Community Engagement Graphic Designer or Illustrator or Photographer Work Study

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Community Engagement Graphic Designer or Illustrator or Photographer Work Study

Company: Union College

Location: Schenectady, NY, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Creative Services / Community Outreach Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T00:00:00

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on developing impactful outreach materials for community engagement initiatives, requiring a blend of creative design, illustration, or photography skills.

• Responsibilities include creating social media content, posters, and online newsletters with original visual assets to promote opportunities and events.

• The position involves supporting large-scale community engagement events and projects facilitated by the Kenney Center.

• This is a Work-Study position, exclusively available to Union College students who have been awarded work-study funding.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a "Work Study" position within a higher education institution, indicating it's an on-campus job designed for students to gain experience and earn money. The "Community Engagement" aspect suggests a focus on external relations and local impact, requiring strong visual communication skills to effectively convey information and attract participation. The operations aspect lies in the structured planning, execution, and promotion of engagement activities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce unique social media posts, digital graphics, and print materials (posters, flyers) to effectively promote community engagement opportunities and initiatives.

• Create original visual content, including illustrations and photographs, for use in online newsletters, social media campaigns, and other outreach collateral.

• Collaborate with the Kenney Center for Community Engagement and Outreach to support the planning and execution of large-scale events, service days, and division-wide programs.

• Adapt artistic skills to various projects based on candidate strengths and interests, such as designing activity materials for children or photographing events.

• Manage and contribute to social media platform content calendars, ensuring consistent and engaging visual communication aligned with community outreach goals.

• Maintain a clear and organized system for managing design assets, project files, and event-related visual materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize content creation for external communication and event support, requiring operational efficiency in managing design projects and event logistics from a visual content perspective.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Must be a current Union College student eligible for Work-Study.

Experience: Entry-level; specific experience in graphic design, illustration, or photography is preferred but can be developed.

Required Skills:

• Eligibility for Union College Work-Study program.

• Availability to work at least one "Common Hour" (12:50 PM - 1:40 PM) weekly for dedicated work time.

• Strong attention to detail in all creative and organizational tasks.

• Ability to manage multiple design projects and tasks concurrently.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Affinity Designer/Photo, or Canva.

• Artistic talent in graphic design, illustration, or photography, with a portfolio showcasing relevant work.

• Experience creating visually engaging content for social media platforms.

• Ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas for promotional materials.

• Familiarity with community engagement principles and outreach strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred skills" highlight a need for creative software proficiency, which is crucial for generating professional-grade outreach materials. The "required skills" focus on student status, availability, and basic digital literacy, fitting the work-study context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse portfolio showcasing original graphic design, illustration, or photography work.

• Examples of social media graphics, posters, or newsletter content designed for promotional purposes.

• Projects demonstrating the ability to adapt style and content to different audiences or project needs.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to follow established design workflows and project timelines.

• Maintain organized digital files and project assets for easy retrieval and future use.

• Document design choices and rationale when requested for specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While formal process documentation might be minimal for an entry-level student role, the emphasis on portfolio content implies a need to demonstrate practical application of design skills and adherence to project requirements, which are core operational aspects of creative production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $9.70 per hour. This rate reflects the federal and New York State minimum wage for student employees at the time of posting and is standard for Work-Study positions at this level.

Benefits:

• Practical work experience in graphic design, illustration, or photography within a community engagement context.

• Development of essential creative software skills (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).

• Opportunity to build a portfolio with real-world projects for future career applications.

• Hands-on experience supporting community outreach events and initiatives.

• Networking opportunities with community partners and Union College staff.

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments, with a requirement to work at least one Common Hour.

Working Hours: Part-time, with available hours to be determined based on student availability and operational needs. The total number of hours per week will be managed to align with typical part-time student employment guidelines and Work-Study award limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is set at the minimum wage, standard for student work-study positions. Benefits are primarily experiential and skill-based, aligned with the educational purpose of work-study.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Academic Institution).

Company Size: Union College is a private liberal arts college with a moderate student body and faculty size, fostering a close-knit campus community.

Founded: Union College was founded in 1795, boasting a long history and established traditions in higher education.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the "Community Outreach" department, specifically based at the Kenney Center.

• The direct supervisor is Kevin Trigonis.

• The team likely comprises other student workers, program coordinators, and faculty advisors focused on community engagement.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on creating accessible and engaging outreach materials to foster community participation.

• Projects will be managed with a focus on student development and practical skill-building.

• Collaboration will likely involve clear communication, feedback loops, and adaptive project management to suit student schedules and evolving needs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The higher education context suggests a supportive learning environment. The "Community Outreach" department and Kenney Center indicate a focus on external relations and civic responsibility, requiring clear and compelling visual communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role serves as a foundational experience for students interested in creative fields, marketing, communications, or community relations.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to Kevin Trigonis, Supervisor for Community Outreach.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional revenue-generating role, the visual materials produced directly impact the success of community engagement initiatives by increasing awareness, participation, and support for college-led outreach programs. Effective visual communication is key to operationalizing outreach strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience and proficiency in industry-standard design software and visual communication techniques.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a tangible portfolio of work that can be leveraged for future internships or job applications in creative or communications fields.

• Networking: Connect with faculty, staff, and community leaders, potentially opening doors for future academic or professional opportunities.

