Graphic Designer (56074)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: RANDOLPH COLLEGE

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time Exempt

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Education

Date Posted: 2026-09-01T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for developing, designing, and producing creative, audience-focused visual communications that support the College’s strategic goals and priorities.

• Creates a wide range of print and digital marketing materials while helping maintain and advance the College’s visual identity across all communications platforms.

• Collaborates with internal departments and external vendors to ensure successful project execution and adherence to brand standards.

• Manages multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, ensuring high standards of creativity, accuracy, and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the visual identity of Randolph College, requiring a blend of creative design skills and strategic thinking to align visual communications with institutional objectives. The "Full-time Exempt" classification suggests a salaried position with standard working hours, though occasional evening/weekend work may be required.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling visual concepts and designs that effectively engage target audiences while maintaining consistency with established College brand standards.

• Design and produce a wide range of print and digital marketing and communications materials, including the College magazine, brochures, publications, print and digital advertisements, social media graphics, signage, event materials, presentations, direct mail pieces, and other promotional assets.

• Collaborate with members of the Office of College Relations and campus partners to develop creative, innovative, and audience-focused visual communications that support the College’s mission and strategic objectives.

• Help uphold, monitor, and advance the College’s visual identity and brand standards across print, digital, environmental, and web platforms.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of creativity, accuracy, and quality in a fast-paced environment.

• Coordinate with printers, vendors, photographers, and other external partners as needed to ensure successful project execution.

• Assist with photography, image selection, and visual asset management as needed.

• Stay current with design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in visual communications.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Office of College Relations and the College’s communication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad scope of design work, encompassing both traditional print and modern digital media. Emphasis on "audience-focused visual communications" and "strategic goals" indicates a need for designers who can translate institutional objectives into impactful visuals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of three years of professional graphic design experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of publication design, typography, branding, visual hierarchy, layout principles, image formats, photo editing, and print production.

• Advanced knowledge of printing processes, color management, and production specifications.

• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and consistently meet deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, clients, and campus stakeholders.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles. Preferred Skills:

• Photography, videography, motion graphics, and video editing skills are desirable.

• Experience with photography, videography, motion graphics, or video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

• Familiarity with website content management systems, social media platforms, and email marketing tools.

• Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices.

• Demonstrated creativity, visual problem-solving ability, and commitment to producing audience-focused communications.

• Ability to work effectively within established brand guidelines while contributing fresh ideas and innovative approaches.

• Ability to balance creativity, accuracy, and efficiency while managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.

• Knowledge of printing principles, color matching, and production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design software proficiency and foundational design principles. Preferred skills point towards a desire for a versatile designer capable of contributing to multimedia content and digital platforms, aligning with modern marketing needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency in print and digital media.

• Include examples of branding and visual identity work that adhere to established guidelines.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate effective audience engagement and strategic communication.

• Feature work that exhibits strong typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Present case studies or descriptions that explain the design process, problem-solving, and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design workflow from concept to final production, including client consultation and feedback integration.

• Provide examples of how projects were managed to meet deadlines and quality standards, particularly in a collaborative environment.

• Illustrate experience with print production coordination, including vendor communication and specification adherence.

• Show evidence of adapting designs for various digital platforms (web, social media, email).

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is implicitly required for a graphic designer role. The emphasis on "audience-focused visual communications" and "strategic goals" suggests that portfolios showcasing how design solutions achieved specific objectives will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $44,000 - $54,000 per year

Benefits:

• As a full-time exempt employee, likely eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

• Potential benefits may include health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401k or similar).

• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

• Professional development opportunities.

• Access to college facilities and resources.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time). Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary to support College events and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided. While specific benefits are not detailed, standard offerings for full-time exempt positions at an educational institution are inferred. The mention of occasional evening/weekend work is important for candidates to consider when assessing work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Educational Institution). Randolph College is a private liberal arts college with a history of academic excellence and a focus on student development.

Company Size: Approximately 500-1000 employees (based on typical college structures). This size suggests a collaborative environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful.

Founded: Founded in 1830 as Randolph-Macon Woman's College, it became Randolph College in 2007. This long history signifies a stable institution with established traditions and a commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of College Relations, indicating a role within a broader communications or marketing department.

• The Office of College Relations likely comprises professionals focused on marketing, communications, public relations, and alumni engagement.

• Collaboration is expected with various departments across campus, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills. Methodology:

• The role emphasizes developing "creative, audience-focused visual communications" aligned with the College's "strategic goals and priorities."

• A key aspect is maintaining and advancing the College's "visual identity and brand standards" across all platforms.

• Work involves managing design requests, providing creative consultation, and delivering projects on schedule, suggesting a structured project management approach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Randolph College's history and mission as a liberal arts institution suggest a culture that values tradition, academic rigor, and community. The Graphic Designer role is integral to the Office of College Relations, supporting the college's outreach and brand management efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is suitable for individuals with a few years of professional experience who can work independently on design projects while contributing to broader departmental goals.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of College Relations, offering visibility to leadership within the communications function.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the College's external perception, student recruitment, alumni engagement, and overall brand consistency. Effective visual communications are critical for achieving institutional objectives in marketing and outreach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop expertise in higher education marketing and communications.

