Graphic Designer at Daemen University

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Daemen University

Location: Amherst, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative Services

Date Posted: June 23, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and producing a wide range of marketing materials and visual assets to uphold and enhance the Daemen University brand identity across all platforms.
Plays a key role in content creation by capturing and editing photo and short-form video content for institutional social media channels, enhancing digital storytelling capabilities.
Collaborates closely with university constituents and the Marketing and Communications team to translate project goals into compelling visual communications.
Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, accurate, and brand-compliant work within established project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an "entry-level Graphic Designer" within a university setting, indicating a focus on supporting broader marketing and communications initiatives rather than leading independent campaigns. The emphasis on "collaboration" and "supporting" suggests a team-oriented environment where mentorship from senior visual communication staff is likely. The inclusion of photography and video capture/editing for social media highlights a modern, multi-disciplinary approach to content creation expected of entry-level creatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Develop creative concepts for marketing materials and collateral, ensuring alignment with Daemen University's brand guidelines and strategic objectives.
Design and produce diverse visual assets, including but not limited to brochures, flyers, digital advertisements, website graphics, social media posts, and event materials.
Execute photo and short-form video capture using DSLR, mirrorless cameras, or mobile devices for social media and digital marketing purposes.
Edit photographic and video content to create engaging, high-quality assets suitable for various digital platforms and campaigns.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand project requirements, gather feedback, and iterate on designs to achieve desired outcomes.
Maintain organized digital asset libraries and file structures, adhering to established naming conventions and archiving protocols.
Assist in managing project workflows and timelines, utilizing platforms like Asana to track progress and ensure timely completion of assignments.
Support the Associate Director of Visual Communication on assigned projects, demonstrating proactive engagement and a willingness to learn.
Ensure all design deliverables are accurate, consistent with brand standards, and meet project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus on traditional graphic design and emerging digital content creation (photo/video for social media), which is common for entry-level roles in marketing departments. The mention of "Asana" indicates a requirement for project management software proficiency. The explicit mention of supporting the "Associate Director of Visual Communication" reinforces the mentorship aspect of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field is required. Experience:
A portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking, technical design skills, and a keen eye for detail is essential.
While "entry-level" is specified, practical experience through internships, freelance work, or significant academic projects showcasing relevant skills will be highly valued. Required Skills:
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for design and production.
Demonstrated ability to develop creative concepts and translate them into compelling visual designs.
Strong understanding of branding principles and the ability to consistently apply brand guidelines.
Experience in designing for both print and digital media, including social media graphics.
Foundational skills in photography and photo editing, with a portfolio showcasing relevant work.
Basic video editing capabilities for short-form social media content.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work. Preferred Skills:
Experience with DSLR or mirrorless cameras for professional photo/video capture.
Familiarity with social media platforms, current trends, and best practices for content posting.
Experience with asset management systems and maintaining organized digital archives.
Basic understanding of content strategy and its role in visual communication.
Proficiency in project management tools, specifically Asana.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is paramount for a design role, especially at the entry-level. The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights where candidates can differentiate themselves. The inclusion of social media content creation and basic video editing points towards a need for adaptability and a willingness to engage with evolving digital marketing tactics.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A diverse range of design projects showcasing proficiency in print collateral, digital graphics, and social media assets.
Examples demonstrating the ability to conceptualize and execute designs from initial brief to final deliverable.
Case studies or project descriptions that highlight design thinking, problem-solving approaches, and the rationale behind creative decisions.
Visual evidence of adherence to brand guidelines and consistency in application across different mediums.
Inclusion of photography and/or video samples, especially those created for digital or social media platforms. Process Documentation:
Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial client consultation and brainstorming to final asset delivery and revisions.
The ability to articulate how they incorporate feedback and manage project timelines will be assessed.
Familiarity with workflow management tools (like Asana) and asset organization practices is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, the portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing skills. The emphasis here is on demonstrating process, creativity, technical execution, and brand adherence. The mention of Asana suggests that candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with project management workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

$47,000 - $51,000 annually. Benefits:
Health Insurance: Choice between two plans: an HSA plan with employer-funded deductible contributions or a copay plan.
Dental Insurance: Provided through the Guardian network.
Vision Insurance: Offered through the Guardian network, with options between VSP or Davis plans.
Retirement Savings: 8% employer contribution to retirement savings account when employees contribute 5%.
Disability Insurance: Fully paid long-term disability insurance.
Life Insurance: Guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to $150,000.
Tuition Benefits: Tuition waiver for full-time employees and qualified dependents, plus access to Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities.
Paid Time Off: Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.

