentorship.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the Graphic Designer's work is crucial for the operational efficiency of marketing and communications. High-quality, on-brand visuals enhance the university's reputation, support student recruitment, faculty promotion, and alumni engagement, indirectly contributing to the institution's success and operational goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, explore new design software, and gain expertise in specialized areas like motion graphics or web design.

• Operational Proficiency: Gain deeper understanding and experience in project management, CMS utilization, and print production processes.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Graphic Designer II, Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or roles in marketing strategy and communications management within the university system.

• Learning & Development: Access to LinkedIn Learning, tuition assistance, and educational release time for formal education and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the entry-level design role through an operational lens, emphasizing skill development, process adherence, and the indirect impact on institutional objectives. The growth opportunities highlight a structured path within a large organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. This implies a traditional office setting within a university campus environment.

Office Location(s): College Station, Texas. The campus environment offers access to university amenities and a vibrant community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely collaborative, with opportunities to interact with the MarCom team and other CEHD staff.

• Access to standard office technology and design software.

• The environment supports a mix of independent work (design execution) and collaborative efforts (project meetings, feedback sessions).

• Potential for interaction with faculty, staff, and students across the college. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week).

• Flexibility may be limited due to the structured nature of university operations and project deadlines, with potential for occasional overtime or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description points to a standard university office environment, emphasizing collaboration and adherence to university operational norms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes and cover letters will be reviewed for qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Submission/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This is a critical step for evaluating practical design skills and operational readiness.

• Skills Assessment/Interview: A potential interview may include a discussion of design philosophy, problem-solving approaches, and potentially a practical design exercise or a review of past projects.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the MarCom team and potentially other key stakeholders to assess cultural fit and collaboration capabilities.

• Final Evaluation: Based on skills, experience, portfolio, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of print, web, and social media graphics to demonstrate versatility.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Present projects where you successfully maintained or developed brand guidelines.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, your design process, and the outcome. This demonstrates operational thinking.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful event promotion), mention it.

• Ensure Accessibility: For web graphics, consider showcasing designs that are accessible (e.g., color contrast, legible fonts).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and how you use it to solve design problems.

• Familiarize yourself with Texas A&M University's branding guidelines and the CEHD's specific messaging.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and how they align with communication goals and operational efficiency.

• Understand the role of a Graphic Designer within a larger marketing and communications operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their design work and prepare for interviews in a way that highlights their operational capabilities and understanding of the role's context within a university setting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of print materials (brochures, newsletters, reports).
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex visual elements.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creation of digital graphics.

• Project Management Software: (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar internal university system) for tracking projects, deadlines, and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how graphics perform on web and social media may involve basic analytics review. CRM & Automation:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Preferred skill includes light work in CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or university-specific platforms) for web content updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the essential software and systems expected for a graphic designer, focusing on industry-standard tools critical for operational execution of design tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design that upholds the university's academic and professional standards.

• Integrity: Maintaining honesty and transparency in all project dealings and communications.

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and collaborating respectfully with colleagues, faculty, and students.

• Loyalty: Commitment to the mission and brand of Texas A&M University and the CEHD.

• Selfless Service: Contributing to the college's goals through dedicated creative support.

• Efficiency: Managing time and resources effectively to meet project deadlines and support operational needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration with marketing team members, department heads, faculty, and potentially external vendors.

• Open communication and feedback exchange are crucial for project success.

• A culture that supports learning and skill development within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values listed are directly from Texas A&M's core values, contextualized for a design operations role. The collaboration style emphasizes the operational necessity of teamwork in a university setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Designing compelling visuals while strictly adhering to university and college branding guidelines.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling diverse requests and feedback from various departments and individuals within the CEHD.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends and Technologies: Continuously learning new software and techniques to stay relevant.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Working efficiently under pressure to deliver high-quality assets for events, campaigns, and publications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, or digital illustration.

• Project Management Skills: Enhance abilities in managing complex projects from initiation to completion.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue certifications in design software or related marketing/communications fields.

• Mentorship: Learn from senior designers and marketing professionals within the university system.

• Exposure to Higher Education Marketing: Gain unique insights into the marketing and communication strategies specific to academic institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges and growth avenues relevant to a creative role within a large institution, framing them in terms of skill development and operational problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses adherence to operational standards and problem-solving.)

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Evaluates project management and operational efficiency.)

• "Walk us through your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery." (Probes understanding of workflow and project lifecycle.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Texas A&M University, specifically the College of Education and Human Development?" (Tests research and cultural alignment.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different perspectives or feedback on your designs?" (Assesses teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Evaluates commitment to continuous learning and operational relevance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each key project, explain the challenge, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Process: Show sketches, mood boards, or early drafts to illustrate your workflow and decision-making.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Showcase a range of skills and project types.

• Focus on Brand Consistency: Emphasize how you applied or interpreted brand guidelines.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Discuss your proficiency with specific software and design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to assess not just design talent but also the candidate's ability to operate effectively within a structured university environment, manage projects, and collaborate.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link for Texas A&M University.

• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, project management experience, and any experience with CMS or print production. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest design samples that best represent your skills for print, web, and multimedia. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a shared drive).

• Prepare for the Interview: Research Texas A&M University and the CEHD. Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you handle feedback and deadlines. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Understand the University Context: Familiarize yourself with higher education marketing and communication challenges, and how design contributes to institutional goals.

⚠️ 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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