College of Arts & Letters, Coyote Radio & Advertising, Graphic Designer - Student Assistant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Student Assistant

Company: California State University, San Bernardino

Location: San Bernardino, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing Support

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on foundational graphic design tasks within a university's media and advertising department, supporting Coyote Radio & Advertising.

• Responsibilities include creating basic print and digital marketing collateral for campus events, departmental programs, and external sponsors.

• The position requires collaboration within a team environment while also demonstrating the ability to work independently under supervision.

• Success in this role hinges on a solution-driven approach to meet departmental design needs efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description is for a "Student Assistant," this enhancement positions it within broader operational support roles, emphasizing the transferable skills in design, project execution, and stakeholder collaboration that are valuable in GTM and marketing operations contexts. The role is categorized under "Creative & Media / Marketing Support" to reflect its core functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design basic print marketing materials, such as flyers, posters, and brochures, adhering to brand guidelines and event/program objectives.

• Create visually appealing digital graphics for online platforms, social media, and website content, ensuring consistency with print materials.

• Collaborate with the Coyote Radio & Advertising team to understand design briefs, project requirements, and target audience needs.

• Assist in the development of campaign assets, ensuring all visual elements align with the overall marketing strategy and messaging.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines in a dynamic university environment.

• Maintain a library of design assets and ensure proper file management for future use and reference.

• Contribute to brainstorming sessions for new creative concepts and design approaches.

• Ensure all designs are optimized for their intended medium (print resolution, web formatting).

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are fleshed out from the brief description to detail the specific tasks involved in graphic design support within a university's operational context, emphasizing the practical application of design skills for marketing and event promotion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled as a student at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).

Experience: Entry-level position; prior professional experience is not strictly required but a portfolio of work is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Active enrollment as a student at CSUSB (6 units undergraduate / 3 units graduate; 12 units undergraduate / 6 units graduate for international students).

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 per semester and cumulatively.

• Eligibility to work in the United States and possession of a Social Security Card for payroll processing.

• Ability to learn and perform assigned tasks effectively.

• Strong oral and written communication skills in English, appropriate for the position.

• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and fellow students.

• Must reside in the State of California upon date of hire. Preferred Skills:

• Major in Graphic Design or a related field.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign.

• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Experience in creating digital graphics for various platforms (social media, web).

• Knowledge of print production processes and requirements.

• Ability to manage time effectively and work independently with minimal supervision.

• A portfolio showcasing a range of design projects is highly requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Qualifications" were rephrased to be more direct and actionable for a job seeker. The "Preferred Qualifications" were expanded to include specific software and design principles relevant to a graphic design role, and the importance of a portfolio was highlighted.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects demonstrating proficiency in graphic design principles and software.

• Examples should include a mix of print and digital collateral relevant to marketing, event promotion, or similar applications.

• Projects should showcase an understanding of layout, typography, color usage, and visual appeal.

• For each piece, brief context on the objective, target audience, and design choices is recommended. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not a primary requirement for this student assistant role, an understanding of workflow for design requests and revisions is expected.

• Ability to follow established procedures for submitting designs for review and incorporating feedback.

• Familiarity with file management and version control for design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level student role, the emphasis shifts from complex process documentation to showcasing practical design skills through a portfolio. The requirements are framed to guide students on what makes a strong visual representation of their capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $16.90 per hour.

Benefits:

• Valuable hands-on experience in graphic design and marketing within a university setting.

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio with real-world projects.

• Development of essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

• Exposure to university operations and departmental functions.

• Potential for networking opportunities within the CSUSB community. Working Hours:

• Academic Year: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (flexible within this window, total hours to be determined).

• Summer: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm (flexible within this window, total hours to be determined).

• Position is Part-Time, Temporary, Seasonal.

• Total weekly hours are not explicitly stated but are typical for student employment (e.g., 10-20 hours/week, up to 40 hours during summer if applicable).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary is specific. Benefits are described in terms of professional development and experience gained, which are key for student roles. Working hours are detailed, clarifying availability and seasonal variations. The "40 hours" mentioned in the input seems to be the maximum operational availability of the department, not necessarily the guaranteed hours for the student. This has been clarified.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public University)

Company Size: Large (201-500 employees for the specific department, or significantly larger for the entire university system).

Founded: California State University, San Bernardino was founded in 1965.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer - Student Assistant will be part of the Coyote Radio & Advertising department.

• This department likely operates within a larger marketing, communications, or student affairs division of the university.

• Collaboration will occur with faculty advisors, department managers, and potentially other student staff.

• Reporting will be under direct supervision, implying a clear hierarchical structure for guidance and task assignment. Methodology:

• Design work will focus on creating visually appealing materials that support specific campus events, CSUSB department programs, and sponsor organizations.

• Emphasis on solution-driven approaches to meet departmental design needs efficiently.

• Work will involve both independent task completion and team-based collaboration.

• Adherence to university branding guidelines and communication standards is likely a key aspect of the design process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualized the university setting and its implications for a student role, including team structure and operational methodologies relevant to design and marketing support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Assistant. This role is designed for students to gain practical experience and develop foundational skills in graphic design and marketing support.

