College Work Study Program (Men’s Basketball Graphic Designer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: College Work Study Program (Men’s Basketball Graphic Designer)

Company: Tennessee Board of Regents (Southwest Tennessee Community College)

Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Temporary / Student Worker

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: August 27, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level / Student)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a unique opportunity for a student to gain hands-on experience in graphic design and content creation within a collegiate athletics environment.

• The role focuses on developing visual assets for the Men's Basketball program, supporting social media, marketing, and recruiting initiatives.

• It requires close collaboration with athletic department staff, including coaches, sports information directors, and photographers, to ensure cohesive and impactful content.

• This position is ideal for students pursuing graphic design or related fields who are looking to build a professional portfolio and develop essential communication and time management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically a College Work Study position, meaning eligibility is tied to Federal Work Study approval and current student status at Southwest Tennessee Community College. The "Other" employee classification likely indicates a non-permanent, student-focused role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and create compelling graphics, edits, and visual content specifically for the Men's Basketball program.

• Develop engaging social media content to enhance the team's online presence and fan engagement.

• Produce marketing and recruiting materials to attract prospective student-athletes and promote program achievements.

• Collaborate effectively with the Sports Information Director and Social Media Specialist to align visual content with overall communication strategies.

• Partner with the Team Photographer to integrate high-quality imagery into graphic design projects and marketing collateral.

• Attend all Men's Basketball games, community service events, and award ceremonies as required, potentially involving some travel.

• Maintain professional attire and demeanor on game days and at official program events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize content creation for specific athletic program needs (social media, marketing, recruiting), highlighting the need for skills in visual storytelling and brand representation within a sports context. Collaboration is a key component, indicating the importance of teamwork and communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be a registered student at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

• Must have Federal Work Study approval.

• Preference for students pursuing a degree in Graphic Design or a related creative field. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in creating graphics and visual edits.

• Familiarity with digital content creation tools and techniques. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Strong visual design skills, including layout, typography, and color theory.

• Ability to create engaging content for social media platforms.

• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and supervisors.

• Strong time management skills to balance academic responsibilities with work duties and meet deadlines.

• Willingness to attend all games and team events, including potential travel. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software.

• Knowledge of sports marketing principles.

• Familiarity with photography editing techniques.

• Understanding of recruiting material design best practices in collegiate athletics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While graphic design students are preferred, the role is open to any student with Federal Work Study approval who possesses the fundamental skills in graphic creation and editing. This suggests a willingness to train and develop talent, focusing on core competencies and a strong work ethic.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of graphic design and editing skills through a portfolio showcasing relevant work.

• Examples of social media graphics, marketing materials, or recruiting collateral are highly valued.

• Inclusion of projects that highlight an understanding of visual branding and storytelling.

• Projects that show the ability to adapt design styles to specific contexts (e.g., sports programs). Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from concept to final output.

• Understanding of workflow for content creation, including ideation, design, review, and finalization.

• Ability to explain how they manage feedback and revisions to improve design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student worker role, a formal portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills. The emphasis is on visual output rather than formal process documentation, as the role is about execution and learning. Candidates should be ready to present work that aligns with the responsibilities outlined.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a College Work Study position, compensation is typically set at or near the federal minimum wage for the state of Tennessee, adjusted for the cost of living in Memphis. Based on current industry standards for student workers in similar roles and locations, an estimated range would be $10.00 - $13.00 per hour.

• This estimate is based on research into typical student worker wages in higher education and graphic design roles in Memphis, TN, and the Federal Work Study program guidelines. Actual pay will be determined by the institution and will be contingent upon Federal Work Study eligibility and program funding. Benefits:

• Valuable hands-on experience in graphic design and sports marketing.

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

• Development of key professional skills, including communication, time management, and collaboration.

• Networking opportunities within collegiate athletics and the marketing/media departments.

• Potential for mentorship from experienced athletic staff.

• (Note: Traditional employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, etc., are typically not provided for College Work Study positions.) Working Hours:

• The position is likely part-time, with hours designed to accommodate a student's academic schedule. A typical workload might range from 10-20 hours per week.

