Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York)

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Marketing / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-07-20

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This Graphic Designer role is pivotal in creating and disseminating compelling visual content that champions DASNY's mission, projects, and strategic objectives across New York State.

• The position involves a blend of graphic design, photography, and video production/editing to enhance DASNY's brand presence and storytelling capabilities.

• Responsibilities include designing for both digital and print platforms, ensuring strict adherence to branding guidelines and accessibility standards.

• This role is crucial for transforming complex technical information into visually engaging narratives for various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Grade/Classification: 2 (D-1) Para & Entry Level Professional I" and the specified salary range strongly indicate this role is intended for candidates with foundational experience, likely 0-2 years post-education. The "Para & Entry Level Professional I" designation is common in public sector organizations for roles requiring a degree or equivalent experience but not extensive prior professional tenure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of visual assets for both digital and print media, including reports, brochures, event collateral, presentations, web graphics, and social media content, always adhering to DASNY's branding and New York State guidelines.

• Capture, edit, and manage photography and videography for marketing materials, digital campaigns, and official DASNY events.

• Actively participate in all stages of multimedia production, from conceptualization and shooting to post-production editing and asset archiving.

• Ensure all creative outputs are compliant with DASNY's brand identity and current accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG for digital assets).

• Collaborate effectively with internal departments to translate technical project details and strategic information into visually impactful and easily understandable narratives.

• Prepare final design files and media assets for publication and production, implementing rigorous quality control checks for accuracy and consistency.

• Maintain and organize DASNY's comprehensive creative asset library, ensuring efficient retrieval of photos, videos, templates, and design files.

• Contribute fresh, innovative ideas and creative strategies to elevate DASNY's visual storytelling and overall impact.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in graphic design, photography, and video production, as well as emerging digital media tools and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "reports, brochures, event collateral, presentations, web graphics, and social media content" points to a broad scope of design deliverables. The emphasis on "transform technical and project-based information into visually compelling narratives" highlights the need for strong conceptualization and communication skills beyond just aesthetic execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Media Arts, or a closely related field; OR

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field plus a minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in graphic design and multimedia production; OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in graphic design and multimedia production. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in creating visual content for both digital and print applications.

• Experience in photography and videography, including camera operation, lighting techniques, and post-production editing.

• Familiarity with managing and organizing creative assets.

• Experience within the public sector or a large institutional environment is a plus. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Expert-level command of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Lightroom is mandatory.

• Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, visual composition, and branding principles.

• Photography & Videography: Hands-on experience with camera equipment, lighting setups, and video editing software.

• Digital & Print Design: Ability to produce high-quality assets for diverse platforms, ensuring brand consistency and accessibility.

• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts and collaborate effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with motion graphics and animation techniques.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for digital content.

• Experience with social media platforms and content optimization strategies.

• Understanding of branding, marketing, and public-sector communications nuances.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

• Analytical and conceptual thinking capabilities.

• Proficiency in standard PC applications (Outlook, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom) is a critical technical skill. The distinction between "Minimum" and "Preferred" qualifications suggests that a Bachelor's degree is the primary path, but equivalent experience is accepted, aligning with public sector hiring practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design projects (digital and print), demonstrating proficiency in layout, typography, and branding.

• Specific examples of photo and video capture and editing work, highlighting camera operation, lighting, and post-production skills.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the process of transforming technical information into compelling visual narratives.

• Demonstrations of adherence to branding guidelines and accessibility standards in design outputs.

• Visualizations of how designs contributed to project goals or communication objectives. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow for managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including revision cycles.

• Documentation of how creative assets are organized and managed within a library or asset management system.

• Evidence of process for ensuring brand consistency and quality control across multiple deliverables.

• Examples of how feedback is incorporated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role, especially one involving multimedia, a robust portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "transforming technical and project-based information into visually compelling narratives" means candidates should highlight projects where they translated complex data or concepts into accessible visuals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,093 - $71,719 annually. This range includes a downstate location differential of $5,054.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Choice of several comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Dental & Vision Insurance: Coverage for dental and vision care.

• Retirement: Membership in the NYS Retirement System, a valuable defined-benefit pension plan.

• Investment Plan: Deferred Compensation Investment Plan for additional savings.

• Paid Time Off:

  • 13 vacation days per year
  • 13 sick days per year
  • 5 days of personal leave per year
  • 12 paid holidays per year, plus one float day.

• Professional Development:

  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Training & development opportunities to enhance skills.

• Work Flexibility:

  • Telecommuting Work Plan: Eligibility after 3 months of employment, allowing up to 4 days per pay period (max 2 contiguous days) with management approval and based on operational needs.
  • Limited Work from Home (LWFH): Additional telecommute days may be available after 6 months of employment, subject to program guidelines.

