Direct Wage - Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Direct Wage - Graphic Designer I

Company: South Texas College

Location: McAllen, Texas, United States

Job Type: Part time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develops and executes visual concepts for a variety of print and online publications supporting the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, a key function within higher education operations.

• Collaborates closely with instructional departments and external teams like Public Relations and Marketing to ensure cohesive and impactful visual communication strategies.

• Manages the production of desktop publishing materials, including annual program booklets, brochures, fliers, posters, postcards, and reports, requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Utilizes advanced graphic design software and digital tools to create compelling artwork, images, and layouts, contributing to the college's overall brand presence and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Graphic Designer I," operates within an academic affairs division, suggesting a focus on operational communication and support for educational initiatives. The emphasis on collaboration with various departments and the production of diverse collateral indicates a need for strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills, typical of operational support roles in educational institutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of visual assets for print and digital platforms, including annual program booklets, brochures, fliers, posters, postcards, and comprehensive reports, ensuring alignment with institutional branding and communication objectives.

• Collaborate effectively with instructional departments and stakeholders to translate project requirements into compelling visual concepts, incorporating feedback through iterative design revisions to achieve desired outcomes.

• Execute desktop publishing tasks to a high standard, ensuring accurate layout, typography, and image placement for all assigned projects, contributing to the smooth operational flow of departmental communications.

• Create original artwork, illustrations, and graphics, and select appropriate imagery and typography to enhance the visual appeal and clarity of publications and presentations.

• Work collaboratively within a team environment to manage project timelines, track progress, and maintain ongoing status reports, ensuring that all assigned design projects are delivered accurately and on schedule.

• Prepare flowcharts and visual graphics for PowerPoint presentations, supporting internal and external communication efforts and enhancing the clarity of complex information.

• Assist in the internal design and development of projects in collaboration with the Public Relations and Marketing departments, ensuring brand consistency across all college-wide initiatives.

• Document and maintain accurate records of ongoing projects, including design specifications, revisions, and final approvals, to support operational continuity and knowledge management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational support. The emphasis on "timely" delivery, "status reports," and "collaboration with other departments" points to a need for project management skills within a design context, common in operations roles that bridge creative output with business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design, Art, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required. Transcripts must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA. Foreign transcripts require equivalency documentation from a NACES member.

Experience: At least one (1) year of relevant work experience is preferred, particularly in a higher education or similar institutional setting. Familiarity with video software is also preferred.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Expert command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat Pro, for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Desktop Publishing Expertise: Strong skills in page layout, typography, and print production processes essential for creating professional publications.

• Visual Communication & Conceptualization: Ability to develop and translate visual concepts into engaging designs that effectively communicate messages for various audiences and purposes.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation, data management, and presentation preparation, crucial for operational tasks.

• Communication Skills: Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication abilities for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including internal clients and departments.

• Organizational & Time Management: Proven ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple tasks with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring timely completion of projects within stated deadlines.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrated capacity to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team member within the department and across other college divisions.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, adapting to constant change and periods of fast-paced, high-intensity work situations.

• Problem-Solving: Capacity to solve practical problems and deal with various concrete variables in situations requiring limited standardization, often encountered in operational support.

• Commitment to Mission: Demonstrated commitment to achieving the vision and mission of South Texas College, understanding the role of design in supporting institutional goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with video editing software.

• Experience working within a higher education administrative or academic affairs division.

• Understanding of Public Relations and Marketing collaboration dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" section is extensive and strongly emphasizes soft skills critical for operations roles, such as communication, organization, adaptability, and problem-solving, alongside technical design proficiencies. This indicates the role requires more than just artistic talent; it demands an operational mindset for project execution and team integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, page layout, and visual concept development across various mediums (print and digital).

• Software Proficiency Examples: Specific project examples that highlight expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro, showcasing advanced techniques and application.

• Project Management Integration: Examples of projects that required collaboration with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating ability to manage feedback, revisions, and adhere to deadlines.

• Collateral Variety: Inclusion of diverse collateral types, such as brochures, fliers, posters, reports, and presentations, reflecting the breadth of responsibilities outlined.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of understanding design workflows, from initial concept and briefing to final production and delivery, with an emphasis on efficiency.

• Revision Management: Demonstrations of how feedback was incorporated into design iterations, showcasing a structured approach to revisions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Examples of projects where collaboration with other departments (e.g., Marketing, Public Relations) was integral to the design process and successful outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as "portfolio requirements," the "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and "Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" sections imply the need for a portfolio that showcases not just design talent but also an ability to manage projects, collaborate effectively, and deliver within operational constraints. This is a common expectation for design roles supporting operational functions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The stated minimum compensation is $15.75 per hour. Given the part-time nature and the experience level (0-2 years), this aligns with entry-level graphic design positions in the McAllen, Texas area. The posting does not specify an upper limit, but typical hourly rates for similar roles in this region and experience bracket can range from $15.75 to $22.00 per hour.

