College Work Study Program (Student Graphic Designer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: College Work Study Program (Student Graphic Designer)

Company: Tennessee Board of Regents

Location: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the Marketing and Communications Department in developing and revising graphic design assets for various platforms.

• Contributes to strategic marketing initiatives by creating compelling visual content aligned with the college's mission.

• Assists with photo library organization, event photography, and social media content creation to enhance college visibility.

• Plays a key role in producing print and digital materials, including flyers, posters, and social media graphics, ensuring brand consistency.

• Works collaboratively with the Lead Designer and department staff to execute design projects from concept to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically designed for a student worker under the Federal Work Study program, indicating an entry-level position focused on practical application of design skills within a higher education setting. The operations aspect lies in supporting the marketing and communications department's workflow and output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Lead Designer to conceptualize and execute graphic design projects for print, digital, and multimedia platforms.

• Develop engaging digital posters and flyers for on-campus display screens and promotional use.

• Assist in organizing and maintaining the photo library, ensuring efficient access to visual assets.

• Capture high-quality photographs at college events and for specific marketing campaigns.

• Create and schedule social media graphics and support content to enhance the college's online presence.

• Manage the distribution of printed materials, including folding and delivery to various campus departments.

• Assist in the creation of graphic displays and the management of promotional items.

• Contribute to the production of video content and student testimonials for social media dissemination.

• Ensure all design outputs adhere to college branding guidelines and communication strategies.

• Support the Marketing and Communications Department's operational efficiency through timely design contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to graphic design operations within a marketing and communications framework. The role requires both creative execution and administrative support, emphasizing efficiency in managing design assets and deliverables.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Must be a registered student at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Experience: While formal experience is not strictly required, a background in graphic design, writing, and multimedia production is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

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

• Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Understanding of design principles and visual communication. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in graphic design, including portfolio work.

• Experience with multimedia production techniques.

• Familiarity with social media content creation and management.

• Basic photography skills.

• Experience in a higher education or marketing setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize technical proficiency in design software and general office productivity tools, crucial for operational efficiency. The preference for experience in design, multimedia, and social media indicates a desire for a candidate who can quickly contribute to the department's output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse graphic design projects demonstrating proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Include examples of digital assets (e.g., social media graphics, web banners) and print collateral (e.g., flyers, posters).

• Projects should highlight the candidate's ability to translate concepts into visually appealing designs.

• If applicable, include examples of multimedia or video editing work.

• For each project, briefly describe the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not expected for this student role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for design projects.

• This includes how they approach concept development, design execution, revisions, and final delivery.

• Familiarity with file organization and naming conventions for design assets is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student graphic designer role, the portfolio is the primary demonstration of operational capability. The emphasis is on showcasing practical design skills and a systematic approach to project execution, rather than formal process documentation typically seen in more senior operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a Federal Work Study position, compensation is determined by the Federal Work Study program guidelines and the institution's hourly rates for student employees. Based on entry-level student worker positions in Memphis, TN, and considering the 2026 posting date, an estimated hourly range would be $10.00 - $15.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Federal Work Study Program eligibility and funding.

• Practical work experience in graphic design, marketing, and communications within a higher education environment.

• Development of professional skills and a portfolio for future career opportunities.

• Networking opportunities within the college's Marketing and Communications Department.

• Exposure to various design software and marketing platforms.

• Potential for flexible scheduling around academic commitments.

Working Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week, aligned with Federal Work Study program limits and student academic schedules. The exact schedule will be determined in coordination with the department and student availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Compensation is tied to the Federal Work Study program. Benefits are primarily experiential, focusing on skill development and career advancement, which is standard for student employment. The working hours are designed to be flexible to accommodate academic responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: Southwest Tennessee Community College is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system, which operates multiple institutions across the state. As a community college, it serves a significant student population and employs a substantial number of faculty and staff.

Founded: Southwest Tennessee Community College was established in 2001 through the consolidation of State Technical Institute at Memphis and Shelby State Community College.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Lead Designer within the Marketing and Communications Department.

• This department likely includes specialists in various areas such as content creation, digital media, public relations, and event management.

• Collaboration with other departments across the college is common for marketing and communication projects. Methodology:

• The Marketing and Communications Department likely employs a project-based approach, managing design requests through a workflow system.

• Emphasis is placed on meeting deadlines, adhering to brand standards, and contributing to the college's recruitment and retention goals.

• Data-driven insights may be used to inform design choices and campaign effectiveness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The higher education context implies a mission-driven environment focused on student success and community engagement. The Marketing and Communications department operates as a central service provider, requiring efficient workflow management and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Worker. This role is designed for students to gain foundational experience in graphic design and marketing operations within a structured environment.

Reporting Structure: The student graphic designer will report directly to the Lead Designer, receiving guidance and project assignments. This direct reporting line ensures clear direction and feedback.

Operations Impact: The student's contributions will directly impact the visual communication efforts of the college, supporting marketing campaigns, event promotion, and social media engagement. This role helps ensure the college presents a professional and cohesive image to prospective students, current students, faculty, and the wider community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone technical skills in Adobe Creative Cloud and gain practical experience in design execution for real-world applications.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with diverse projects that can be leveraged for future internships or full-time positions in design or marketing.

