Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Purdue Research Foundation

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Communications / Creative & Media

Date Posted: 2026-08-19T21:09:29

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual communication strategy through the creation of compelling graphic design assets for broad-based campaigns and marketing initiatives.

• Execute end-to-end creative project management, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality, on-brand print and digital materials.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, communications, and external partners to translate strategic objectives into impactful visual narratives.

• Uphold and consistently apply brand guidelines for Purdue University and Purdue for Life Foundation across all creative outputs.

• Contribute to a dynamic marketing and communications environment by staying abreast of design trends, emerging technologies (including AI), and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Purdue For Life Foundation, a distinct entity from Purdue University, focusing on alumni engagement and support. The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in shaping the visual identity and communication materials that foster lifelong connections between the university and its alumni. The emphasis on "Broad-Based Campaigns" suggests a need for versatile design skills applicable to diverse marketing objectives, from direct mail to digital outreach and event promotion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and execution of creative concepts and designs for a wide array of collateral, including print, digital, environmental, promotional items, direct mail, and event materials, ensuring alignment with campaign objectives.

• Manage the entire print and production lifecycle, from initial concept and vendor estimation to final proofing, quality control, and timely delivery, while meticulously managing budgets and maintaining strong vendor relationships.

• Provide art direction for photography and contribute to photo shoots and video productions, including post-production editing to ensure adherence to brand standards.

• Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, offering design and execution recommendations, and proactively researching and integrating emerging design trends and technologies, such as AI, to enhance creative output.

• Oversee the management of promotional item orders through the online storefront, coordinating with the marcom executive assistant to ensure seamless procurement and distribution.

• Support the broader Purdue for Life Foundation marketing and communications team with ad-hoc projects and initiatives as required, demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented approach.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams such as the Purdue Brand Studio and external partners, including Trademarks and Licensing, freelancers, and other agencies, to ensure cohesive brand representation.

• Attend and actively participate in Purdue for Life Foundation-sponsored programs and events, contributing to the organization's outreach and engagement efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate both strategically (developing concepts, providing art direction) and tactically (managing production, coordinating vendors, fulfilling orders). The mention of "AI" indicates an expectation for the candidate to be forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies in the design space.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Visual Communications Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field. A combination of relevant education and experience may substitute for the degree requirement.

Experience: A minimum of two years of professional graphic design experience is required. Experience working within an in-house marketing or design department is considered a plus.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in graphic design, typography, and visual communication, supported by a strong portfolio.

• Ability to articulate design concepts clearly through both visual and verbal communication, effectively organizing complex information visually.

• Proficient in consistently applying and upholding Purdue University and Purdue for Life Foundation brand guidelines.

• Comprehensive understanding of graphic design principles, production processes, and printing methodologies.

• Professional-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Adept at using macOS, Microsoft Office Suite, and related productivity software.

• Proven ability in problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational management.

• Meticulous attention to detail for accurate proofreading and understanding of standard proofing marks.

• Capacity to manage competing priorities, adapt to evolving needs, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision while maintaining high-quality output.

• Strong collaborative skills, enabling effective teamwork with colleagues across various experience levels.

• Commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work and contributing positively to team dynamics.

• Receptiveness to constructive feedback and ability to incorporate it into design revisions.

• Working knowledge of ADA accessibility requirements and copyright laws pertinent to creative work.

• Ability to maintain regular and reliable in-person attendance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in an in-house marketing or design department.

• Familiarity with emerging design technologies, including AI tools for creative workflows.

• Experience with video editing or motion graphics.

• Knowledge of email marketing platforms and their design requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio review is critical. Candidates should prepare a curated selection of work that demonstrates their proficiency in the listed skills, particularly in brand adherence, print and digital design execution, and project management. The "Professional 2" job level suggests a need for a candidate who can work independently on most tasks but is still developing in certain strategic areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a minimum of two years of professional graphic design experience, showcasing versatility across print, digital, and event materials.

• Specific examples of work that illustrate adherence to established brand guidelines (e.g., Purdue University, Purdue for Life Foundation).

• Case studies or project breakdowns detailing the design process from concept development to final execution, highlighting problem-solving approaches.

• Visual evidence of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and understanding of production processes.

• Examples of organized and visually compelling presentation of complex information. Process Documentation:

• Showcase an understanding of the full design lifecycle, from brief interpretation and concept generation through production management, vendor coordination, and final delivery.

