Gallery Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Gallery Graphic Designer

Company: Eastern Kentucky University

Location: Richmond Campus, Kentucky, USA

Job Type: Student Position / Part-Time

Category: Operations (Marketing & Communications Support)

Date Posted: September 8, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Student)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting the Fred Parker Giles Gallery's promotional efforts through graphic design and content creation, acting as a key support function within the university's College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences.

• The position requires proficiency in design software and a strong understanding of visual communication principles to create engaging marketing materials for diverse art exhibitions.

• Responsibilities include designing print collateral and digital assets, documenting events, and contributing to the gallery's social media presence, directly impacting audience engagement and exhibition visibility.

• This is an on-site role requiring availability during gallery operating hours and occasional evening/weekend events, offering practical experience in a creative and academic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the core functions and context place it within an operational support capacity for the art gallery's marketing and communications. The emphasis on promotional materials, social media, and event documentation aligns with GTM (Go-To-Market) support functions, albeit in an academic setting. The "Student Position" and "Federal Work Study" mentions indicate this is an entry-level opportunity designed for skill development and practical application of design principles within a university structure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality promotional materials, including exhibition posters, postcards, and other print collateral, ensuring they are print-ready.

• Create visually compelling graphics and content for social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook) to promote upcoming exhibitions, events, and artist lectures.

• Document gallery opening receptions and artist lectures through photography and potentially videography to be used for publicity and archival purposes.

• Assist the Gallery Director with various promotional duties, contributing to the overall marketing strategy for the Fred Parker Giles Gallery.

• Maintain an understanding of current design trends and gallery branding to ensure cohesive and effective visual communication.

• Collaborate with the Gallery Director to conceptualize and execute design projects that align with exhibition themes and university messaging.

• Manage design tasks and projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of all promotional assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to highlight the operational impact of design work in promoting gallery events and exhibitions. The focus on "promotional materials," "social media content," and "event documentation" directly supports the gallery's outreach and engagement objectives, aligning with marketing operations functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Must be a current Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student.

Experience: No previous gallery experience is necessary, but experience and proficiency in design are required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic design tasks.

• Strong understanding of graphic design principles, layout, typography, and color theory.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration with the Gallery Director and potential stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.

• Punctuality and reliability for scheduled shifts and events.

• Basic understanding of social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook) for content creation and promotion. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing print-ready materials such as posters and postcards.

• Proficiency in Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite for document management and collaboration.

• Talents in event photography and/or videography.

• Interest in marketing and promotions, particularly on social media and print media.

• A passion for art and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are derived from the explicit mentions of Adobe Creative Cloud and a strong understanding of good design. "Preferred Skills" are drawn from the "Desirable Skills" section, categorized by their direct relevance to the role's tasks and the applicant's potential to excel beyond the minimum requirements. The emphasis on "print ready" design and social media content creation is critical for this role's operational output.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects showcasing proficiency in creating promotional materials such as posters, postcards, and social media graphics.

• Examples demonstrating an understanding of print production requirements (e.g., bleed, resolution, color modes).

• Visuals demonstrating experience with social media content design, tailored for platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

• Potentially, examples of event photography or videography if applicable. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is unlikely for a student role, applicants should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from concept to final delivery.

• Understanding of how design assets are integrated into broader marketing campaigns for exhibitions.

• Familiarity with file management practices (e.g., using Google Drive) for organizing design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a student role, formal portfolio requirements are less stringent. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills through a collection of relevant work. The "Process Documentation" aspect is interpreted as the candidate's ability to articulate their design process, which is a key operational skill in managing creative projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Minimum $8.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Practical, hands-on experience in graphic design and marketing within a university art gallery setting.

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

• Development of essential skills in Adobe Creative Suite, social media promotion, and event documentation.

• Exposure to the art world and academic institutional operations.

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments, with availability required during specific gallery hours and occasional events.

• Potential for Federal Work Study or Institutional funding.