• Industry Exposure: Gain insight into the operations of a marketing and communications department within a higher education institution, understanding project management and client collaboration.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with experienced designers and marketing professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily focused on experiential learning and skill acquisition, rather than linear career progression within the organization. The impact is tied to supporting the department's operational output and enhancing the college's visual identity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is on-site, requiring the student to work within the college's Marketing and Communications Department facilities.

Office Location(s): Southwest Tennessee Community College has multiple campus locations. The specific work location will be based at one of these campuses, likely within the main administrative or marketing offices.

Workspace Context:

• The student will likely work in a shared office space or a dedicated design area equipped with necessary technology.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided.

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with designers and other marketing professionals.

• The workspace should support focused work on design projects while also facilitating team communication.

Work Schedule: The schedule will be flexible, designed to accommodate the student's academic commitments. Approximately 20 hours per week, with specific days and times to be arranged with the Lead Designer. This flexibility is key for students balancing work and studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative workspace are crucial for a student role where direct mentorship and team integration are emphasized. The flexibility in scheduling is a hallmark of student employment designed to support academic success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed to ensure eligibility (registered student, Federal Work Study approval) and basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Submission: Candidates will be required to submit a portfolio showcasing their graphic design work.

• Interview: Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview, likely with the Lead Designer and potentially a representative from Human Resources or the Financial Aid office. This interview will assess design skills, communication ability, and fit with the department's operational needs.

• Skills Assessment (Optional): A small design exercise or a discussion about design process may be included.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quality over Quantity: Select your strongest, most relevant design pieces.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

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

• Clarity: For each piece, briefly explain the project's objective, your role, and the tools used.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. A PDF format or a link to an online portfolio is acceptable.

Challenge Preparation:

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

• Think about how you approach a design brief and manage feedback.

• Review common design challenges and how you would address them.

• Understand the mission and visual identity of Southwest Tennessee Community College to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a student role emphasizes practical skills and program eligibility. The portfolio review is critical for assessing design capabilities, and candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and rationale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator are essential. Proficiency in these is a minimum requirement.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, PowerPoint, Word for documentation, presentations, and general office tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement (e.g., social media metrics) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Basic understanding of how marketing materials are distributed and used within a CRM or marketing automation context might be helpful but not required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on core graphic design software. This is typical for a student graphic designer role where the emphasis is on execution rather than complex system integration or analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student Success: As a higher education institution, the overarching value is to support student learning and development.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with the Lead Designer and other department members is crucial for project success.

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

• Efficiency: Timely completion of tasks and effective management of design assets.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a responsible and committed attitude towards work duties.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters an open and supportive environment where feedback is shared constructively.

• Students are expected to be proactive in seeking clarification and contributing ideas.

• Cross-functional collaboration with other college departments will occur as needed for specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is shaped by the higher education setting and the specific needs of a marketing and communications department supporting a college. Values like student success and collaboration are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

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

• Learning New Software/Techniques: Adapting quickly to specific software versions or new design tools used by the department.

• Meeting Deadlines: Working efficiently to produce high-quality designs within set timelines.

• Interpreting Design Briefs: Accurately understanding project requirements and client needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Skill Application: Applying theoretical design knowledge in a professional setting.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and marketing professionals.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining firsthand experience in the operations of a college marketing department.

• Portfolio Building: Creating tangible work samples that demonstrate acquired skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are typical for student workers, focusing on time management and skill application. Growth opportunities are centered around hands-on experience and professional development within the design field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic from concept to completion." (Focus on workflow, tools, and decision-making.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different design materials?" (Highlight understanding of brand guidelines and attention to detail.)

• "Tell me about a design project you are particularly proud of and why. What challenges did you overcome?" (Prepare a portfolio piece to discuss in detail.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize openness to feedback and iterative improvement.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Southwest Tennessee Community College and its mission?" (Research the college's website, focusing on its values and student body.)

• "Why are you interested in a graphic design role within a higher education setting?" (Connect your interests to the college's mission and your career goals.)

• "How do you plan to balance your academic responsibilities with your work hours?" (Demonstrate organizational skills and commitment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 Strongest Pieces: Choose designs that best showcase your skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the brief, your approach, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the specific techniques you employed.

• Be Concise: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key achievements and skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical proficiency, understanding of the design process, and a commitment to the role and the institution's mission. The portfolio is the central piece of evidence.

📌 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 portfolio are tailored to highlight your graphic design skills, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, and any relevant project experience. Specifically, include examples of flyers, posters, and social media graphics.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your Federal Work Study eligibility and your status as a registered student at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Created 10+ social media graphics per month").

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your familiarity with the required software, and your ability to manage time effectively between studies and work. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key pieces from your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Southwest Tennessee Community College's mission, values, and current marketing initiatives. Understand the college's visual identity and target audience.

⚠️ 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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