Benefits: As a part-time position at South Texas College, specific benefits might be limited. However, typical benefits for part-time employees at educational institutions can include:

• Retirement Plan: Potential participation in a state retirement plan (e.g., Teacher Retirement System of Texas - TRS), depending on hours worked and employment status.

• Paid Time Off: Accrual of vacation and sick leave, often prorated based on hours worked.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to confidential counseling and support services.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and development, particularly related to design software and skills, and potentially tuition benefits for college courses.

• Holiday Pay: Paid holidays as observed by the college.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position. The standard full-time work week is 40 hours. For a part-time role, the exact number of hours per week will be determined by the department but will be less than 40. The posting does not specify exact daily hours but implies a need to meet critical deadlines, suggesting flexibility may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as a minimum. Based on the job title, experience level, and location, a reasonable range for this part-time role would be $15.75 - $22.00 per hour. Benefits for part-time roles in public institutions are often less comprehensive than full-time roles but can still be valuable.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education. South Texas College (STC) is a public community college dedicated to providing accessible and affordable education to the Rio Grande Valley. This context means the culture likely emphasizes education, community service, student success, and fiscal responsibility.

Company Size: South Texas College is a large institution, employing thousands of individuals across multiple campuses. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and diverse departmental functions.

Founded: South Texas College was established in 1993. Its relatively recent founding means it has likely experienced significant growth and modernization, aiming to serve a rapidly developing region.

Team Structure:

• Department: Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation. This division is central to the college's educational mission.

• Reporting: The Graphic Designer I reports to a supervisor within this division, likely a Design Manager or Director of Communications/Marketing.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with instructional departments, Public Relations, and Marketing teams, indicating a cross-functional and integrated operational approach.

Methodology:

• Design Process: Emphasis on developing visual concepts, producing collateral, and incorporating feedback, suggesting a standard design project lifecycle.

• Operational Support: The role is framed around supporting departmental needs and college-wide initiatives, highlighting a service-oriented operational function.

• Technology Integration: Utilization of industry-standard design software and Microsoft Office for efficient task execution.

Company Website: https://southtexascollege.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context as a public community college is crucial. Operations roles here are often mission-driven, focusing on supporting student success and institutional goals through efficient processes and clear communication, rather than purely profit-driven metrics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Graphic Designer I) position, typically suited for individuals with an Associate's degree and 0-2 years of experience. It represents a foundational role within the creative and operational support functions of the college.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer I will report to a supervisor within the Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation division. This structure provides direct guidance and oversight, essential for learning and development in an institutional setting.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the college's ability to communicate its programs, achievements, and essential information effectively. High-quality design supports student recruitment, program enrollment, internal operational clarity, and the overall professional image of South Texas College.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific design software (e.g., advanced InDesign for complex publications, motion graphics for digital media) or specialize in areas like branding or digital design.

• Project Leadership: With experience, the opportunity to take on lead roles for specific design projects, managing timelines and client expectations more independently.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on projects with various departments, potentially leading to roles in Marketing, Communications, or broader operational support functions within the college.

• Further Education: Opportunities for tuition assistance or waivers at South Texas College could enable pursuit of Bachelor's degrees or specialized certifications to advance career prospects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, growth is typically characterized by skill enhancement and increased responsibility within the existing framework. The "Direct Wage" title might suggest a focus on hourly compensation rather than a traditional salary band, with progression tied to accumulating experience and demonstrating value.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment within the South Texas College campus, specifically at the Pecan Campus in McAllen, Texas.

Office Location(s): Pecan Campus, McAllen, Texas. This location serves the Rio Grande Valley region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Setting: The role requires interaction with various departments, suggesting a collaborative office environment where designers may work alongside administrative staff, faculty, or other support personnel.

• Technology Access: A dedicated workspace equipped with necessary technology, including computers, software (Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office), and potentially design-specific hardware.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with colleagues within the Academic Affairs division and other college departments, fostering a supportive and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Part-time employment. While the exact hours are not specified, the expectation is to work on-site during standard business hours, with flexibility potentially required to meet critical deadlines. The role involves supporting operational needs, so consistent availability during operational hours is likely important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial. For a graphic design role supporting an educational institution, the workspace context likely involves access to printing facilities, brand guidelines documentation, and direct interaction with those who require design services.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, including resume, cover letter (if requested), and portfolio, to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Skills Assessment/Technical Interview: A practical exercise or portfolio review where candidates demonstrate their design skills, software proficiency (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), and ability to execute design tasks based on specific briefs. This may involve a design challenge related to college publications.

• Behavioral/Team Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potentially team members to assess communication skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit within the Academic Affairs division and South Texas College. Candidates will be asked about their approach to deadlines, feedback, and teamwork.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management, focusing on strategic thinking, understanding of the college's mission, and long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 strong projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, layout, and visual communication relevant to the responsibilities outlined (e.g., brochures, reports, presentations).

• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the design process (concept development, software used), challenges faced, and the final outcome. Emphasize collaboration and deadline management.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that clearly demonstrate your mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro.

• Tailor to Higher Education: If possible, include projects that reflect experience or understanding of design needs within an educational or institutional context.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Brief Interpretation: Practice interpreting design briefs quickly and accurately, identifying key requirements, target audience, and desired message.

• Time Management: Be prepared to complete a design task within a strict time limit, prioritizing key elements and delivering a polished, albeit potentially unfinished, product.

• Verbalizing Design Choices: Practice articulating your design decisions, explaining the rationale behind your choices in terms of visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, and alignment with project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and review process for an educational institution often includes a strong emphasis on practical skills assessment and cultural fit, given the service-oriented nature of the organization. A robust portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and a clear understanding of the college's mission will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency is required in Adobe Photoshop (image editing and manipulation), Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics and illustration), and Adobe InDesign (page layout and desktop publishing).

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: Essential for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents, including forms and interactive elements.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in Microsoft Word (document creation), Microsoft Excel (data handling, potentially for basic charts), and Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation design and graphics).

• Desktop Publishing Software: General proficiency beyond specific Adobe products, implying an understanding of layout principles for print and digital media.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, the ability to interpret data for design purposes (e.g., understanding audience demographics for targeted design) may be beneficial. The role requires creating reports and documentation, implying skills in organizing and presenting information clearly. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it's focused on design output rather than customer relationship management or marketing automation. However, understanding how design assets are used in marketing campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard graphic design software. Proficiency in these tools is paramount, as they are the primary means by which the designer will execute their responsibilities and contribute to the college's operational communication needs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Service: A commitment to providing high-quality design support to academic departments and college initiatives, contributing to the educational mission.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort and open communication to achieve shared goals, working effectively across different departments.

• Efficiency & Timeliness: Prioritizing the timely delivery of projects and optimizing design processes to meet critical deadlines and operational demands.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the development of fresh visual concepts and design solutions that effectively communicate institutional messages.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards of work, respecting confidentiality, and representing the college professionally in all interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with instructional departments, Public Relations, and Marketing, requiring a proactive and communicative approach to understand needs and deliver results.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from supervisors and internal clients to refine designs and ensure project success.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing design best practices and insights within the team and with other departments to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are likely aligned with those of a public educational institution, emphasizing service, collaboration, and mission-driven work. Designers are expected to be team players who can translate institutional goals into effective visual communications.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines from various departments requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Interpreting Diverse Creative Briefs: Effectively translating the varied needs and visions of different instructional departments into cohesive design solutions.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with the latest design software, trends, and digital media requirements in a dynamic field.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all design output adheres to institutional branding guidelines while still allowing for creative expression.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite features or explore new design software and tools.

• Workshops & Seminars: Participation in workshops focused on graphic design trends, visual communication strategies, or higher education marketing.

• Project Ownership: Gaining experience by leading design aspects for specific college events or campaigns, enhancing project management skills.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers or marketing professionals within the college to gain insights into strategic communication and operational integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a graphic designer in a busy institutional environment, emphasizing the need for robust project management and adaptability. Growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and increased project responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design project from initial concept to final delivery, especially when working with multiple stakeholders." (Focus on workflow, communication, and revision management.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when faced with several urgent design requests from different departments?" (Highlight time management, organization, and communication strategies.)

• "Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, and willingness to learn.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with an organization's brand guidelines while still being creative and impactful?" (Showcase understanding of branding and strategic design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for South Texas College specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Research STC's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with individuals who may have limited design experience but strong ideas for their projects?" (Emphasize patience, clear communication, and ability to educate clients.)

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. What is your preferred collaboration style?" (Highlight teamwork, communication, and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Storytelling: For each selected project, tell a concise story: the problem, your solution, the tools used, the collaborative process, and the measurable impact (if any).

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly connect your portfolio pieces to the job requirements, pointing out how they demonstrate proficiency in specific software, layout skills, and conceptual thinking.

• Showcase Process & Revisions: Be prepared to walk through the evolution of a design, showing initial concepts, feedback integration, and final polished work.

• Address Technical Aspects: Be ready to discuss the technical considerations of your designs, such as file formats, print specifications, and digital optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strong operational skills: project management, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, all within the context of supporting an educational institution's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://southtexascollege.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/STC/job/Pecan-Campus-McAllen-Texas/Direct-Wage---Graphic-Designer-I_JR101467-1

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 4-6 of your strongest design projects that best represent your skills in graphic design, layout, and visual communication relevant to college publications (brochures, reports, presentations). Ensure it highlights your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your Associate's degree, any relevant work experience (especially in higher education or similar settings), and list all required software proficiencies (Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to complete a practical design task during the interview process. Practice interpreting design briefs and executing tasks within time constraints.

• Research South Texas College: Familiarize yourself with the college's mission, values, academic programs, and recent news. Understand how visual communication supports their educational and operational 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.