Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Associated Students of San José State University

Location: San Jose, CA, US

Job Type: Part-Time, Student

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute visually compelling design projects for both print and digital media, including motion graphics and social media content.

• Enhance Associated Students (A.S.) programs, services, and events through innovative and engaging design solutions.

• Ensure brand consistency and strengthen the organization's visual communication strategies across all platforms.

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager and other marketing team members to execute cohesive, cross-platform campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for current SJSU students, indicating a strong emphasis on student development, academic integration, and potentially flexible scheduling to accommodate coursework. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, typical for student positions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop a wide range of marketing materials for both print and digital media, such as posters, flyers, brochures, banners, annual reports, promotional giveaways, and branded merchandise.

• Create digital-first content, including social media graphics, animated advertisements, GIFs, motion-based designs, and other interactive media.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of brand identity by ensuring consistency in typography, color schemes, and design language across all A.S. materials.

• Collaborate effectively with the Marketing & Communications Manager, Multimedia Assistant, Web & Social Media Assistant, and Marketing Coordinator to execute integrated marketing campaigns.

• Leverage emerging AI-powered design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Adobe AI Generative Tools, MidJourney, Canva AI) to streamline workflow efficiency and enhance creative output.

• Maintain awareness of print production processes, including pre-press preparation and working with vendors (training will be provided).

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and incorporating feedback from A.S. staff, student leaders, and campus partners.

• Stay current with industry trends, marketing psychology, and Gen Z audience engagement strategies to inform design decisions.

• Participate actively in staff meetings and professional development training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a diverse range of design tasks, from traditional print collateral to modern digital and motion graphics, emphasizing adaptability and a broad skill set. The explicit mention of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking department eager to adopt new technologies for efficiency and innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be a currently enrolled, matriculated SJSU student in good academic standing.

Experience:

• While prior freelance, internship, or student organization design experience is beneficial, it is not strictly required.

• Demonstrated ability to provide examples of best work that showcase expertise in both print and digital media.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.

• Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Canva, and CapCut for both print and digital applications.

• Strong conceptual and critical thinking skills to translate marketing needs into effective visual storytelling.

• Excellent time management and multitasking abilities with a meticulous eye for detail.

• Capacity to work effectively in a collaborative environment, accepting direction and incorporating feedback constructively.

• Ability to practice branding and creative strategy, contributing to marketing campaigns and creative problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic understanding of UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface) design principles and accessibility compliance (ADA, WCAG).

• Experience in social media design, branding, and motion graphics.

• Familiarity with AI design tools or an understanding of how AI can aid creative workflows.

• Awareness of print production processes and pre-press preparation.

• Cultural competency and inclusivity in design, ensuring visuals are accessible and representative of SJSU’s diverse student population.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly prioritize current SJSU students, indicating an interest in developing talent from within the university community. The emphasis on a portfolio of work is standard for design roles, but the specific mention of both print and digital media, alongside foundational principles, sets the expectation for well-rounded design capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

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

• Include examples that highlight strong typography, layout composition, and effective visual hierarchy.

• Present projects that illustrate an understanding of brand identity development and consistent application of brand guidelines.

• Feature work that demonstrates experience with social media graphics, motion graphics, or interactive media, if available.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, candidates are encouraged to articulate their design process, including:

  • How they approach understanding project briefs and client requirements.

  • Their workflow for concept development and iteration.

  • How they incorporate feedback and manage revisions.

  • Their methods for ensuring brand consistency and technical accuracy (e.g., file preparation for print or digital).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, especially at the student level, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical skills and a thoughtful design process rather than formal documentation. Applicants should be prepared to walk through their portfolio and explain the rationale behind their design choices for each project.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Scheduling: Work hours are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. This flexibility is earned through consistent good work and prompt deliverables.

• Hybrid Work Opportunities: The position allows for hybrid work arrangements when appropriate, determined by project needs and work performance.

• Professional Development: Participation in bi-semester Marketing Department staff training sessions and potentially other relevant professional development opportunities.

• Student Engagement: Opportunity to contribute to meaningful campus initiatives and gain practical experience within a student-focused organization.

• Team Collaboration: Work within a supportive marketing department with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

• Event Exposure: Encouraged to attend events to develop client and team relations, offering valuable networking opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Part-time position.

• Standard hours are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

• Flexibility is available to accommodate academic schedules, contingent upon consistent performance and timely project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $19.45 aligns with entry-level professional or skilled student positions in the San Jose area. The benefits focus on flexibility and professional growth, which are highly valued by student employees. The hybrid work option is a significant perk for students balancing work and studies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit auxiliary corporation serving university students.

Company Size: The "Associated Students" likely encompasses multiple departments and a significant number of student and staff employees, indicating a medium to large organizational structure within the university ecosystem.