• Flexibility is expected, but commitment to attending all games and events is mandatory, which may include evenings and weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation is dictated by the Federal Work Study program and institutional guidelines, not standard market rates for full-time employees. Benefits are primarily experiential and developmental, focusing on skill-building and portfolio enhancement for students.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Collegiate Athletics

Company Size: Southwest Tennessee Community College is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, which is a large public higher education system. The college itself is a comprehensive institution serving a significant student population. The athletics department operates within this larger educational framework.

Founded: Southwest Tennessee Community College was established in 2001 through the consolidation of two existing institutions, reflecting a commitment to modernizing and expanding educational access in the region.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Men's Basketball program, reporting directly to Coach Jarrett M. Stephens.

• They will collaborate closely with the Sports Information Director and the Social Media Specialist, indicating a functional team structure within the athletics department that leverages specialized roles for content creation and dissemination.

• The role requires interaction with various stakeholders within the athletics department and potentially across the college. Methodology:

• The department likely employs a collaborative approach to content creation, with input from coaches and media specialists guiding the design process.

• Emphasis is placed on producing content that aligns with program goals, such as recruitment, fan engagement, and brand building.

• Data-driven insights may inform social media strategies, though the primary focus for the designer will be on visual execution and creative output.

Company Website: https://www.southwest.tn.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is rooted in public higher education, emphasizing student success and community impact. Within athletics, there's a blend of academic mission and the competitive drive of sports, requiring a balance between professionalism and the dynamic nature of collegiate sports.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level / Student Assistant

• This role is designed for students to gain foundational experience. It's an excellent starting point for a career in graphic design, sports marketing, or communications. The responsibilities are focused on execution under supervision, rather than strategic planning or independent project management. Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Men's Basketball Coach, Jarrett M. Stephens.

• Functional collaboration will occur with the Sports Information Director and Social Media Specialist, providing exposure to different leadership styles and departmental functions within athletics. Operations Impact:

• The visual content created directly supports the Men's Basketball program's goals, influencing recruitment efforts, fan engagement, and overall program branding.

• High-quality graphics can enhance the perceived professionalism and appeal of the program to prospective student-athletes, alumni, and the wider community.

• Effective social media content contributes to audience growth and engagement, amplifying the program's reach. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in graphic design software and techniques, learn specialized applications for sports media, and gain experience in photo editing.

• Portfolio Building: Create a substantial body of work relevant to sports marketing and collegiate athletics, which is invaluable for future job applications.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand insight into the operations of a collegiate athletic department, understanding the interplay between sports, marketing, and communications.

• Networking: Build connections with coaches, athletic staff, and potentially other student workers who may become future colleagues or collaborators.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily skill-based and portfolio-driven, preparing the student for future employment. Direct advancement within the college's operations structure is unlikely given the temporary, student-worker nature of the position, but the experience is foundational for many operational career paths in media and marketing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site

• This is an on-site position, requiring the student to work from the college campus in Memphis. Office Location(s):

• Southwest Tennessee Community College has multiple campus locations. The specific work location within these campuses will likely be within the athletics department facilities, potentially including office spaces, design labs, or event venues. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, involving interaction with coaches and other athletic staff.

• Access to necessary design software and technology will be provided, though candidates are encouraged to bring their own knowledge of industry-standard tools.

• Opportunities for on-the-job learning and mentorship from experienced professionals within the athletics department. Work Schedule:

• Part-time, flexible hours to accommodate academic commitments, but with mandatory attendance at games and events, which will include evenings and weekends. Close coordination with the supervisor regarding scheduling is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, enabling direct collaboration and access to events. The environment is dynamic, typical of collegiate athletics, requiring adaptability and a professional attitude.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Resumes, cover letters, and unofficial transcripts will be reviewed for eligibility and basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Submission/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio of their graphic design work. This is a critical step to assess practical skills.

• Interview: A formal interview with Coach Jarrett M. Stephens and potentially other members of the athletics staff. This will assess communication skills, understanding of the role, and cultural fit.

• Federal Work Study Verification: Confirmation of Federal Work Study approval will be a mandatory step.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Works: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest pieces that best represent your skills in graphic design, editing, and content creation relevant to sports.

