Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Southeastern University

Location: Lakeland, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce high-quality marketing collateral and digital assets to support Southeastern University's recruitment and branding initiatives.

• Maintain and enforce university branding guidelines across all visual communications.

• Collaborate with the digital team to create engaging website graphics and assets for SEU.edu and other digital platforms.

• Manage and organize digital assets, ensuring proper file management and accessibility for design-related files.

• Work closely with various university departments to conceptualize and develop content for diverse design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a university setting, implying a strong emphasis on brand consistency, educational marketing strategies, and the need to communicate effectively with diverse internal stakeholders. The "Professional Services" job category suggests a focus on supporting broader university operations through creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative design concepts for print collateral, including brochures, flyers, posters, and direct mail pieces, ensuring alignment with university brand standards.

• Create compelling digital graphics for the university website, social media platforms, online advertisements, and other digital channels.

• Design and produce visually engaging advertisements for various mediums, including print ads, billboards, and digital banners.

• Maintain and update the university's digital asset management system, organizing photos, graphics, fonts, and other design elements for efficient retrieval.

• Liaise with university departments to understand project requirements, gather necessary content, and ensure design solutions meet their objectives.

• Coordinate with external vendors, such as printers and sign companies, to obtain specifications, gather cost estimates, and manage production timelines for print projects.

• Ensure all designs adhere strictly to Southeastern University's established branding guidelines and visual identity standards.

• Contribute to web design and development efforts by providing visually appealing and user-friendly graphics for the SEU.edu website and related applications.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, tools, and technologies to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of creative output.

• Participate in team meetings and collaborative sessions, providing creative input and feedback to peers and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional print design and modern digital design, with a significant focus on maintaining brand integrity within an educational institution. The need to work with printers and gather cost estimates suggests a practical understanding of production budgets and vendor management within a design context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Art, Communications, or a closely related field.

• Preferred: Master's Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Art, Communications, or a related field, indicating a desire for advanced theoretical and practical knowledge.

Experience:

• Required: A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional work experience in graphic design.

• Preferred: Experience in higher education marketing and communications, demonstrating familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities within an academic environment.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator are essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Conceptual Design Skills: Ability to translate project briefs and strategic objectives into strong, compelling design concepts.

• Print Production Expertise: Thorough understanding of print production processes, including pre-press requirements, color management, and working with commercial printers.

• Digital Design Acumen: Experience in designing for digital platforms, including web graphics, social media, and digital advertising, with an understanding of web development workflows.

• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for effective collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Organizational Proficiency: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and maintain detailed records of assets and project progress.

• Deadline Management: Capacity to work effectively under accelerated timelines while consistently delivering high-quality design work.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work harmoniously and productively within a creative team environment, contributing to a positive and collaborative workflow.

Preferred Skills:

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with project management software such as Asana, Trello, or similar platforms for workflow tracking and task management.

• Creative Process Acumen: Understanding of creative development workflows and experience collaborating effectively within creative teams.

• Marketing Strategy Knowledge: Basic understanding of marketing principles and digital media production best practices.

• Higher Education Experience: Prior work experience within a university or college setting.

• Adobe After Effects: Familiarity with motion graphics software for potential use in video or animated content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred: Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)" certification is a strong indicator that candidates with demonstrable expertise in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite will be highly regarded. The mention of Asana also suggests the team may use it for project management, making prior experience a plus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects that demonstrate proficiency across print and digital mediums.

• Include examples of adherence to strict branding guidelines and successful implementation of visual identity systems.

• Present case studies that highlight the design process from concept development to final execution, emphasizing problem-solving and creative strategy.

• Feature projects that demonstrate an understanding of user experience (UX) principles in web and digital design.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of workflows used for managing design projects from brief to completion, including client/stakeholder communication touchpoints.

• Illustrate how design concepts were developed and refined based on feedback and strategic objectives.

• Demonstrate how print production specifications were managed and how relationships with vendors were maintained.

• Show examples of how digital assets were optimized for various platforms and how their performance was considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, a strong portfolio is paramount. It should not just display finished work but also the thought process, technical skills, and ability to execute projects aligned with specific requirements, such as university branding. Demonstrating an understanding of the end-to-end design process and collaboration is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The typical salary range for a Graphic Designer with 3-5 years of experience in Lakeland, Florida, falls between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This estimate is based on regional salary data for creative professionals in the education sector, accounting for the required Bachelor's degree and mid-level experience. Southeastern University may offer a salary within this range, depending on the candidate's qualifications and specific experience.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Plan: Access to a retirement savings plan, potentially with employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and certifications (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert) to enhance skills.

