Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: UMass Amherst

Location: Amherst, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and produce on-brand visual assets for both digital and print platforms to support university-wide marketing and communications initiatives.

• Execute and adapt design concepts, leveraging established templates and brand standards under the guidance of senior designers and the Creative Director.

• Prepare accurate, production-ready files for print and digital output, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and accessibility compliance.

• Collaborate with internal teams and campus partners to maintain visual consistency and strengthen the university's brand identity across all channels.

• Utilize a range of design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and PowerPoint, to deliver high-quality, polished assets efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within "University Relations," specifically "MarCom," indicating a focus on external and internal communications that shape the university's public image and stakeholder engagement. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for self-management and strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office presence for team synergy and project oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create visually compelling and on-brand assets for diverse channels including web graphics, email campaigns, social media content, publications, and marketing collateral, adhering to established templates, systems, and brand standards.

• Assist in the ideation process by developing mood boards, visual references, mockups, and template variations, and adapt existing design concepts into refined, finished layouts.

• Meticulously prepare production-ready files for both print and digital output, ensuring correct formatting, color profiles, resolution, bleed, and accessibility compliance.

• Support ongoing brand refresh initiatives by updating visual identity elements, templates, and branded materials under the direction of leadership.

• Design and prepare files for environmental graphics, signage, and other physical applications, paying close attention to detail and specific production requirements.

• Develop, update, and maintain a library of reusable design templates across Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and PowerPoint to ensure institutional communication consistency.

• Ensure unwavering brand consistency across all deliverables by rigorously applying visual identity standards and conducting thorough cross-checks for accuracy.

• Execute digital assets tailored for email marketing, social media, and web platforms, prioritizing accessibility and platform-specific best practices.

• Perform detailed proofreading and quality assurance checks on content, formatting, image quality, and layout integrity prior to final release.

• Organize, maintain, and manage design files and assets to facilitate efficient retrieval, version control, and seamless cross-team usability.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and project managers to clarify project goals, manage feedback loops, and ensure timely milestone achievement.

• Track assignments and deadlines using project management tools such as Asana and proactively communicate progress and any potential roadblocks to senior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution, technical file preparation, and collaborative workflow management. The inclusion of "accessibility compliance" and "platform-specific best practices" highlights the need for a modern understanding of digital design principles beyond aesthetics, crucial for university-wide communications reaching diverse audiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience (two additional years of professional experience in lieu of a degree).

Experience: 2-4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong portfolio showcasing execution across digital and print mediums.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) for comprehensive design creation and manipulation.

• Competency in using Canva and PowerPoint to produce clean, on-brand, and presentation-ready materials.

• Strong understanding of brand systems and the discipline required to apply them accurately across multiple channels and asset types.

• Demonstrated experience producing high-volume, production-ready deliverables, including marketing collateral, presentations, internal communications, and digital assets.

• Solid knowledge of print production and file preparation best practices, with a keen eye for quality control and error prevention.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent requests, prioritize effectively, and deliver polished work on deadline with minimal supervision.

• Clear, professional communication skills to effectively take direction, incorporate feedback efficiently, and collaborate smoothly with marketing, communications, and cross-functional partners.

• Foundational understanding of typography, layout design, and visual hierarchy. Preferred Skills:

• Basic familiarity with HTML/CSS and an understanding of how design translates in web and email environments.

• Experience working with content management systems (e.g., Drupal) and digital asset management (DAM) platforms (e.g., Bynder or similar).

• Working knowledge of email design best practices, including layout, accessibility considerations, and handoff for email marketing platforms.

• Familiarity with motion or animation tools (e.g., After Effects); experience creating simple motion graphics is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize core design software proficiency and brand adherence, critical for a large institution. Preferred skills point towards a growing need for digital integration and multimedia capabilities, suggesting that candidates with these skills will have a competitive edge for future growth within the department.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates a minimum of 2-4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on execution and attention to detail across both digital and print mediums.

• Visual case studies showcasing the ability to adapt and refine existing design concepts into finished layouts, illustrating the design process from ideation to final execution.

• Examples of high-volume, production-ready deliverables, including marketing collateral, presentations, internal communications, and digital assets, with clear indications of their intended use and impact.

• Specific examples of creating and preparing production-ready files for print and digital output, highlighting attention to color profiles, resolution, bleed, and accessibility compliance.

• Demonstrations of applying established brand systems and visual identity standards accurately across multiple channels and asset types. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow management for concurrent requests, including prioritization strategies and timely delivery of polished work.

• Illustrate the process of collaborating effectively with stakeholders to clarify goals, manage feedback, and meet project milestones, potentially using project management tools like Asana.

• Include examples of maintaining design files and assets for efficient retrieval, version control, and cross-team usability.

• If applicable, demonstrate experience in developing or updating reusable design templates in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or PowerPoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as direct evidence of design capability, technical skill, and adherence to brand guidelines. Applicants should be prepared to articulate their design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they manage feedback and project timelines, particularly for a large, complex organization like a university.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the PSSAP Grade 26 classification and the provided link to UMass Amherst's Professional Staff Hiring Ranges, the salary for this role is expected to fall within a competitive range for entry to mid-level graphic designers in the Amherst, NY area. A typical range for a role with 2-4 years of experience at a university setting in this region could be an estimated $50,000 - $70,000 annually, depending on specific qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plans, likely including a 403(b) or similar university-sponsored plan with potential employer match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, in accordance with the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

• Tuition remission or educational assistance programs for employees and potentially dependents, a common benefit at academic institutions.