Reporting Structure: The student assistant reports directly to a supervisor within the Coyote Radio & Advertising department. This provides a structured environment for learning and mentorship.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the graphic design work contributes to the successful promotion of campus events, departmental programs, and sponsor relations, indirectly supporting university outreach and engagement efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and fundamental design principles. Learn to apply design to specific marketing objectives.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse project examples that can be used for future job applications in design or marketing.

• Professional Networking: Gain experience working with university faculty, staff, and potentially external sponsors, building a professional network.

• Career Exploration: Gain insight into careers in graphic design, marketing, media, and higher education administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framed growth opportunities specifically for a student role, focusing on skill acquisition, portfolio building, and networking rather than traditional corporate career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-Campus position within California State University, San Bernardino. The specific workspace will be within the facilities of Coyote Radio & Advertising.

Office Location(s): San Bernardino Campus. Specific building and office details would be provided upon hire.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, involving interaction with other student assistants and department staff.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially university-provided hardware will be available.

• The setting is a university campus, offering a dynamic and often fast-paced atmosphere with diverse student and faculty interactions.

• Adherence to university policies and campus safety protocols is mandatory. Work Schedule:

• Flexible scheduling within defined operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm during the academic year; Monday-Thursday, 7 am-5:30 pm during the summer).

• This flexibility allows students to balance work with academic commitments.

• The position is on-campus only; no remote work is permitted.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasized the on-campus nature of the role and the typical university work environment, including collaboration and flexibility within academic constraints.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of submitted applications, focusing on student status, GPA, and stated qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: A critical step where submitted design samples will be evaluated for skill, creativity, and relevance.

• Interview: Likely an in-person interview on campus to discuss experience, design approach, and suitability for the team environment. May include a brief design exercise or discussion of portfolio pieces.

• Reference Checks: Potentially required.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects.

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of both print and digital design if possible.

• Provide Context: Briefly explain the project goal, your role, and the design choices made for each piece.

• Highlight Software Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio cleanly, whether digital (PDF, website) or physical. Ensure high-quality images.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial concept to final output.

• Review fundamental design principles (layout, typography, color) and be ready to explain their application.

• Familiarize yourself with CSUSB's visual identity and branding guidelines (if accessible) to show initiative.

• Practice articulating your creative choices and how they meet project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailored the interview and portfolio review process to a student graphic design role, emphasizing practical skills and presentation of work samples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For raster image editing, digital art, and photo manipulation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout and desktop publishing (brochures, flyers, posters).

• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: For general document creation, communication, and basic data management (e.g., Word/Docs for briefs, Excel/Sheets for tracking).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of image optimization for web and print.

• Awareness of how design impacts user engagement or event attendance (though direct analytics tracking may not be part of this role). CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing materials fit into broader campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specified the core design software expected for this role and touched upon general office productivity tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a team of students and staff to achieve common goals.

• Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas and visually appealing solutions to design challenges.

• Responsibility & Reliability: Completing assigned tasks accurately and on time, demonstrating a commitment to departmental needs.

• Professionalism: Maintaining appropriate conduct and communication in a university environment.

• Adaptability: Being open to feedback and willing to learn new design techniques or software.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-oriented, with an emphasis on mutual support and shared project success.

• Open communication is encouraged for design briefs, feedback sessions, and problem-solving.

• Cross-functional interaction may occur with event organizers, other departments, or sponsor representatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focused on values and collaboration styles pertinent to a university student team environment, emphasizing teamwork and creative contribution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time to meet both academic and work responsibilities.

• Meeting Diverse Design Needs: Adapting design style and approach to suit various campus events, programs, and sponsor requirements.

• Incorporating Feedback: Receiving and implementing constructive criticism on designs to improve final output.

• Learning New Software/Techniques: Continuously updating skills to keep pace with design trends and software capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workshops and Training: Potential access to university-provided workshops on design software, career development, or general student employment skills.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced faculty advisors and supervisors within Coyote Radio & Advertising.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining practical experience that is directly relevant to entry-level positions in graphic design, marketing, or media after graduation.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of design projects, allowing for broad skill application and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identified challenges and growth opportunities specific to a student assistant role within a university setting, focusing on practical skill-building and time management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a design project you're particularly proud of and why." (Focus on your process, challenges, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback into your design work?" (Highlight your ability to be receptive and make revisions.)

• "Describe your experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign." (Be specific about tasks you've performed with each.)

• "How would you design a flyer for a campus music festival?" (Be prepared to think through target audience, key information, and visual style.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Coyote Radio & Advertising at CSUSB?" (Show genuine interest in the university and department.)

• "How do you handle working in a team environment?" (Provide examples of collaboration.)

• "What are your academic goals, and how does this role fit into them?" (Demonstrate how you plan to balance work and study.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Walkthrough: Be ready to present your portfolio and speak confidently about each piece.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that best align with the requirements of this graphic designer role.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your creative process, from understanding the brief to final execution.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Provided tailored interview questions and portfolio presentation advice relevant to a student graphic design position, focusing on practical skills and university context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - Student Assistant position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the careers page.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) showcasing your best graphic design work, particularly examples of print and digital marketing collateral.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, design software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite), and any prior design experience or projects. Emphasize your student status and GPA.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your experience with design software, and your ability to work collaboratively. Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio pieces.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with California State University, San Bernardino and the Coyote Radio & Advertising department to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their mission and activities.

⚠️ 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.