• Student Loan Forgiveness: DASNY is a government employer, making employees eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for federal student loans.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Overtime or extended work hours may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly specified and includes a location differential, which is common for public sector roles in high-cost areas like NYC. The benefits package is extensive, particularly the inclusion of the NYS Retirement System and eligibility for PSLF, which are significant draws for public sector employment. The telecommuting policy outlines specific eligibility and limitations, indicating a structured hybrid approach.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector / Finance / Construction Services. DASNY operates at the intersection of public finance, construction management, and institutional development, serving public and private universities, healthcare facilities, and other non-profit institutions. This unique position requires a blend of fiscal responsibility, project execution excellence, and public service commitment.

Company Size: DASNY is a significant state agency, likely employing hundreds to thousands of individuals, which implies a structured organizational hierarchy, established processes, and a diverse workforce.

Founded: DASNY was established in 1955. Its long history indicates stability, deep experience in public finance and infrastructure, and a well-defined operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Assistant Director, Brand Development and Strategic Initiatives.

• The role is part of a team focused on branding, strategic initiatives, and communications, likely collaborating closely with marketing, public relations, and project management departments.

• Supervision of employees may be required, suggesting potential for future leadership or mentorship opportunities within the team. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Storytelling: Emphasis on using data and project information to create compelling visual narratives.

• Brand Consistency: Strict adherence to established branding guidelines and accessibility standards across all communications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with various internal departments to understand project needs and translate them into effective visual solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to stay current with design trends and emerging technologies to enhance visual impact and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.dasny.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to serve public institutions means its communications often need to be clear, informative, and serve a public good. The "Assistant Director, Brand Development and Strategic Initiatives" title suggests a team focused on shaping and promoting the organization's image and strategic direction, making the Graphic Designer a key contributor to this effort.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Entry-Level Professional (Grade 2 / D-1). It is suitable for individuals starting their careers in graphic design and multimedia production, or those with a few years of foundational experience. The responsibilities are focused on execution and contribution under guidance, rather than strategic leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Assistant Director, Brand Development and Strategic Initiatives. This direct line of reporting offers clear guidance and opportunities for mentorship from a senior leader in brand strategy.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts DASNY's public image, stakeholder engagement, and the clarity of its communications regarding mission-critical projects. High-quality visuals are essential for conveying the value and impact of DASNY's work to government officials, institutional partners, and the public. Effective design contributes to brand recognition, trust, and the successful promotion of DASNY's strategic initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, advanced video editing, or digital accessibility standards through training and project work.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, potential to lead smaller design projects or take on more complex creative challenges.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior team members and the Assistant Director, which can guide career progression within DASNY or the broader public sector.

• Advancement: Potential progression to higher grades (e.g., Grade 3, 4) with increased responsibilities, or movement into specialized roles within design, branding, or communications. Eligibility for PSLF also supports long-term career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Grade/Classification: 2 (D-1) Para & Entry Level Professional I" implies a structured career ladder within DASNY. Growth would likely involve moving through subsequent grades, each associated with increased responsibility and potentially higher salary bands, rather than a rapid jump into management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Standard office environment located at the "NYC Office." This suggests a professional, corporate setting typical of government agencies.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY (Postal Code: 10005). This central location provides access to city resources and public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires collaboration with internal teams, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout conducive to communication and teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including PCs, and likely well-equipped workstations for design software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with the Assistant Director and other members of the Brand Development and Strategic Initiatives team.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid "Telecommuting Work Plan" and "Limited Work from Home (LWFH)" policies indicate a structured approach to balancing on-site and remote work, with specific eligibility criteria and limitations on days and contiguity. This allows for some flexibility while maintaining core in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Travel is required using public transportation, DASNY vehicle, rental vehicle, or personal vehicle. This travel may include overnight stays" indicates that while the primary office is in NYC, the role may involve site visits or travel to DASNY-supported institutions across New York State, requiring flexibility and a willingness to travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, resume, and portfolio to assess minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and technical skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, photography/videography examples). This may involve a practical design test or case study.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, understanding of branding, and fit with DASNY's culture and public service mission.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or key stakeholders to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Include a diverse range of projects demonstrating proficiency across digital, print, photography, and videography.

• Highlight Process: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Emphasize how you translated technical information into visual solutions.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied or developed branding guidelines.

• Address Accessibility: If possible, showcase projects that consider accessibility standards.

• Quantify Impact: Where feasible, explain the results or impact of your design work (e.g., increased engagement, clearer communication).