Founded: The organization's legacy of student advocacy and leadership suggests a long-standing presence and commitment to its mission, established to support San José State University students.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Marketing & Communications Manager.

• Works collaboratively within the A.S. Marketing Department, coordinating with the Multimedia Assistant, Web & Social Media Assistant, and Marketing Coordinator.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on student advocacy, leadership, and enhancing educational experiences through programs and services.

• A data-driven approach is implied through the use of marketing analytics and campaign performance tracking (though not explicitly detailed for this role).

• Focus on innovative and engaging design solutions to support A.S. objectives.

• Commitment to cultural competency and inclusivity in all communications and designs.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1f21e958-d199-4456-afb9-29fa26ef70be

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is a student-focused auxiliary organization, meaning it operates independently but in service to the university. This context implies a dynamic environment with a strong mission centered on student well-being and development, and a culture that values student input and leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level (Student Position)

This role is positioned as an entry-level opportunity for current SJSU students. It serves as a foundational stepping stone for individuals looking to gain practical experience in graphic design, marketing communications, and non-profit operations within a university setting.

Reporting Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Marketing & Communications Manager. This provides a clear line of supervision and mentorship, allowing for structured guidance and feedback essential for a student employee. The role also involves close collaboration with other members of the Marketing Department, fostering teamwork and exposure to different facets of marketing operations.

Operations Impact:

The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts A.S.'s ability to effectively communicate its mission, programs, services, and events to the SJSU student body and the wider campus community. High-quality, engaging visual content is crucial for driving participation in A.S. initiatives, enhancing brand perception, and ultimately supporting the organization's goals of student advocacy and enrichment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to hone core graphic design skills in Adobe Creative Suite and other industry tools, while also gaining exposure to newer technologies like AI design tools and motion graphics.

• Specialization: Potential to develop expertise in specific areas such as social media design, branding, or print production through hands-on project experience.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Collaboration with web, multimedia, and social media teams provides a broader understanding of integrated marketing campaigns and digital content creation.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Direct contribution to visible campus projects provides substantial material for a professional design portfolio.

• Networking: Building relationships with A.S. staff, student leaders, and campus partners can open doors for future career opportunities.

• Leadership Potential: Proactive contributions to process improvements and creative solutions can demonstrate leadership qualities, valuable for future roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a student position, the role offers significant opportunities for skill development and portfolio building. The clear reporting structure and collaborative environment are conducive to learning and professional growth within the design and marketing fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an office environment with standard office equipment. The role is designated as hybrid, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work.

Office Location(s): San Jose, CA, with the specific office location likely within the San José State University campus or associated facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes working closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager and other members of the Marketing Department, suggesting a team-oriented workspace where idea sharing and feedback are encouraged.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment and design software, including the Adobe Creative Suite and potentially other industry-standard design and video editing tools.

• Flexibility: The hybrid work model allows for autonomy and the ability to manage work around academic commitments, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• Event Involvement: While event attendance is not mandatory outside of work hours, designers are encouraged to attend events, offering opportunities for informal networking and understanding the impact of their designs in real-world settings.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time, with core hours typically falling between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Significant flexibility is built into the schedule to accommodate academic requirements, with the understanding that consistent performance and timely deliverables are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, offering students the ability to manage their workload alongside their studies. The encouragement to attend events provides valuable real-world exposure beyond typical office tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Candidates must submit a complete application through the ADP applicant tracking system.

• Portfolio Review: A critical component of the selection process will involve a thorough review of the applicant's design portfolio. This will assess their skills in typography, layout, print design, digital media, and any experience with motion graphics or social media content.

• Skills Assessment/Interview: Shortlisted candidates will likely undergo an interview, potentially including a discussion about their portfolio, design process, and problem-solving approach. They may also be asked to complete a design exercise or a case study related to A.S. marketing needs.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of how well the candidate aligns with the A.S. mission and values, particularly their ability to collaborate effectively and contribute proactively.

• Final Evaluation: Based on portfolio strength, interview performance, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest and most relevant projects. Ensure a mix of print and digital work, showcasing versatility.

• Highlight Process: For each project, be prepared to explain your design thinking: the problem, your approach, design choices, tools used, and the outcome.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, layout, and color theory.

• Demonstrate Versatility: If you have experience with motion graphics, social media content, or AI tools, include those examples.

• Professional Presentation: Organize your portfolio clearly, whether it's a PDF, a personal website, or a platform like Behance. Ensure it's easy to navigate and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Client: Research Associated Students of SJSU: their mission, departments, and recent marketing campaigns.

• Anticipate Design Needs: Consider the types of materials A.S. might need (event posters, social media graphics, informational brochures).

