Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: The Harker School

Location: San Jose, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Marketing & Communications Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-22

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is central to the Office of Communication, focusing on the strategic visual representation of The Harker School across all platforms.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and producing a wide array of print and digital assets that uphold and advance the school's brand identity.

• Key to this position is cross-functional collaboration with academic, administrative, and external departments to ensure design projects align with institutional goals and effectively communicate the school's mission.

• The role also involves managing and maintaining the school's digital asset management system, ensuring all visual assets are organized, accessible, and adhere to brand guidelines for internal and external use.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and context (e.g., working with various departments, managing digital assets, maintaining brand identity for an educational institution) indicate a role that intersects with marketing operations and communications strategy, requiring a blend of creative execution and operational management of visual assets. The mention of specific professional organizations (UCDA, AIGA, CASE) suggests a commitment to industry best practices and professional development vital in operations-focused creative roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, revise, and produce a comprehensive suite of materials, including but not limited to handbooks, flyers, posters, programs, logos, corporate stationery, digital displays, presentation templates, email graphics, advertisements, social media graphics, signage, and merchandise, ensuring consistent brand messaging.

• Uphold and meticulously maintain the school's brand identity guidelines across all print and digital platforms, acting as a brand guardian for visual communications.

• Collaborate closely with the Eagle Store Manager to provide art direction and ensure brand alignment for uniforms, merchandise, and promotional items, overseeing visual consistency from concept to production.

• Oversee, manage, and maintain the internal digital asset management system (DAM) and institutional archives, ensuring efficient organization, retrieval, and compliance of all visual assets.

• Create, manage, and optimize school logos and graphics files for departmental use, ensuring correct vectorization, file formats, and web-readiness for diverse applications.

• Produce or source appropriate artwork and illustrations as needed, and skillfully select, edit, and optimize photography to enhance project visual appeal and effectiveness.

• Stay abreast of current industry trends, emerging design technologies, and best practices in graphic design and marketing communications, proactively recommending enhancements to departmental effectiveness and efficiency.

• Participate actively in professional development opportunities and maintain memberships in relevant professional organizations such as UCDA, AIGA, and CASE to foster continuous learning and industry engagement.

• Partner effectively with colleagues within the Office of Communication, across various school departments, and with external vendors to ensure seamless project execution, timely delivery, and adherence to project scope and budget.

• Understand and support the mission of The Harker School and the department, contributing to a productive, supportive, positive, and dynamic work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for systematic management of design assets and processes, aligning with operations principles. The emphasis on brand consistency and cross-departmental support points to a role that requires strong process adherence and stakeholder management, common in operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud: Mastery of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat Pro DC for professional design and production workflows.

• Strong Design Fundamentals: Deep understanding of typography, color theory, layout principles, and design aesthetics, particularly for text-heavy publications and marketing collateral.

• Print Production Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of print production processes, file preparation, color separations, pre-press requirements, and vendor communication.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Proven ability to manage, organize, and maintain digital asset libraries, including understanding of metadata, file formats, and version control.

• Brand Identity Management: Demonstrated ability to consistently apply and enforce brand guidelines across diverse media.

• Proficiency in Productivity Suites: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) for general business operations and collaboration.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with collaboration platforms such as Slack and Zoom for effective team communication and project coordination.

• Excellent Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication abilities for clear articulation of design concepts, feedback, and project requirements to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Web and Digital Design: Experience with UX/UI principles, basic HTML/CSS, and designing for web, email, and social media platforms.

• Vendor Management: Experience working with and managing freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and external print/production vendors.

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management methodologies for tracking multiple design projects simultaneously, managing timelines, and prioritizing tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, print production, and DAM systems directly relates to the operational execution of design tasks. The preferred skills in web design and vendor management suggest a pathway for growth into more strategic operations roles within communications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of design capabilities, including print collateral (brochures, handbooks), digital assets (web banners, social media graphics), branding projects (logos, style guides), and merchandise designs.

• Process Documentation: Examples of how design projects were conceptualized and executed, highlighting problem-solving approaches, design iterations, and final outcomes.

• Brand Consistency Examples: Specific pieces within the portfolio that clearly illustrate the ability to maintain and enforce brand identity across different mediums.

• Technical Proficiency Demonstrations: Visual evidence of expertise in Adobe Creative Suite applications, showcasing complex design techniques and file preparation for print and digital use.

• Impact and Results: Where possible, include examples that demonstrate the impact of design work, such as increased engagement, successful event promotion, or effective communication of school initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and articulate the standard design workflow from brief to final delivery, including stages for client feedback and revisions.

• System Integration: Understanding of how design assets are integrated into broader communication strategies and digital platforms (e.g., website, social media scheduling tools, email marketing platforms).

• Asset Management Protocols: Evidence of experience in organizing and managing design files within a digital asset management system, showcasing understanding of naming conventions, tagging, and version control.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative operations role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of an applicant's ability to execute design tasks efficiently and effectively within established brand and production frameworks. Highlighting process documentation within the portfolio demonstrates an operations-minded approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $88,000 annually.