• Expand skills into areas like motion graphics, video editing, and digital accessibility, as suggested by preferred qualifications.

• Gain experience managing larger or more complex design campaigns and projects.

• Potentially move into senior designer roles or specialize in specific areas of visual communication within the college or similar institutions.

• Contribute to strategic branding initiatives and creative direction for the College.

📝 Enhancement Note: This mid-level role offers a solid foundation for a career in design within the education sector. The emphasis on expanding skills into digital and multimedia areas provides clear pathways for professional development and increased impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment within Randolph College.

Office Location(s): 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503. This is a traditional campus setting.

Workspace Context:

• The role operates primarily in a professional office environment, utilizing standard office equipment and technology.

• Collaboration with teammates and campus partners is a key aspect, suggesting an environment that values teamwork and open communication.

• Access to necessary design software and hardware is expected.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While primarily office-based, the role may require occasional evening and weekend work to support College events and deadlines, indicating a need for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for a college campus setting, emphasizing a professional atmosphere with opportunities for collaboration. The requirement for occasional non-standard hours should be considered by candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present and discuss their portfolio, highlighting relevant projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or exercise to evaluate practical skills and creative thinking under timed conditions.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions focused on collaboration, project management, handling feedback, and aligning with College values.

• Final Interview: Discussion with the Director of College Relations and potentially other key stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate a portfolio that specifically showcases print and digital design relevant to higher education marketing and communications.

• Include projects demonstrating brand consistency, typography, layout, and strategic visual problem-solving.

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, the rationale behind your creative choices, and the outcomes of your work.

• Highlight projects where you collaborated with teams or managed multiple deadlines effectively.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., online link) and clearly organized. Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the prompt, developing a clear concept, and executing it efficiently within the given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and justifications concisely.

• Be ready to present your work and answer questions about your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Candidates should prepare to thoroughly discuss their work, demonstrating not just creative talent but also a strategic understanding of how design serves institutional goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Advanced proficiency required, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and publication design.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing and manipulation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics and illustration.

• Standard Office Software: For document creation, presentations, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, familiarity with how design impacts web analytics or social media engagement metrics is a plus.

• Knowledge of digital accessibility standards is crucial for ensuring designs meet compliance requirements. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS) is preferred.

• Understanding of social media platforms and email marketing tools is also beneficial for creating appropriate assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud. Preferred skills indicate a need for designers who can adapt to and create content for digital marketing channels and content management systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Developing fresh, engaging visual concepts that support the College's mission.

• Accuracy & Quality: Maintaining high standards in design execution, typography, and production.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal teams and external partners.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and advancing the College's visual identity and brand standards.

• Audience Focus: Designing communications that resonate with target audiences and support strategic goals.

• Efficiency: Managing multiple projects effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to collaborate closely with teammates in the Office of College Relations and across campus departments.

• Requires strong communication skills to understand project needs, provide creative consultation, and deliver on-time results.

• A team player who can receive and incorporate feedback constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence, strategic alignment, and collaborative execution, typical of effective marketing and communications teams within an educational setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple design projects with competing deadlines and diverse stakeholder needs.

• Maintaining brand consistency across a wide range of print and digital materials.

• Staying current with evolving design trends and technologies while adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Translating complex institutional messages into clear and compelling visual communications.

• Occasional need for evening/weekend work to meet event or publication deadlines. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in higher education marketing and communications design.

• Expand skill set into motion graphics, video editing, and advanced digital design techniques.

• Gain exposure to strategic branding initiatives and campaign development.

• Opportunities for professional development through workshops, conferences, or online courses in design and marketing.

• Develop project management and client consultation skills within a collegiate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow within a specialized field (higher education marketing) while honing core design skills. Proactive learning of preferred skills like motion graphics will be key for long-term career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and manage your workload?" (Focus on project management and prioritization skills.)

• "How do you approach ensuring brand consistency across various marketing materials for an institution like Randolph College?" (Focus on brand stewardship and attention to detail.)

• "Walk us through your design process for a complex project, from initial brief to final delivery. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and process.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working as a Graphic Designer specifically at Randolph College, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission?" (Focus on research and cultural fit.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you decide when to incorporate them into institutional design?" (Focus on continuous learning and strategic application.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with non-designers or stakeholders who have different visions. How do you manage feedback and reach consensus?" (Focus on communication and collaboration.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects to showcase.

• For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, the design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Be prepared to discuss your creative decisions and how they align with the project's goals and audience.

• Highlight projects that demonstrate your proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, as well as your understanding of typography and layout.

• If you have experience with preferred skills (video, motion graphics, CMS), be ready to discuss those as well.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating how your design skills translate into strategic value for Randolph College, emphasizing collaboration, problem-solving, and a strong understanding of brand identity within an educational context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.

• Customize your resume: Highlight your 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and any experience relevant to higher education or marketing communications. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it showcases a diverse range of print and digital design work, emphasizing brand consistency, typography, layout, and strategic communication. Include project descriptions that detail your process and outcomes.

• Research Randolph College: Familiarize yourself with the College's mission, values, target audience, and current visual communications. Understand their brand identity and how your design approach can contribute.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Be ready to articulate your design process, creative rationale, and the impact of your work during the interview.

⚠️ 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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