• Practice Articulation: Be ready to discuss your design process, justify your creative decisions, and explain how your work aligns with marketing objectives.

• Prepare for Feedback: Understand that design is iterative; be ready to discuss how you incorporate feedback and make revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most crucial element for this role. Applicants should meticulously curate their best work and be prepared to discuss their design process, rationale, and problem-solving skills in detail during the interview.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for this role, with specific emphasis on:

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital artwork.
  • InDesign: For layout design of print materials (brochures, flyers, reports).
  • Premiere Pro & After Effects: For motion graphics, video editing, and animated content.

• Figma: Widely used for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

• Canva: A user-friendly platform for quick graphic design, particularly for social media content.

• CapCut: A popular mobile and desktop video editing application, often used for social media content creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Emerging Technologies:

• AI-Powered Design Tools: Explicitly mentioned are Adobe Firefly, Adobe AI Generative Tools, MidJourney, and Canva AI. Proficiency or familiarity with these tools is encouraged for streamlining workflows and exploring new creative avenues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is comprehensive, covering industry-standard design software and extending to collaborative and emerging AI tools. This indicates a department that values both foundational design skills and an openness to technological innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student-Centricity: A core value is supporting and representing SJSU students, driving all initiatives and services.

• Advocacy & Leadership: Fostering student advocacy and leadership through programs and services.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Valuing creative solutions and engaging design to enhance student experiences.

• Efficiency & Proactivity: Encouraging employees to identify and implement improvements to personal workflows and team processes.

• Inclusivity & Cultural Competency: Ensuring all communications and designs are accessible, representative, and respectful of SJSU’s diverse community.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Manager and other members of the Marketing Department, emphasizing shared goals and mutual support.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders is essential for iterative design processes.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with multimedia, web, and social media teams to ensure cohesive campaign execution.

• Proactive Contribution: Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for enhancing efficiency and developing creative solutions, fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be mission-driven, student-focused, and collaborative. The emphasis on proactivity and embracing new technologies like AI suggests an environment that values initiative and forward-thinking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Commitments: As a student position, managing coursework, exams, and extracurricular activities alongside design responsibilities can be demanding.

• Diverse Project Scope: Handling a wide array of design requests from various A.S. departments requires adaptability, quick learning, and efficient project management.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced university environment often necessitates quick turnarounds for marketing materials, requiring strong time management skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Trends: Keeping pace with rapid changes in design software, AI tools, social media trends, and Gen Z preferences requires continuous learning.

• Incorporating Feedback: Effectively translating diverse feedback from various stakeholders into cohesive design solutions can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Design Experience: Gaining hands-on experience with professional design tools and real-world projects for a significant organization.

• Portfolio Building: Creating a robust portfolio with diverse projects that can be leveraged for future job applications.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Learning and applying AI-powered design tools to enhance workflow and explore creative possibilities.

• Marketing Campaign Involvement: Understanding how design integrates into broader marketing strategies and cross-platform campaigns.

• Professional Mentorship: Receiving guidance from the Marketing & Communications Manager and collaborating with experienced marketing professionals.

• Understanding Student Audiences: Developing insights into the preferences and engagement strategies for Gen Z and the broader student demographic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for student roles in dynamic organizations. The growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on practical skill acquisition, technological adaptation, and strategic marketing exposure, all critical for launching a design career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process from receiving a brief to delivering the final product. How do you ensure brand consistency?"

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when it may conflict?"

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of and explain the design decisions you made?"

• "How do you stay current with design trends, particularly those relevant to a student audience (e.g., Gen Z, social media)?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Associated Students of SJSU and supporting our mission?"

• "How do you envision contributing to a collaborative team environment within our Marketing Department?"

• "What does cultural competency and inclusivity in design mean to you?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate the required skills (print, digital, motion graphics if applicable).

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your creative process, the challenges you faced, your design rationale, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Frame your projects as solutions to marketing or communication problems.

• Showcase Versatility: If you have examples of social media graphics, animation, or AI-generated elements, be sure to include them and discuss your approach.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a presentation that is engaging but respects the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes not just technical skills but also the applicant's process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the organization's mission. A strong portfolio, coupled with the ability to articulate design decisions, will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your complete application through the Associated Students applicant tracking system, ADP.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, Behance, personal website) showcasing 4-6 of your best print and digital design projects. Ensure it highlights your skills in typography, layout, branding, and any experience with motion graphics or social media content.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant design skills, software proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva), academic achievements, and any experience with student organizations or relevant projects.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, justifying your creative decisions, and discussing your portfolio projects. Research Associated Students of SJSU and be ready to discuss your interest in their mission.

• Company Research: Understand the mission and services of Associated Students of SJSU. Familiarize yourself with common marketing materials used by student organizations and universities.

⚠️ 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.