• Demonstrate experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, outlining prioritization strategies and workflow optimization methods.

• Provide examples of how you ensure quality control and brand consistency throughout the design and production process.

• Illustrate how you incorporate feedback and collaborate with stakeholders to refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Applicants should prepare to walk through specific projects, explaining their design choices, the challenges they encountered, and how they leveraged their skills and tools to achieve successful outcomes. Highlighting adaptability and problem-solving within the design process will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the "Professional 2" job level and the location in West Lafayette, Indiana, a salary range for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience typically falls between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This estimate considers industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Midwest region and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• 10 paid holidays per year.

• Accrue up to 22 vacation days per year, providing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans are available, offering flexibility in retirement savings.

• A generous 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan with immediate vesting, significantly boosting long-term financial growth.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with an annual employer contribution of up to $700 towards medical expenses.

• Employer-funded preventative dental and vision insurance, covering essential health and wellness needs.

• Significant tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents, supporting continuous learning and development.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this Full-Time position are aligned with a typical 40-hour work week, with an expectation of regular and reliable in-person attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Graphic Designers in the Midwest region and the specified experience level. Purdue For Life Foundation's compensation and benefits are noted as being independent of Purdue University's, suggesting a unique package. The employer's 10% retirement contribution is a strong benefit.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Non-profit Foundation (Alumni Engagement & Support)

Company Size: The Purdue Research Foundation encompasses multiple entities, and while the specific size of the Purdue For Life Foundation isn't detailed, it operates within a larger, well-established institutional framework. This suggests a stable environment with access to resources and a clear mission.

Founded: The Purdue Research Foundation was established in 1930, indicating a long-standing history and deep roots in supporting Purdue University's mission. The Purdue For Life Foundation specifically focuses on fostering lifelong alumni connections.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing & Communications department, working closely with marcom colleagues and leadership.

• This role requires collaboration with various internal Purdue entities (Brand Studio, Trademarks and Licensing) and external partners (freelancers, vendors).

• The team likely comprises professionals with diverse skill sets in marketing, communications, digital media, and potentially content creation. Methodology:

• Emphasis on adhering to established brand guidelines for both Purdue University and the Purdue For Life Foundation.

• A project-management-centric approach to creative work, prioritizing multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets.

• Collaborative problem-solving and creative discussions to generate impactful design solutions.

• Integration of emerging technologies, including AI, into the design workflow.

• Focus on quality control and accurate execution across all print and digital mediums.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be mission-driven, focused on supporting Purdue's educational and alumni engagement goals. Expect a professional environment that values brand integrity, collaborative innovation, and effective project execution. The mention of "Your next giant leap starts here" suggests an aspirational and forward-thinking organizational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Professional 2," indicating an intermediate level of experience and responsibility. It suggests the designer is expected to manage their workload independently, contribute creative ideas, and execute projects with a high degree of proficiency, while still potentially developing in strategic leadership or advanced specialization areas.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to leadership within the Marketing & Communications department. They will also collaborate closely with marcom colleagues and potentially work under the guidance of a Creative Director or Marketing Manager.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the external perception and engagement of the Purdue For Life Foundation. By creating visually appealing and on-brand materials, they contribute to effective alumni communication, donor cultivation, event promotion, and the overall strengthening of the Purdue alumni network. Their designs are crucial for conveying the Foundation's mission and impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as motion graphics, UI/UX design, or advanced digital design techniques.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on more complex projects, mentor junior designers, or lead creative initiatives as experience grows.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by collaborating with different departments and understanding their design needs, potentially leading to roles with more strategic input.

• Continuing Education: Access to tuition discounts for Purdue University and Purdue Global programs can facilitate formal learning and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a "Professional 2," this role offers a solid foundation for career growth within the Purdue Research Foundation or the broader non-profit/higher education sector. The emphasis on continuous learning and the availability of educational benefits are significant advantages for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based at the Purdue for Life Foundation location, implying an on-site work environment within a professional office setting.

Office Location(s): 403 W Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47906. This is a specific, physical location requiring regular attendance.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a professional office environment conducive to creative work, likely equipped with necessary design software and hardware.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, suggesting opportunities for interaction with colleagues in the Marketing & Communications department and other teams within the Foundation.

• The environment supports a structured workflow, with clear project management and deadline adherence expected.

