Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SJSU Student Union

Location: San Jose, California, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a crucial part of the Marketing department, focusing on the creation and execution of visual assets for the Student Union's facilities, programs, and services.

• It involves a blend of individual design contributions and leadership responsibilities for a team of student graphic designers, ensuring brand consistency and quality.

• The position requires a strong understanding of design principles across both print and digital mediums, with an emphasis on accessibility and brand alignment.

• This is an excellent opportunity for an SJSU student to gain practical experience in graphic design, marketing strategy, and team leadership within a campus auxiliary organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead Marketing Graphic Designer" title and the responsibility for quality control and training of other student designers, this role is positioned as a more senior student position within the marketing team, bridging entry-level design tasks with junior leadership. The operations aspect comes from ensuring consistent brand application and efficient production of marketing collateral.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop a variety of marketing collateral, including posters, flyers, advertisements, brochures, banners, logos, t-shirt designs, and digital media assets, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Contribute to the development of marketing strategies, promotions, and social media content, translating campaign objectives into compelling visual communications.

• Oversee and approve marketing materials created by other student graphic designers, providing constructive feedback to maintain quality, accuracy, and brand consistency across all Student Union communications.

• Assist in onboarding and training new student graphic designers, sharing best practices in design software, brand application, and project management.

• Collaborate with full-time staff, vendors, and outside contractors to facilitate the production and distribution of marketing materials, managing timelines and communication effectively.

• Support website content development and maintenance, including editing and retrieving user feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.

• Participate in marketing and outreach events, such as orientations and resource fairs, representing the Student Union and its services.

• Coordinate with the print shop for file preparation, job submission, and proof review, ensuring efficient and accurate print production.

• Attend regular meetings with full-time staff to discuss upcoming events, campaigns, and specific marketing material needs, proactively contributing design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical design execution and strategic oversight, common in operations roles that manage creative output for brand consistency and campaign effectiveness. The "lead" aspect implies a need for process management and quality assurance within the student design team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must be a matriculated SJSU student, enrolled at least half-time during the academic term.

• Current enrollment in or plans to enroll in the Graphic Design BFA program is highly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-6 pieces of diverse work in a portfolio, including design and photography, to be reviewed during the interview.

• Academic and practical knowledge/experience in photography, typography, illustration, layout, and production for print, digital media, and web design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Strong knowledge of Macintosh Operating System or Windows 10.

• Demonstrated understanding of typography, illustration, layout, and production processes for both print and digital media.

• Ability to develop and design visually appealing and effective marketing materials.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear stakeholder interaction and feedback delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with HTML & CSS for web content development and basic understanding of web design principles.

• Experience with social media management and digital marketing campaigns.

• Ability to construct and design displays for presentations and distribution.

• Capacity to collaborate effectively with various departments on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to provide peer guidance, constructive feedback, and support to fellow student designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, brand consistency, and production for both print and digital mediums points towards a need for operational efficiency in creative output. The requirement for accessibility compliance (V-Pat) is a critical operational standard in digital content creation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 3-6 diverse pieces demonstrating proficiency in graphic design and photography.

• The portfolio should highlight a range of projects, including but not limited to posters, flyers, advertisements, logos, and digital media.

• Evidence of understanding and application of design principles such as typography, illustration, layout, and color theory.

• Examples that reflect an ability to adapt design style to different project needs and target audiences.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation might not be a direct deliverable for this student role, the ability to follow and contribute to existing design workflows is crucial.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage their design process from concept to final delivery, including client brief interpretation, iteration, and final output.

• Understanding of file preparation standards for print (e.g., resolution, color modes, bleed) and digital (e.g., file formats, dimensions, optimization).

• Familiarity with feedback loops and incorporating revisions based on stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is a key element for evaluating a candidate's practical design skills and their ability to produce professional-grade assets, which is a core operational output for a marketing team. The expectation of discussing their design process implies an understanding of workflow management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20.50 - $23.25 per hour. This range is based on the provided job data for San Jose, California, reflecting an entry-level to intermediate student position within a university auxiliary organization. San Jose is a high cost-of-living area, and this rate aligns with skilled student roles in such markets.

Benefits:

• 40 hours of sick pay accrued during the calendar year, providing a safety net for health-related absences.

• Opportunity to gain significant practical experience in graphic design, marketing, and team leadership within a reputable university setting.

• Potential for professional development through training and exposure to university-level marketing operations.

Working Hours:

• Part-time, with a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session.

• Up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session (e.g., summer break), offering flexibility during academic breaks.

• Standard business hours are typically 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, but may require evening and weekend work as needed to support events and campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The benefits are detailed, focusing on practical advantages for a student employee, including financial protection (sick pay) and extensive career development opportunities. The work hour flexibility is a key benefit for students balancing academics.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education Auxiliary Services / Non-profit Management. The Student Union, Inc. operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, providing essential facilities and services to San Jose State University (SJSU) students and the wider campus community. This sector often emphasizes student development, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.