Benefits:

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

• Retirement Planning: Access to retirement plan options to support long-term financial security.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample paid time off for work-life balance.

• School Holidays: Enjoy time off during designated school holidays.

• On-Campus Perks:

  • Complimentary daily lunches and access to campus dining facilities.
  • Vibrant campus community, events, and activities.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically working Monday through Friday. Daily hours will be discussed during the interview process, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard professional operations schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level Graphic Designer role in the San Jose, CA area, considering the cost of living and the specialized environment of an independent school. The benefits package is robust, reflecting an employer that values employee well-being and professional growth, common for established educational institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Private K-12 Education. The Harker School is a leading independent school known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on holistic student development. This context means the Office of Communication plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, attracting prospective families, and supporting the school's mission.

Company Size: The Harker School is a significant institution with multiple campuses and a substantial student body and staff, indicating a well-resourced and professionally structured environment. This size implies a need for robust operational processes, including clear communication channels and efficient asset management.

Founded: The Harker School was founded in 1993, establishing a strong history and reputation in the educational landscape. This longevity suggests a stable organization with established traditions and a forward-looking vision, where operational consistency and brand integrity are highly valued.

Team Structure:

• Office of Communication: This department is likely structured to support various facets of the school's outreach, including marketing, public relations, internal communications, and digital presence. The Graphic Designer will be a key creative resource within this team.

• Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager or director within the Office of Communication, likely overseeing marketing and design functions. This structure ensures alignment with broader communication strategies.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with numerous departments, including Admissions, Advancement, Academics, Athletics, and Performing Arts. This interdepartmental work requires strong communication and project management skills, typical of operations roles.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Insights: While creative, design decisions will likely be informed by communication goals, target audience insights, and the school's mission, reflecting a data-informed approach common in operational strategy.

• Process Optimization: The role involves creating and maintaining systems (like the DAM) and workflows for design projects, emphasizing efficiency and consistent output.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging design software features and potentially exploring integrations to streamline production and asset delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the educational sector and the specific mission of The Harker School is crucial for a designer aiming to create impactful visuals. The collaborative nature and emphasis on brand integrity point to a structured environment where operational excellence in communications is a priority.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Graphic Designer position, requiring 2-5 years of professional experience. It sits within the operational framework of the Office of Communication, focusing on the execution and management of visual assets aligned with institutional goals. The role demands not just creative talent but also organizational skills and an understanding of production processes.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a lead within the Office of Communication, who likely oversees marketing strategy, content creation, and departmental operations. This reporting line ensures that design work is aligned with broader institutional objectives and communication plans.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the school's external perception, internal communication clarity, and brand consistency. Effective design operations contribute to successful marketing campaigns, robust admissions outreach, and a unified institutional image, all critical for the school's reputation and operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Project Leadership: Potential to take ownership of larger, more complex design projects, leading them from conceptualization through execution, and managing vendor relationships.

• Operations Process Improvement: Contribute to the enhancement of the Office of Communication's design workflows, DAM system, and brand asset management protocols, moving towards more strategic operations involvement.

• Cross-Departmental Impact: Gain exposure to various school functions, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to broader institutional initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential leans towards becoming a more senior designer or a specialized creative operations lead within the institution, focusing on strategic asset management and process improvement rather than just execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at The Harker School's Upper School campus in San Jose, CA. This implies a professional, academic setting with access to campus facilities and a community of educators and students. The environment is likely collaborative and mission-driven.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Upper School campus at 500 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129. The role may require occasional travel between campuses or to external vendor locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Office of Communication fosters a team-oriented atmosphere, encouraging idea sharing and collaborative problem-solving on design projects.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud software, potentially other design and project management tools, and standard office productivity software. High-quality workstations are expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues within the Office of Communication, as well as with stakeholders from various school departments, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and project requirements.

Work Schedule:

• Standard professional hours, Monday through Friday, with daily hours to be discussed. While typically a 40-hour week, the role may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines or cover events, a common expectation in operations roles supporting dynamic institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles where direct collaboration, access to campus resources, and hands-on management of physical/digital assets are essential. The mention of occasional evening/weekend work highlights the operational demands of supporting a school calendar.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for relevant experience, technical skills (Adobe Creative Suite), and alignment with educational/non-profit environments.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they managed projects from start to finish. This stage assesses creative thinking, technical proficiency, and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, ability to interpret a brief, and speed/efficiency under timed conditions. This could involve creating a quick design concept or revising an existing piece.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key members of the Office of Communication and potentially representatives from departments the designer would support. This assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to understand diverse stakeholder needs.