Working Hours:

Standard work week is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support campus events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for an entry-level graphic designer in a university setting in the New York region, considering the cost of living and the specific responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive and a strong incentive for candidates seeking stability and professional development in higher education. The mention of occasional evening/weekend work is standard for roles supporting events in an academic environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Independent Liberal Arts Institution)

Company Size: Daemen University is a medium-sized institution, typically employing several hundred faculty and staff. This size often translates to a close-knit community feel while offering resources and opportunities comparable to larger organizations.

Founded: Daemen University was founded in 1947. Its long history suggests a stable environment with established traditions and a commitment to its mission over decades.

Team Structure:

The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing and Communications department.
This department typically includes roles such as Director of Marketing, Associate Director of Visual Communication, content creators, digital marketers, and communications specialists.
Collaboration is expected across various university departments, including Admissions, Student Affairs, Academic Departments, and Alumni Relations. Methodology:
The university emphasizes a student-centered approach to learning and professional preparation.
Marketing and Communications likely operates with a strategic, data-informed approach, aiming to enhance the university's brand and support enrollment goals.
There's an emphasis on ethical leadership, community well-being, and lifelong learning, which likely permeates the internal culture.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The university setting implies a culture that values education, community engagement, and long-term vision. For operations roles within this context, understanding the academic calendar, student recruitment cycles, and internal stakeholder management is crucial. The "student-centered" mission suggests that marketing efforts will likely focus on student success stories and academic programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer. This role is designed for individuals beginning their professional careers in graphic design and visual communications. It offers foundational experience in a professional marketing environment, with opportunities to develop core design skills, understand brand management, and gain exposure to multi-channel marketing.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Associate Director of Visual Communication, who likely oversees visual asset creation and brand consistency. This reporting line provides direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Daemen University's external perception and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality visual assets are critical for:

Attracting prospective students and their families.
Communicating academic programs and campus life.
Supporting university events and initiatives.
Maintaining a professional and cohesive brand image.
Enhancing engagement on social media platforms. Growth Opportunities:
Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in graphic design software, branding, and expand into more advanced photography and video editing techniques.
Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like digital design, social media content strategy, or event branding.
Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced visual communication professionals within the department.
Portfolio Development: Building a robust portfolio with real-world projects that can lead to future career opportunities, potentially within higher education or other industries.
Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with various university departments, understanding their unique communication needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, growth is often defined by skill acquisition, portfolio enhancement, and gaining practical experience. The university setting provides a stable environment to develop these foundational elements, with potential pathways into more senior design or marketing roles within higher education or related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Daemen University's campus in Amherst, NY. This indicates a traditional office environment within an academic setting.

Office Location(s): Amherst, New York. This location offers access to the cultural and professional amenities of the Buffalo-Niagara region.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is likely within the Marketing and Communications department, facilitating collaboration with colleagues.
Access to necessary design software and hardware (computers, cameras) is expected.
The environment is likely collaborative, with opportunities for team brainstorming and feedback sessions.
Proximity to campus events means opportunities to engage with the broader university community. Work Schedule:
A standard Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule is typical.
Flexibility is required for occasional evening or weekend work to cover campus events, which is common in university marketing roles supporting events and dynamic campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and standard office hours suggest a structured work environment. The need for occasional evening/weekend work is a common expectation in university marketing and event support roles, requiring candidates to be adaptable and manage their time effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio.
Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, project rationale, and technical skills. This stage will assess creative capabilities and communication style.
Skills Assessment: A potential design exercise or a discussion about how they would approach specific design challenges relevant to university marketing.
Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with the Associate Director of Visual Communication and potentially other members of the Marketing and Communications team to assess fit with the department's culture and working style.
Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or HR to discuss overall fit and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility (print, digital, social) and your best technical execution.
Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final design. Include mockups to show how the design would appear in context.
Highlight Brand Adherence: If you have examples of working within strict brand guidelines (even academic ones), showcase them.
Include Digital/Social Media Work: Given the role's requirements, prominently feature any social media graphics, digital ads, or even photo/video content you've created.
Organize Clearly: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, whether it's a digital PDF, a personal website, or a platform like Behance.