• Project Ownership: Take ownership of specific design projects, fostering responsibility and initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth is framed around skill acquisition and portfolio building, which are crucial for students transitioning into the professional workforce. The "Operations Impact" section re-frames the role's contribution by highlighting how design supports the execution of outreach programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, based at the Kenney Center on the Union College campus. This provides a dedicated workspace within the college environment.

Office Location(s): Schenectady, NY. The Kenney Center will serve as the primary work location.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment with other student workers and community outreach staff.

• Access to necessary technology and potentially design software, depending on the specific setup at the Kenney Center.

• Opportunities for interaction and feedback with supervisors and team members on creative projects.

• The campus setting offers a professional yet academic atmosphere conducive to learning and work.

Work Schedule: Flexible, designed to accommodate student academic schedules, with a mandatory commitment to working at least one "Common Hour" per week. Specific hours will be arranged with the supervisor, ensuring alignment with Work-Study award limitations and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site environment at a campus center implies a blend of professional and academic settings, fostering collaboration and providing access to campus resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume and express interest, highlighting Work-Study eligibility.

• Portfolio Submission: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio of their creative work (graphic design, illustration, photography) for review.

• Interview: A conversation with Supervisor Kevin Trigonis to discuss skills, interests, availability, and suitability for the role and Work-Study requirements. This may include a brief creative exercise or discussion about past projects.

• Work-Study Verification: Confirmation of Work-Study eligibility through the Financial Aid office.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Pieces: Showcase your best and most relevant work. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Highlight Process: Briefly explain your creative process, challenges, and solutions for 1-2 key projects.

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize projects that align with social media, print design, or community outreach themes.

• Show Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work in different styles or mediums if applicable.

• Digital Format: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., a personal website, Behance, or a shared cloud document link).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your experience with design software and your creative approach.

• Prepare to answer questions about your availability and how you manage your time between academics and work.

• Think about how your creative skills can directly benefit community engagement efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes Work-Study eligibility and a portfolio review, which are critical operational steps for student positions. Portfolio tips are tailored to showcase relevant creative skills for outreach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software (Preferred): Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Affinity Suite (Designer, Photo), Canva. Proficiency in at least one is highly desirable.

• Productivity Suite (Required): Google Workspace (Docs for writing/notes, Sheets for tracking, Slides for presentations, Drive for file storage and sharing).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as required for this role. Focus is on content creation and direct outreach support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology requirements are split between preferred creative tools and required general productivity software, reflecting the dual nature of the role: creative output and operational task management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging unique visual solutions to communicate messages effectively.

• Community Focus: Commitment to supporting the college's engagement with its local community.

• Student Development: Prioritizing learning, skill-building, and practical experience for student employees.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with peers, supervisors, and community partners.

• Reliability & Responsibility: Fulfilling work commitments and managing tasks diligently.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and feedback exchange with the supervisor and team members to ensure creative direction aligns with outreach goals.

• Team-oriented approach to supporting events and projects, where individual contributions support collective success.

• Willingness to share ideas and learn from others within the Community Outreach department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative contribution, community service, and student growth, which are core to the operational ethos of a university work-study program.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time to meet both academic responsibilities and work duties, especially during peak academic periods.

• Creative Block: Overcoming creative challenges to consistently produce fresh and engaging visual content.

• Diverse Project Needs: Adapting creative skills to a variety of project types and stakeholder requirements for community engagement.

• Technical Skill Development: For candidates with limited experience in design software, there will be a learning curve to achieve proficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in graphic design, illustration, or photography through hands-on application.

• Industry Software Training: Gain practical, real-world experience using popular design tools.

• Project Management Basics: Learn to manage design projects from concept to completion, including feedback and revisions.

• Understanding Outreach Strategy: Develop an appreciation for how visual communication supports broader community engagement goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the student experience, focusing on time management, skill acquisition, and practical application within the context of community outreach operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience with graphic design, illustration, or photography. What tools do you use?" (Prepare to discuss specific software and your comfort level.)

• "How do you approach creating visual content for a specific audience or purpose?" (Think about how you'd tailor designs for community outreach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in this work-study position and Union College's community engagement efforts?" (Show genuine interest in the college and its mission.)

• "How do you think your creative skills can contribute to our community outreach goals?" (Connect your abilities to the department's objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Walk us through one or two projects in your portfolio that you're most proud of. What was your process and what was the outcome?" (Be ready to articulate your design thinking and impact.)

• "If you were asked to create a social media post for an upcoming community event, what would be your first steps?" (Outline your conceptualization and design process.)

• "How do you ensure your visual materials are accessible and engaging for a diverse audience?" (Discuss considerations for clarity, readability, and inclusivity.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on assessing creative aptitude, operational skills (like time management), and alignment with the community engagement mission, all crucial for a student role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Union College Work-Study application portal.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a digital portfolio showcasing your best graphic design, illustration, or photography work. Ensure it highlights projects relevant to social media, print materials, and promotional content.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your Work-Study eligibility, any relevant creative skills, software proficiency (Google Workspace, design tools), and organizational abilities.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your creative process, how you handle feedback, and your interest in community engagement. Practice presenting 1-2 portfolio pieces.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Union College's mission, the Kenney Center's activities, and general community engagement principles to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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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