Company Size: The Student Union, Inc. is a significant organization within the SJSU ecosystem, managing multiple facilities and employing a considerable number of students and some full-time staff. This size suggests a structured operational environment with defined processes and a clear hierarchical reporting line.

Founded: The Student Union, Inc. is an established entity supporting SJSU. Its founding implies a long-standing commitment to student welfare and campus life enhancement, fostering a culture that values student success and community building.

Team Structure:

• The Marketing department likely consists of a full-time Marketing Manager or Director, potentially some other full-time staff, and a team of student employees including graphic designers, social media coordinators, and other marketing assistants.

• The graphic design team will report to the Lead Marketing Graphic Designer, who in turn reports to a full-time marketing staff member.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making for marketing strategies, utilizing user feedback and campaign performance metrics.

• Emphasis on brand consistency and quality control across all communication channels to maintain a professional and unified image for the Student Union.

• Collaborative workflow processes to ensure timely delivery of marketing materials for events and ongoing programs.

• Focus on student development and mentorship, integrating learning opportunities into daily tasks.

Company Website: https://sjsu.edu

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided by the LinkedIn data helps frame the Student Union as a significant campus entity focused on student support, implying a culture that is both professional and student-centric. The size and non-profit status suggest a need for efficient operations and resourcefulness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an "Entry Level" position, specifically tailored for a current SJSU student. It serves as a foundational role for gaining practical experience in graphic design and marketing operations within a university setting. The "Lead" designation suggests a higher level of responsibility than a typical entry-level design intern, with opportunities to develop leadership and project management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report directly to a full-time marketing staff member (e.g., Marketing Manager), who oversees the overall marketing strategy and operations for the Student Union. The Graphic Designer will also supervise and guide other student graphic designers on the team.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the Student Union's ability to effectively communicate its offerings, attract participation in programs and events, and maintain a strong brand presence on campus. Well-executed marketing materials are essential for driving engagement, which in turn supports the Student Union's mission of student development and community well-being. The quality of design directly influences perception and participation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and gain hands-on experience with web content management (HTML/CSS). Develop advanced skills in specific design areas like typography, illustration, and brand development.

• Leadership Development: Hone leadership, training, and quality control skills by guiding and mentoring other student designers. This experience is invaluable for future leadership roles.

• Project Management: Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, learning to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the non-profit and higher education sectors, understanding the operational nuances of marketing within these environments. This can lead to further opportunities within university administration or related fields.

• Career Path: Potential to advance to a Senior Graphic Designer role within the Student Union (if available for students) or transition into full-time marketing or design roles post-graduation, leveraging the acquired portfolio and experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis positions the role not just as a job, but as a developmental opportunity for students pursuing careers in design, marketing, or operations. The "lead" aspect opens avenues for early leadership experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within the Diaz Compean Student Union building, which is a vibrant, student-focused facility. The work environment will likely be a mix of a typical office setting for design work and a more dynamic, program-oriented environment within the student union itself. This means potential exposure to student events, activities, and high foot traffic areas.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Diaz Compean Student Union at 211 South 9th Street, San Jose, CA 95192. This is a central campus location.

Workspace Context:

• Access to standard office equipment and design workstations equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud software and relevant operating systems (Mac or Windows).

• Opportunities for collaboration with full-time marketing staff and fellow student designers in a shared workspace.

• Exposure to the bustling student life within the Student Union building, offering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible part-time schedule designed to accommodate student academic commitments.

• During academic sessions, work hours are capped at 20 per week.

• During academic breaks (e.g., summer), hours can increase up to 40 per week, offering opportunities for intensive project work.

• While standard hours are M-F, 9 am-5 pm, the nature of events and campaigns may necessitate occasional evening and weekend work, requiring flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the dynamic nature of a student union environment, which requires adaptability and a willingness to work within a student-centric, often lively, setting. The flexibility in scheduling is a key aspect for student employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of applications based on qualifications, academic standing, and the submitted portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Initial Interview: Candidates invited to interview will present their 3-6 piece portfolio. This stage assesses design skills, creative thinking, and the ability to articulate design choices and processes. Questions will likely focus on project rationale, problem-solving approaches, and technical execution.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): A brief design challenge or exercise may be administered to evaluate practical application of skills, problem-solving under pressure, and adherence to brand guidelines in a simulated scenario. This could involve creating a quick concept for a social media post or flyer.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with full-time marketing staff to assess communication skills, collaboration potential, understanding of the Student Union's mission, and ability to take on leadership responsibilities for the student design team.

• Final Decision: Selection based on a combination of design proficiency, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-6 of your strongest, most relevant pieces. Ensure variety to showcase different skills (print, digital, illustration, photography, logo design).

• Tell a Story: For each piece, be prepared to explain the project's objective, your role, the design process, challenges faced, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of design thinking, not just the final output. Explain your rationale behind color choices, typography, layout, and imagery.

• Showcase Brand Awareness: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within or adapt to existing brand guidelines, and ideally, show how you've maintained brand consistency.