Challenge Preparation:

Be ready to discuss your approach to designing for a specific university need (e.g., a recruitment flyer, a social media campaign for an event, or a digital banner).
Practice articulating your design decisions and how they align with objectives and brand identity.
Understand the importance of feedback and how you incorporate it into your iterative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application for this role. Candidates should tailor their presentation to highlight skills directly mentioned in the job description, particularly social media content creation and brand consistency. The interview process will likely be a blend of technical assessment and cultural fit evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for graphic design tasks.
Content Creation Tools: Experience with DSLR/mirrorless cameras and mobile devices for photo/video capture.
Video Editing Software: Basic proficiency in editing short-form video content (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even mobile editing apps).

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility for this role, an understanding of how visual assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., engagement rates on social media) would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:
Project Management: Familiarity with Asana is explicitly mentioned for managing project timelines and tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite for design and tools for photo/video capture and editing. The explicit mention of Asana highlights a need for candidates to be organized and capable of working within a structured project management system.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Student-Centered Learning: The university's core mission likely influences the Marketing and Communications department's approach, focusing on student success and university appeal.
Lifelong Learning & Adaptability: Given the evolving nature of digital marketing and design, a willingness to learn new tools and techniques is crucial.
Creativity & Innovation: The role requires generating new design concepts and approaches to visual storytelling.
Brand Consistency & Accuracy: Maintaining a unified and professional brand image across all communications is paramount.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within the Marketing and Communications team and with various university departments is key.

Collaboration Style:

The department likely fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and feedback is given constructively.
Expectations include clear communication with project stakeholders to ensure design solutions meet their needs.
Participation in team meetings and brainstorming sessions is expected.
The reporting structure to the Associate Director suggests a mentorship-driven collaboration style, where guidance and support are provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture within a university marketing department often balances creative output with strategic goals and brand integrity. A candidate who demonstrates a proactive, collaborative, and adaptable mindset, while deeply understanding the university's mission, will likely thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines is a common challenge for designers.
Incorporating Feedback: Navigating and integrating feedback from various stakeholders, some of whom may not have design expertise, requires strong communication and diplomacy.
Keeping Up with Trends: The rapid evolution of design software, social media platforms, and content creation techniques requires continuous learning.
Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual output adheres strictly to brand guidelines across a wide range of applications can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Software Skills: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in Adobe Creative Suite or explore new design and editing software.
Photography & Videography: Developing professional skills in capturing and editing visual content for marketing purposes.
Digital Marketing Trends: Understanding how design integrates with broader digital marketing strategies, including social media engagement and campaign effectiveness.
Higher Education Marketing: Gaining insights into the unique marketing landscape of universities and colleges.
Portfolio Building: Creating a strong portfolio of professional work that can be leveraged for future career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for organizational skills, strong communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are directly tied to the core responsibilities of the role, offering a clear path for skill development within the visual communications field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for taking a design project from concept to completion, including how you handle feedback."
"How do you ensure brand consistency across different marketing channels?"
"Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of and explain the design decisions you made."
"How would you approach designing social media graphics for a university event?"
"What are your thoughts on the role of visual content in university marketing and recruitment?" Company & Culture Questions:
"What interests you about working at Daemen University specifically?"
"How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?"
"Describe a time you had to adapt to a change in project scope or direction."
"How do you handle constructive criticism on your work?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most relevant project that showcases your core design skills and creativity.
Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, your process, the challenges, and the outcome.
Quantify if Possible: If you have any metrics on the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement on social media posts), share them.
Show Versatility: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to work across different mediums (print, digital, social) and styles.
Address Specific Requirements: Explicitly point out examples of brand adherence, social media content creation, and any photo/video work.
Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating the design process, demonstrating an understanding of branding, and showcasing relevant skills through portfolio examples. Candidates should research Daemen University's mission and recent marketing efforts to tailor their responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Daemen University applicant portal.
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume highlights relevant design experience and skills. Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating proficiency in graphic design (print/digital), social media content creation, and any photography/video editing work, aligning with the job description's requirements.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "Graphic Design," "Branding," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Social Media Content," "Photography," and "Asana." Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in a university marketing context.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Daemen University's mission, values, recent marketing campaigns, and overall brand identity. Understand their target audience and how visual communication supports their strategic 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.

Graphic Designer