• Tuition Benefits: Potential for tuition assistance or waivers for employees and/or their dependents for courses at Southeastern University.

• Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage options.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time schedule of Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Totaling 40 hours per week.

• Travel is negligible for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific salary details are not provided, industry benchmarks for a mid-level Graphic Designer in Florida suggest a competitive range. Benefits in higher education often include unique perks like tuition assistance, which can be a significant draw. The "Non-Essential Personnel" designation for emergency response implies standard operating hours unless otherwise specified.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (University)

Company Size: Southeastern University is a large institution with a significant number of employees, likely exceeding 1,000. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and departments.

Founded: Southeastern University was founded in 1935, indicating a long history and a stable organizational foundation. This longevity often translates to a culture that values tradition while adapting to modern educational and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Director of Creative Services, indicating a clear leadership structure within the creative department.

• Collaboration: This role is expected to be a strong team player and will likely collaborate closely with other members of the Creative Services team, as well as the digital team and various university departments.

• Specialization: The Creative Services department likely comprises specialists in various creative fields, with this role focusing on graphic design for marketing and recruitment.

Methodology:

• Brand Consistency: A core operational methodology will be the strict adherence to and enforcement of university branding guidelines to ensure a unified visual identity.

• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, modern marketing teams, especially in higher education, often leverage data (e.g., website analytics, campaign performance) to inform design decisions and optimize visual communications for recruitment and engagement.

• Agile Workflow: Given the mention of accelerated timelines and the need to manage multiple projects, the team likely employs agile or iterative design processes to respond efficiently to university needs.

Company Website: seu.edu

📝 Enhancement Note: The university context implies a mission-driven environment where design serves the broader educational goals of recruitment, retention, and institutional reputation. The "Professional Services" job category reinforces its role in supporting various university functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Graphic Designer. This level typically involves independent project execution, a solid understanding of design principles and software, and the ability to contribute creatively while adhering to established guidelines. The role requires taking projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Creative Services. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from a senior creative leader, while also providing direct access to departmental strategy and decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the university's ability to attract prospective students, communicate its mission, and maintain a professional and cohesive institutional image. Effective design contributes to brand recognition, engagement rates on digital platforms, and the overall perception of Southeastern University's quality and value. The role is crucial in translating the university's identity and offerings into compelling visual narratives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of design, such as motion graphics (After Effects), advanced web design, or branding strategy, potentially leading to senior or specialized designer roles.

• Leadership Potential: With proven success and a strong understanding of creative strategy, there may be opportunities to advance into a Senior Graphic Designer role or even a leadership position within the Creative Services department, potentially overseeing junior designers or specific project types.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Experience gained in higher education marketing and communications could open doors to roles in marketing management, content strategy, or digital media coordination within the university or other educational institutions.

• Professional Development: The university's commitment to employee development and the preferred Adobe certifications suggest a supportive environment for continuous learning and skill enhancement through workshops, conferences, and formal training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of a "Director of Creative Services" implies a structured department where career progression is possible. Growth may involve taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, or moving into management roles, especially if the candidate demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership qualities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the SEU Downtown Lakeland Campus. This suggests a professional office setting within a university environment, likely featuring collaborative workspaces and dedicated areas for creative work.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: SEU Downtown Lakeland Campus, 101 West Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33815.

• Accessibility: Lakeland is a mid-sized city in Florida with typical urban amenities. Information regarding public transport or parking for the campus would be beneficial for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires being a "strong team player," indicating a workspace designed to foster collaboration with other designers, marketing professionals, and potentially external stakeholders.

• Tools and Technology: Access to up-to-date design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware is expected. The university's IT infrastructure will support these needs.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Director of Creative Services and other creative team members is anticipated, facilitating feedback, brainstorming, and project alignment.

Work Schedule:

• A standard Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule is expected, totaling 40 hours per week.

• The role is designated as "Non-Essential Personnel" for emergency response, meaning standard operating hours generally apply unless specific instructions are given by management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and standard work hours are typical for university administrative and creative roles, focusing on consistent availability for internal collaboration and project needs. The downtown campus location might offer a different atmosphere than a main university campus, potentially with more integration into the local community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the hiring manager (Director of Creative Services) and potentially other team members. This session will focus on design process, rationale, and ability to articulate creative decisions. Questions will probe conceptual thinking, technical skills, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or challenge may be administered to evaluate proficiency in core design software (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and the ability to execute within specific constraints or under a time limit.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess how well the candidate integrates with the existing creative team and aligns with Southeastern University's values and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility across print and digital, strong branding application, and successful problem-solving.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, and the final outcome. Include sketches, mood boards, or early concepts if they illustrate your thinking.