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

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss core design principles (typography, color theory, layout, composition).

• Software Proficiency: Be ready to answer questions about your experience with specific Adobe Creative Cloud applications and video editing software.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific design challenges, client feedback, or tight deadlines.

• Public Sector Context: Understand DASNY's mission and consider how design can serve public institutions. Research their recent projects and communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a public sector role, the interview process often emphasizes adherence to process, clear communication, and a demonstrated understanding of the organization's mission. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates the "how" and "why" behind design decisions, especially those involving technical information, will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite:

  • InDesign: For layout and print design (reports, brochures, collateral).
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital graphics.
  • Premiere Pro: For video editing and post-production.
  • After Effects: For motion graphics, animation, and visual effects.
  • Lightroom: For photography management and editing.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • PowerPoint: For presentation design.
  • Word: For incorporating designs into documents.
  • Excel/Access: For data organization and potential data visualization (though specific data viz tools aren't listed, basic proficiency is expected).

• Photography/Videography Equipment: Familiarity with professional cameras, lighting, and audio equipment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, a basic understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms (web, social media) is beneficial. Experience with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or social media analytics tools would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web graphics or project management tools used by DASNY could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit listing of Adobe Creative Cloud applications is the core technical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency level and specific use cases for each program. Understanding how design integrates with broader communication strategies, even without direct CRM/automation tool usage, is important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service: A strong commitment to serving the public good through effective and impactful communication.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of work quality and project outcomes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality, polished, and professional creative output that reflects positively on DASNY.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new techniques to enhance visual storytelling.

• Efficiency: Managing time and resources effectively to meet deadlines and project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires close collaboration with the Assistant Director and other internal departments. Expect a cooperative environment where ideas are shared and feedback is exchanged constructively.

• Process-Driven: As a government agency, DASNY likely follows established processes for project management, approvals, and asset management. The ability to work within these frameworks is key.

• Responsive: A willingness to adapt to changing project needs and provide timely creative support to various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of a public sector organization like DASNY often emphasize service, integrity, and efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into daily work, particularly in creating communications that serve a broad public interest.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing diverse design requests from various departments simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

• Translating Technical Information: Effectively simplifying and visualizing complex technical or financial data for a broad audience.

• Adhering to Strict Branding: Consistently applying DASNY and New York State branding guidelines across all creative outputs.

• Navigating Public Sector Processes: Working within established government protocols for approvals, procurement, and communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in After Effects for motion graphics or Premiere Pro for advanced video editing.

• Public Sector Communications: Gaining experience in communicating complex institutional missions and project impacts.

• Brand Strategy Insights: Learning from senior leadership on developing and maintaining a strong organizational brand.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding the needs and communication styles of various DASNY departments.

• Professional Certifications: Potential for support in pursuing relevant design or multimedia certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are common in design roles within large organizations, especially those with public service mandates. Growth opportunities are tied to skill development within the design discipline and understanding the unique context of public sector communications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to translate complex technical information into a visually engaging format. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, visual communication, and impact).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different types of media (digital, print, video)?" (Assess understanding of branding and execution).

• "Walk us through your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize?" (Evaluate time management, organization, and workflow).

• "How would you approach creating visual content for a public sector organization like DASNY, considering diverse audiences and potential accessibility requirements?" (Gauge understanding of the organization's context and audience awareness). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for DASNY and in the public sector?" (Assess motivation and alignment with public service values).

• "How do you stay current with design trends and new software?" (Evaluate commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe a time you collaborated with a team to achieve a creative goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute?" (Assess teamwork and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by media type (print, digital, video) or by project type (reports, social media, etc.).

• Narrative: For each key project, tell a story: the challenge, your approach, the tools used, the solutions implemented, and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples demonstrating your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, photography, videography, and understanding of design principles.

• DASNY Relevance: If possible, tailor your examples to showcase work that might be relevant to DASNY's mission or projects.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently, respecting time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For public sector roles, interviews often probe for alignment with organizational mission and values, alongside technical skills. Demonstrating an understanding of the public service aspect and how design contributes to transparency and effective communication will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.ultipro.com portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that clearly showcases your graphic design, photography, and videography skills, with specific examples of how you’ve translated technical information into compelling visuals. Tailor your selection to highlight projects relevant to institutional communications or public sector work if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Lightroom), relevant design and multimedia experience, and any public sector exposure. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how your skills align with DASNY's mission. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with DASNY's mission, recent projects, and branding guidelines. Understand the role of graphic design in supporting public institutions and strategic initiatives.

⚠️ 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.