• Final Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager or director to finalize details and assess overall fit with the school's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Include work-in-progress shots, sketches, or explanations of design decisions to demonstrate your thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Highlight Brand Management: Feature examples where you successfully applied or developed brand guidelines, illustrating your understanding of brand consistency.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or anecdotal evidence of how your designs contributed to project success (e.g., increased event attendance, higher engagement rates).

• Tailor to Education: Showcase any experience with educational institutions or non-profits, emphasizing an understanding of their unique communication challenges and audiences.

• Organize for Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, with clear project titles, descriptions, and your role in each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the School's Brand: Thoroughly research The Harker School's mission, values, current marketing materials, and overall brand aesthetic.

• Practice with Core Tools: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop under pressure.

• Think Operationally: For any design challenge, consider not just aesthetics but also production feasibility, timeline constraints, and brand consistency.

• Prepare to Articulate Decisions: Be ready to explain why you made specific design choices, linking them back to project objectives and brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role with operational responsibilities will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process and how they manage projects, not just present finished work. The potential for a design challenge underscores the need for practical, in-the-moment skill demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential and comprehensive suite including:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of publications, brochures, handbooks, and other print materials.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For logo creation, vector graphics, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For photo editing, manipulation, digital graphics, and web assets.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro DC: For PDF creation, editing, and pre-press checks.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word for content integration, PowerPoint for presentations, Excel for basic data handling.

• Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive for collaborative document creation and cloud storage.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): While not a primary responsibility, understanding how design impacts web traffic and user engagement is beneficial.

• Social Media Analytics: Familiarity with performance metrics for social media graphics.

• Print Production Software: Familiarity with RIP software or prepress tools used by commercial printers.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: Key responsibility for managing and maintaining the school's library of visual assets.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Designing email graphics and templates for campaigns.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Potentially updating website graphics or templates (e.g., WordPress).

• Collaboration Tools: Slack for team communication, Zoom for virtual meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role's technical requirements lies within the Adobe Creative Cloud. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. The mention of DAM systems points to an operational focus on asset lifecycle management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free design work that meets deadlines and exceeds expectations.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep respect for and adherence to the school's brand identity, ensuring consistency and integrity across all communications.

• Collaborative Spirit: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within the Office of Communication and with other school departments.

• Mission Alignment: A genuine desire to contribute to the educational mission of The Harker School through effective visual communication.

• Efficiency & Organization: A proactive approach to managing workload, organizing assets, and optimizing design processes for maximum productivity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with department representatives to understand their needs, gather feedback, and ensure design solutions are effective and well-received.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: Participating in constructive feedback sessions, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and improve workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design best practices, tips, and insights with team members and potentially other departments to foster a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and a strong connection to the institution's mission, which is typical for a reputable educational organization. The operational aspect is reflected in the emphasis on efficiency and process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand/Institutional Constraints: Navigating the need for innovative design while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and the specific communication needs of an educational institution.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Demands: Juggling requests from various departments, each with unique priorities and perspectives, requiring strong prioritization and communication skills.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Design Trends & Technologies: Continuously updating skills to incorporate new design approaches, software features, and digital media requirements within a potentially traditional sector.

• Maintaining Digital Asset Integrity: Ensuring the DAM system is consistently and accurately maintained, which can be challenging with high volumes of assets and diverse user needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in events like UCDA (University & College Designers Association), AIGA, or CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) for professional growth.

• Software Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in advanced features of Adobe Creative Cloud and exploring new design and productivity tools.

• Web & UX/UI Training: Developing skills in digital design to expand the scope of contributions and align with modern communication needs.

• Operations & Project Management Training: Learning methodologies to improve workflow efficiency, asset management, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are common in operations-focused creative roles within established organizations. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both creative and operational skill sets.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a creative design vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Assesses ability to work within operational constraints.)

• "How do you prioritize design requests when multiple departments have urgent needs?" (Evaluates project management and operational decision-making.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a piece of marketing collateral, from receiving the brief to final delivery." (Focuses on workflow and process understanding.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for an educational institution like The Harker School?" (Gauges cultural fit and mission alignment.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate for a specific brand?" (Assesses continuous learning and strategic application.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell Your Story: For each project, explain the objective, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Point out how you managed timelines, collaborated with stakeholders, handled feedback, and ensured brand consistency and production readiness.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used, especially for complex projects.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle revisions or critiques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of process, brand management, and operational efficiency, crucial for a role within an established institution's communications department.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/2EC1E2200E8CA2598FE71F8061BF06F7/jobs/515496

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in print, digital design, and brand management. Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your design process and problem-solving abilities, tailoring it to highlight experience relevant to educational institutions if possible.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "InDesign," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," "Brand Identity," "Digital Asset Management," "Print Production," and "Cross-functional Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 50+ marketing assets per semester").

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with someone. Focus on clearly articulating your design decisions, the challenges you overcame, and the operational aspects of your projects (e.g., timeline management, vendor coordination).

• Research The Harker School: Thoroughly understand the school's mission, values, target audience, and current visual communications. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their brand and operational needs.

⚠️ 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.