• Highlight University/Non-Profit Work: If you have experience designing for educational institutions or non-profits, make sure to feature it prominently.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign outcomes).

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your technical approach and mastery of Adobe Creative Suite tools.

• Brand Adherence: Demonstrate an understanding of brand guidelines and how you applied them effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Constraints: If a design challenge is given, pay close attention to the brief, target audience, and any specific requirements or limitations.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between conceptualization, design execution, and refining your output.

• Clear Rationale: Be ready to explain your design choices, color palettes, typography, and overall strategy as if presenting to a client. Focus on how your design meets the stated objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their work but also to articulate their design thinking, process, and ability to meet specific client needs, such as those of a university.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe InDesign: Crucial for layout and design of print collateral (brochures, flyers, ads).
  • Adobe Illustrator: Key for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Adobe After Effects (Preferred): For motion graphics and animation, useful for digital content and video elements.

• Web Design Tools: Familiarity with basic web design principles and potentially working with CMS platforms or web developers.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with or ability to learn the university's system for organizing and storing design assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): Understanding how website graphics perform and how to optimize them for user engagement and conversion.

• Social Media Analytics: Ability to design graphics that align with platform best practices and contribute to engagement metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design supports marketing campaigns that might be tracked via CRM or marketing automation platforms would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The preferred mention of After Effects suggests a growing need for motion graphics, and experience with project management tools like Asana indicates a structured workflow within the department.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to producing visually appealing, high-quality creative work that elevates the university's brand.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and consistently applying the university's visual identity to maintain a strong and unified brand presence.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and work together to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency and Timeliness: Delivering projects on schedule and within budget, demonstrating an understanding of operational demands and stakeholder needs.

• Mission Alignment: Designing with an awareness of Southeastern University's mission and values, ensuring all creative output contributes positively to its educational objectives and recruitment efforts.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with the digital team, other university departments, and external vendors, emphasizing clear communication and partnership.

• Feedback Culture: An open environment for constructive criticism and iterative design improvements is likely fostered, allowing for continuous refinement of creative work.

• Shared Knowledge: Team members are expected to share best practices, insights into design trends, and knowledge of tools and techniques to elevate the collective skill set of the creative department.

📝 Enhancement Note: In a university setting, the values often revolve around service, integrity, and community. For a creative team, this translates to producing work that serves the university's mission, maintains ethical standards, and fosters a collaborative, supportive atmosphere.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas while strictly adhering to established university branding guidelines can be a delicate balance.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Working with multiple university departments, each with unique communication objectives and aesthetic preferences, requires strong diplomacy and design adaptability.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Digital Trends: The rapidly changing landscape of digital media and design requires continuous learning and adaptation to ensure designs remain current and effective.

• Meeting Accelerated Timelines: The demand for quick turnaround on marketing materials and digital assets can present a challenge in maintaining both speed and high-quality execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) Programs: The university's preference for this certification provides a clear pathway for formal training and validation of advanced software skills.

• Higher Education Marketing Conferences: Attending industry events can offer insights into best practices for educational marketing and design.

• Cross-Departmental Projects: Opportunities to work on projects with other university departments can broaden understanding of institutional operations and diverse communication needs.

• Mentorship from Director of Creative Services: Learning from an experienced leader can provide guidance on career development, strategic thinking, and advanced design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of creative roles in a large organization, particularly in managing expectations and adapting to evolving needs. Growth opportunities are tied to both technical skill development and strategic application of design within the higher education context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong creative concept with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on your process for navigating constraints and finding creative solutions within brand frameworks.)

• "Walk us through a complex design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio that showcases your problem-solving skills and project management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Southeastern University's mission and values, and how do you see your design work supporting them?" (Research the university's mission statement, vision, and core values thoroughly.)

• "How do you prefer to collaborate with team members and stakeholders? Describe your ideal creative team dynamic." (Highlight your teamwork skills and ability to give and receive constructive feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final output. Explain the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your thought process, sketches, and iterations. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that align with the requirements of this role—university branding, print collateral, digital assets, and marketing campaigns.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques you used and why you chose them.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Present your strongest points efficiently and be ready for deeper dives into specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a creative role should focus on showcasing not only technical skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Paycom.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with branding guidelines, print production, digital asset creation, and ideally, work within the education sector or for non-profit organizations.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and achievements relevant to the responsibilities outlined, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, preparing to discuss your design process, creative rationale, and how your skills align with Southeastern University's mission and marketing objectives.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Southeastern University's website, mission statement, current marketing campaigns, and visual identity to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their context.

⚠️ 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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