Working Hours: Approximately 5 hours per week. Availability is needed between Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM, with occasional Thursday evenings (5:00-7:00 PM) and Sunday afternoons (2:00-4:00 PM) for public receptions and artist lectures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as a minimum of $8 per hour. Benefits are inferred based on the nature of a student position within a university, focusing on skill development, portfolio building, and practical experience rather than traditional employee benefits. The working hours are also clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Arts & Culture within an Academic Institution)

Company Size: Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university with thousands of employees and tens of thousands of students. The College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences is a significant academic division.

Founded: Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1874.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will work within the Fred Parker Giles Gallery, which is part of the College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences.

• The primary point of contact and supervisor will be the Gallery Director, Professor April Pauza.

• Collaboration will likely involve other gallery staff (if any) and potentially faculty members involved with exhibitions.

• The role supports the broader academic and administrative functions of the university. Methodology:

• The gallery operates on a cycle of exhibitions and events, requiring proactive design and promotional planning.

• Design work will be guided by exhibition themes, university branding guidelines, and the Gallery Director's vision.

• Social media promotion will utilize current trends and engagement strategies to reach target audiences.

• Event documentation will focus on capturing key moments for publicity and archival purposes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about EKU's size, founding, and industry is derived from general knowledge of large public universities. The team structure is inferred from the job description's mention of the Gallery Director and the context of a university department. The methodology reflects how design and promotional activities would likely be managed in such an environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Student Position. This role is designed for students to gain initial experience in graphic design, marketing support, and operational tasks within a university setting.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Gallery Director, Professor April Pauza.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is primarily on the visibility and promotional success of the Fred Parker Giles Gallery's exhibitions and events. Effective design and social media engagement can lead to increased attendance and broader awareness of the gallery's offerings within the university and local community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, learn practical application of design principles in a professional context, and gain experience in social media marketing and event documentation.

• Portfolio Building: Create tangible design assets for a professional portfolio that can be used for future job applications in design, marketing, or related fields.

• Networking: Build relationships with the Gallery Director, faculty, and potentially other university staff, opening doors for future academic or professional opportunities.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in the operations of an art gallery and the broader cultural landscape within a higher education institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the developmental aspects of a student position, emphasizing skill acquisition and portfolio enhancement as key career benefits, rather than direct advancement within a corporate hierarchy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work will be conducted on the Richmond Campus of Eastern Kentucky University, specifically within or associated with the Fred Parker Giles Gallery in the Campbell Building.

Office Location(s): Richmond Campus, Kentucky, USA.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will likely involve a combination of design work (potentially using personal or provided equipment if available) and on-site presence at the gallery for documentation.

• The environment is academic and creative, surrounded by art and design.

• Collaboration will be primarily with the Gallery Director, with opportunities for interaction within the gallery space and potentially with visiting artists or faculty.

• Access to gallery exhibitions will be a regular part of the work environment.

Work Schedule: The schedule is part-time (5 hours/week) and designed to be flexible around the student's academic commitments, but requires specific availability during gallery operating hours (Mon-Fri, 11 AM - 4 PM) and occasional weekend/evening events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the context of a university art gallery and the student nature of the role, emphasizing the creative and academic setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Complete the online application through the provided link.

• Email Follow-up: After submitting the online application, email your class schedule to Professor April Pauza at april.pauza@eku.edu.

• Optional Submission: Optionally, email resumes and cover letters to the same address after completing the online application.

• Interview (Likely): While not explicitly detailed, a typical process would involve an interview with the Gallery Director to discuss design experience, availability, and suitability for the role. This would be an opportunity to assess communication skills and understanding of design principles.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Work: Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your skills in poster design, postcard design, and social media graphics.

• Highlight Print Readiness: If possible, include examples that demonstrate your understanding of preparing files for print.

• Showcase Social Media Graphics: Present examples of graphics created specifically for social media platforms, illustrating your ability to adapt designs for digital formats.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to talk through your design process for 1-2 key projects, explaining your concept, choices, and outcomes.

• Email Submission: As per instructions, optional resumes and cover letters can be emailed along with your class schedule.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a formal design challenge is unlikely for this student role, be prepared to discuss hypothetical design scenarios related to promoting an art exhibition.

• Think about how you would approach creating promotional materials for a specific type of exhibition (e.g., contemporary art, historical photography).