• Accessibility Focus: If possible, highlight any projects where accessibility was a consideration, or be prepared to discuss your understanding of V-Pat compliance in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Brand Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the SJSU Student Union's existing branding (if publicly available) or general university branding to understand their visual identity.

• Practice Design Software: Ensure you are highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Practice creating common marketing collateral quickly and efficiently.

• Understand Target Audience: Think about who the Student Union is trying to reach (SJSU students, faculty, staff) and how to tailor designs accordingly.

• Time Management: If given a design challenge, allocate your time wisely between conceptualization, execution, and refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a student design role, emphasizing portfolio presentation and practical skill demonstration, crucial for operations roles that require tangible outputs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, logos), Adobe Photoshop (image editing, digital graphics), and Adobe InDesign (layout, print production, brochures, flyers). Proficiency is mandatory.

• Macintosh Operating System or Windows 10: Familiarity with either primary desktop OS used by the organization.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design position. The role focuses on content creation rather than data management or campaign automation. However, understanding how design assets integrate into broader marketing automation workflows is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly addresses the technical skills required, focusing on the core design software suite. The "operations" aspect is derived from the expectation of producing assets that fit into the larger marketing operations workflow and adhere to specific production standards.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Student-Centricity: A core value is supporting student development, well-being, and engagement through quality facilities, programs, and communications. This means design decisions should consider student needs and preferences.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The role requires working effectively with full-time staff and other student designers. A collaborative spirit is essential for sharing ideas, providing feedback, and achieving collective goals.

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality work that reflects positively on the Student Union and SJSU. This includes attention to detail, brand consistency, and professional execution.

• Efficiency and Resourcefulness: As a non-profit auxiliary, there's an inherent need to manage resources effectively and produce impactful results, often with student-level resources. This translates to smart design choices and efficient workflows.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: A dedication to ensuring all marketing materials are accessible to the diverse SJSU community, reflecting a commitment to equity and non-discrimination.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will need to work closely with marketing staff, event coordinators, and program managers to understand their needs and translate them into visual assets.

• Feedback Culture: An open environment for providing and receiving constructive feedback among student designers and with supervisors is crucial for quality improvement and skill development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design tips, software tricks, and project learnings within the student design team to elevate collective capabilities.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and timely communication regarding project status, potential roadblocks, and design concepts is vital for smooth operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values section highlights how operational excellence is achieved through a student-focused, collaborative, and quality-driven approach, common in educational institutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing workload and deadlines for both academic pursuits and job responsibilities.

• Diverse Project Demands: Adapting to a wide range of design requests, from event flyers to branding elements, often with tight turnarounds.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs, including those by other students, adhere strictly to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Receiving and Implementing Feedback: Navigating constructive criticism from various stakeholders and incorporating it effectively into designs.

• Technical Skill Expansion: Keeping up with evolving design software features and digital media trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Mastering Adobe Creative Suite tools and techniques through practical application on diverse projects.

• Brand Management: Developing a deep understanding of brand identity, application, and consistency across various media.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Gaining experience in guiding, training, and quality-checking the work of peers.

• Project Management: Enhancing organizational and time-management skills through handling multiple concurrent projects.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the operations of a university auxiliary organization and the role of marketing within it.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with professional, real-world projects that can be leveraged for future career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames challenges as opportunities for growth, a common theme in roles aimed at professional development, especially for students. The emphasis is on skill acquisition and resilience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for approaching a new design project, from brief to final delivery. How do you ensure you meet the client's objectives?" (Assesses design methodology and project management)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially when it differs from your initial vision?" (Evaluates adaptability and collaboration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the SJSU Student Union specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Gauges alignment with organizational values and mission)

• "How would you approach training a new student designer on our brand standards and design software?" (Assesses leadership and mentorship capabilities)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process, Not Just Pretty Pictures: For each piece, explain the "why" behind your design choices, the problem you were solving, and your workflow.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If a design led to increased event attendance or social media engagement, mention it. Even qualitative impact is valuable.

• Highlight Leadership/Mentorship: If you have examples of guiding others or leading a design initiative, be sure to include them.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss your experience with specific software and how you leverage them.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities mentioned (print, digital, logos, social media).

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe beyond just design skills, assessing operational thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit, which are critical for any role, especially one with "lead" responsibilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SJSU Student Union's hiring portal.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-6 of your strongest design and photography pieces that best represent your skills and align with the job description's requirements. Focus on diversity of projects and demonstrate your understanding of print, digital, and brand application.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant coursework, design software proficiency (Adobe Creative Cloud), any previous design experience, and your current SJSU student status. Emphasize any leadership or teamwork experience.

• Prepare for the interview: Be ready to discuss your design process, rationale behind your portfolio pieces, and how you handle feedback. Research the SJSU Student Union's mission and current activities to articulate your interest and understanding.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Rehearse walking through your selected pieces, explaining your contributions, challenges, and solutions clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss Accessibility (V-Pat) standards.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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