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Include examples of social media graphics, marketing flyers, or any sports-related design work. If you don't have specific sports examples, showcase adaptability in design.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design process for 1-2 key projects, from concept to final product. This demonstrates critical thinking.

• Quality Over Quantity: Ensure all pieces are high-resolution and visually polished.

• Organization: Present your portfolio in a clear, easy-to-navigate format (e.g., PDF, personal website, or dedicated online portfolio platform).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific design software and your approach to creative problem-solving.

• Think about how you would translate game highlights or team achievements into compelling visual content.

• Practice articulating your communication and time management strategies, especially how you would balance this role with academic studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role, serving as the primary demonstration of the required technical skills. The interview will focus on personality, work ethic, and ability to integrate into the team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) is expected. Proficiency in these tools is essential.

• Photo Editing Software: Experience with tools like Adobe Lightroom or similar for image enhancement and manipulation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for the designer, an understanding of social media analytics (e.g., engagement rates, reach) may be beneficial for creating more impactful content. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this graphic design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered on industry-standard graphic design software. Candidates should be comfortable with these tools and prepared to use them to produce high-quality visual assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: The college's overarching value, meaning this role supports student development through practical experience.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with coaches, sports information, and social media specialists is key.

• Professionalism: Maintaining appropriate conduct and appearance, especially on game days.

• Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas to visual content to enhance program appeal.

• Commitment: Dedication to attending events and fulfilling time commitments alongside academic responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working closely with a small team to achieve common goals for the basketball program.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from supervisors and team members to refine designs.

• Communication-Focused: Regular check-ins and clear communication to ensure alignment on content creation and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a supportive environment for student growth within the framework of collegiate athletics. Values are centered on professionalism, teamwork, and delivering high-quality creative output that benefits the program.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Managing a demanding academic schedule alongside work responsibilities, including evening and weekend events.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Creating high-quality graphics under time pressure, especially during busy periods or for last-minute events.

• Adapting to Feedback: Effectively incorporating constructive criticism from various stakeholders into design revisions.

• Content Variety: Consistently generating fresh and engaging visual concepts for a range of program needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in graphic design for sports, including motion graphics and branding.

• Industry Best Practices: Learn how collegiate athletic departments leverage visual media for recruitment and fan engagement.

• Professional Networking: Build relationships within the sports industry that can be valuable for future career prospects.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Gain substantial, real-world project experience to bolster a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is time management and the dynamic nature of sports events. Growth is centered on practical skill acquisition and building a professional foundation in the creative and sports industries.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience with graphic design software like Photoshop and Illustrator. What are your favorite features and why?" (Prepare to discuss specific tools and functionalities.)

• "How would you approach creating a graphic to highlight a key player's performance or a team victory?" (Think about visual storytelling and key elements.)

• "This role requires attending games and events, which can include evenings and weekends, alongside your studies. How do you plan to manage your time effectively to meet both academic and work commitments?" (Prepare a concise strategy for time management and prioritization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with the Southwest Tennessee Community College Men's Basketball program specifically?" (Research the team's recent performance or notable players if possible.)

• "How do you see yourself collaborating with coaches, the Sports Information Director, and the Social Media Specialist?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)

• "What does professionalism mean to you in a collegiate athletics environment?" (Focus on responsibility, punctuality, and appropriate conduct.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Concise: Have a clear, organized digital portfolio ready to share.

• Highlight Relevance: Point out specific pieces that align with the job description (e.g., social media graphics, marketing collateral).

• Explain Your Process: For 1-2 key projects, walk through your thought process, design choices, and any challenges you overcame.

• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your style to different needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical graphic design skills, understanding the demands of a sports environment, and showcasing strong time management and communication abilities. The portfolio is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and cover letter clearly highlight your graphic design skills and any relevant experience. If you don't have a formal portfolio yet, create one by showcasing class projects or personal design work that demonstrates your capabilities in graphic creation and editing.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize skills in graphic design software, content creation, social media, and time management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your experience with the required software, and how you manage your time. Prepare to present your portfolio and explain your design choices.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Southwest Tennessee Community College and its athletics department. Understand the importance of student support and the role of visual media in collegiate sports.

⚠️ 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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