• Be ready to articulate your design preferences and why you chose certain tools or techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and review process is detailed based on the explicit instructions in the job posting. Portfolio tips are tailored to the specific design outputs required for this role. Interview preparation focuses on general best practices for student positions and design roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic design tasks. Specific applications likely include:

  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and raster graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and design of print materials like posters and postcards.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For general document creation, presentations, and potentially spreadsheets.

• Google Drive: For file storage, sharing, and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Social Media Platforms: Understanding how to use native analytics on Instagram and Facebook to gauge content performance would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, as it focuses on design creation rather than system management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred directly from the "Desirable Skills" and "Required Skills" sections, focusing on the design software and productivity tools mentioned.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Design Excellence: A commitment to producing visually appealing and effective promotional materials.

• Collaboration: Working closely with the Gallery Director to understand project requirements and deliver on expectations.

• Reliability & Punctuality: Ensuring consistent availability for scheduled work hours and events.

• Eagerness to Learn: A willingness to develop new skills and adapt to gallery needs.

• Passion for Art & Design: An appreciation for the gallery's mission and the art it showcases.

Collaboration Style:

• The role emphasizes a collaborative relationship with the Gallery Director, involving feedback and iterative design processes.

• Communication is key to ensuring design outputs align with the gallery's objectives and brand.

• The environment is supportive of student learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the job description's emphasis on working well independently and with the director, having good communication skills, and being eager to learn.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Demands: Effectively managing time to meet both academic responsibilities and the 5-hour weekly commitment to the gallery.

• Meeting Diverse Design Needs: Adapting design style and content to suit a variety of exhibitions and events.

• Working with Feedback: Incorporating constructive criticism from the Gallery Director into design revisions.

• Event Documentation Demands: Capturing high-quality photos/videos during potentially busy and dynamic reception environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Application: Gain hands-on experience applying design theory and software skills to real-world marketing needs.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with professional-quality work that can be leveraged for future career opportunities.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the operational aspects of running an art gallery, including marketing, promotions, and event management.

• Networking within Academia: Develop professional connections within the university and the arts community.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the practicalities of a student role and the specific tasks involved. Growth opportunities highlight the transferable skills and experiences gained.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and which programs you are most proficient in. Can you give an example of a project where you used these tools?" (Assesses technical skills)

• "How do you approach designing a poster or social media graphic for an event you're not familiar with? What steps would you take?" (Assesses design process and problem-solving)

• "Describe a time you had to work independently on a project. How did you manage your time and ensure completion?" (Assesses self-management and reliability)

• "What interests you about working with the Fred Parker Giles Gallery specifically?" (Assesses motivation and cultural fit)

• "How would you handle constructive criticism on a design you created?" (Assesses receptiveness to feedback) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Eastern Kentucky University or the College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences?" (Assesses research and interest)

• "What are your expectations for working in a university gallery environment?" (Assesses understanding of the context)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends relevant to social media and print?" (Assesses continuous learning) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare a Digital Portfolio: Have a link to an online portfolio (e.g., Behance, personal website) or a PDF ready to share.

• Focus on Relevance: Showcase projects that directly align with the job requirements (posters, postcards, social media graphics).

• Tell the Story: For each selected project, briefly explain the objective, your design choices, and the outcome or intended impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Be ready to point out specific design techniques or software features you utilized.

• Be Concise: Given the part-time nature of the role, a brief overview of 2-3 key projects is usually sufficient.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess the required skills, work ethic, and suitability for a student position in an academic art gallery. Portfolio presentation advice is practical for a student candidate.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Gallery Graphic Designer position:

• Submit Your Online Application: Complete the application thoroughly via the provided link on the careers page.

• Email Your Class Schedule: Immediately after submitting your online application, email your current class schedule to Professor April Pauza at april.pauza@eku.edu.

• Optional: Submit Resume/Cover Letter: If you choose to submit a resume and/or cover letter, send them to april.pauza@eku.edu after completing the online application.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather your best design work, focusing on posters, postcards, and social media graphics. Ensure you can articulate your design process for each piece.

• Research the Gallery: Familiarize yourself with the Fred Parker Giles Gallery's current and past exhibitions by visiting their Instagram and Facebook pages (links provided in the job description) to understand their aesthetic and promotional style.

⚠️ 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.