Work Schedule: The role is Full-Time, typically aligning with a standard 40-hour work week. Regular and reliable in-person attendance is a requirement, indicating a structured schedule rather than flexible or remote options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is explicit. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based work schedule and environment, emphasizing in-person collaboration and adherence to set working hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter, and a mandatory portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily rely on the submitted portfolio to assess design skills, brand adherence, and relevant experience.

• Initial Interview: May involve a discussion with the hiring manager or a member of the Marketing & Communications team to gauge experience, cultural fit, and understanding of the role.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present specific portfolio pieces in detail, demonstrating their problem-solving and creative process.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions, long-term vision, and final fit within the team and organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (print, digital, campaign work, brand application).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of visual identity systems.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If metrics are available (e.g., increased engagement, successful event attendance due to design), include them to demonstrate ROI.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to verbally walk through your portfolio, articulate your design decisions, and answer questions about your workflow and technical skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Purdue University and Purdue for Life Foundation's existing branding and marketing materials.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with AI in design and your perspective on its application.

• Think about how you would approach designing for a non-profit/educational institution focused on alumni engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should invest significant time in selecting and presenting their best work, tailored to the requirements of this specific role and organization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Professional proficiency is mandatory, with specific emphasis on:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout and page design of print and digital materials.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.

• macOS: The primary operating system for creative work.

• Microsoft Office Suite: For general productivity, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for the designer, understanding how design impacts performance metrics (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement on social media graphics) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic web analytics or digital marketing platform reporting might be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is not directly required for this role, but an understanding of how marketing materials integrate with CRM campaigns or email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite on macOS. While not explicitly stated, a candidate who understands how their designs function within broader marketing automation and CRM workflows will be more valuable. Awareness of AI tools for design is also noted as a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to upholding and consistently applying brand guidelines to maintain a cohesive and professional organizational image.

• Collaboration: A team-oriented approach, valuing input from colleagues across departments and fostering a supportive work environment.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to producing accurate, high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring professional standards are met.

• Adaptability & Innovation: Openness to learning and incorporating new technologies, such as AI, and adapting to evolving design trends and project needs.

• Mission-Driven: A passion for supporting the educational mission of Purdue University and fostering strong alumni connections through effective visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with marketing and communications colleagues, leadership, and potentially other university departments to achieve campaign goals.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: A willingness to both give and receive constructive feedback to enhance design outcomes and foster professional growth.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with project stakeholders, vendors, and team members to ensure alignment and address potential issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes professionalism, adherence to standards, and a collaborative spirit. Candidates who can demonstrate these values in their work and interactions will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Effectively managing a diverse workload with competing deadlines and varying project scopes requires strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring strict adherence to brand guidelines across a wide range of materials and projects can be demanding.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design software, techniques, and emerging technologies like AI and integrating them effectively into workflows.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Visually representing the mission and impact of a non-profit foundation in a compelling and engaging manner for diverse alumni audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or pursue certifications in areas like motion graphics, advanced digital design, or UI/UX.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design or marketing conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing and communications professionals within the Purdue Research Foundation.

• Educational Benefits: Leveraging tuition discounts for further academic pursuits at Purdue University or Purdue Global.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to grow by tackling complex design challenges and embracing new technologies, supported by the organization's commitment to learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize?" (Focus on workflow, prioritization tools, and communication strategies.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse marketing materials? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guides and your systematic approach.)

• "How do you approach incorporating new technologies, like AI, into your design workflow? What are your thoughts on its potential impact on graphic design?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Purdue For Life Foundation specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Research the Foundation's mission and alumni engagement goals.)

• "Describe a time you had to receive and incorporate constructive criticism on a design. How did you handle it?" (Showcase your receptiveness to feedback and collaborative spirit.)

• "How would you approach designing a campaign to re-engage alumni who haven't interacted with the university in several years?" (Think about audience segmentation, messaging, and visual appeal.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used.

• Connect to Requirements: Explicitly link your portfolio pieces to the skills and responsibilities listed in the job description.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving, and understanding of brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to thoroughly discuss their portfolio, demonstrating not only their technical design skills but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of branding within a non-profit/educational context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Purdue Research Foundation careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating brand adherence, print and digital design execution, and project management capabilities relevant to the Purdue for Life Foundation's mission.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any relevant experience in marketing or design departments, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how your skills align with the responsibilities. Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Purdue Research Foundation, the Purdue for Life Foundation's mission, and the Purdue University brand. Understand their target audience and typical marketing efforts.

⚠️ 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.