• Access to university facilities and resources, such as libraries, fitness centers, and employee assistance programs.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and potential for conference attendance.

Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, totaling 40 hours per week. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a portion of the work week to be performed remotely, subject to the terms of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical university pay scales for this grade and experience level in the region. The benefits package is inferred from standard offerings for full-time professional staff at a major public university, particularly those covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Applicants should refer to the provided link for precise salary band details.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Marketing & Communications

Company Size: UMass Amherst is a large public research university, employing tens of thousands of faculty and staff. This "large enterprise" environment means established processes, diverse stakeholders, and a significant brand presence. For a graphic designer, this translates to working on high-impact projects with broad reach, but also navigating internal structures and brand governance.

Founded: The University of Massachusetts was founded in 1863, with UMass Amherst established as its flagship campus. This long history implies a strong institutional identity, established traditions, and a culture that values academic rigor and public service.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director within the MarCom department, which is part of University Relations. This structure suggests a creative team environment with defined leadership and specialized roles.

• Day-to-day direction will come from senior designers, indicating a mentorship model and a collaborative workflow where junior members learn from and support experienced colleagues.

• Collaboration with campus partners is a key aspect, meaning interaction with various departments, faculty, and administrative units across the university. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Visuals: While not explicitly stated for design, the university context implies that design decisions are often informed by marketing goals, audience demographics, and the need for clear, effective communication of complex information.

• Brand Governance: A core methodology will be strict adherence to the university's brand standards, ensuring consistency and integrity of the visual identity across all communications.

• Workflow Optimization: The use of project management tools like Asana suggests a structured approach to managing creative requests, ensuring efficiency, and meeting deadlines within a high-volume environment.

Company Website: https://www.umass.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "University Relations" umbrella signifies that this role contributes to the university's overall reputation and outreach. The MarCom department likely acts as a central hub for creative services, requiring designers to be adaptable to various communication needs across academic, research, and administrative functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level Graphic Designer. It signifies a foundational professional role focused on execution and learning within a structured creative department. The title and responsibilities suggest a focus on applying established design principles and brand guidelines rather than leading strategic design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Director and receives day-to-day direction from senior designers. This indicates a clear chain of command and a supportive learning environment where skills are honed under expert supervision. Collaboration with various campus partners broadens exposure to different communication needs and stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is primarily on the visual communication and brand integrity of UMass Amherst. By creating compelling and consistent assets, this role directly supports marketing and communications efforts that aim to attract prospective students, engage current students and faculty, inform alumni, secure research funding, and enhance the university's overall reputation. Effective visual design contributes to clearer messaging, stronger brand recognition, and ultimately, the achievement of the university's strategic objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop deeper expertise in specific design areas such as digital design, web graphics, email marketing assets, or potentially motion graphics if supported by preferred qualifications.

• Brand Mastery: Become a subject matter expert in the UMass Amherst brand system, with the potential to guide others on its application.

• Senior Designer/Art Director Path: With continued development, experience, and demonstrated leadership in project execution, there is a potential career path towards a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role within MarCom, involving more conceptual work and team leadership.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Through collaboration with various campus partners, gain exposure to diverse communication challenges and potentially explore design roles in specialized university units.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely to involve deepening technical proficiency, expanding understanding of diverse communication needs within higher education, and demonstrating increasing autonomy and creativity within brand constraints.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," meaning a combination of on-site work at UMass Amherst's Amherst campus and remote work. The "Working Conditions" mention a standard office or indoor university environment with minimal physical exertion.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Amherst, MA. As part of a large university, there may be specific buildings or departments within the University Relations or MarCom umbrella where the design team is housed, offering a collaborative workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools and scheduled in-office days for team meetings, brainstorming, and direct interaction with senior designers and project managers.

• Tools & Technology: Access to up-to-date design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, PowerPoint) and potentially project management systems (Asana) is expected. The university IT infrastructure will support these tools.

• Team Interaction: In-office days will likely be structured around team meetings, project reviews, and cross-functional collaboration sessions to ensure alignment and foster a cohesive creative team dynamic.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for a portion of the work week to be performed remotely, which can support focused individual work and better work-life integration, while in-office days facilitate essential team and stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement implies a need for strong self-discipline and proactive communication. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively across both remote and on-campus settings, ensuring seamless project progression regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: The hiring team will review submitted resumes, cover letters, and portfolios. A strong portfolio demonstrating the required skills and experience is critical for advancing.

• Screening Interview: A preliminary interview, likely conducted by HR or a hiring manager, to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and UMass Amherst.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how they addressed project objectives. A design challenge or exercise may be given to assess problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work within brand guidelines under a time constraint.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the Creative Director, senior designers, and potentially key campus partners to evaluate technical skills, collaborative abilities, and fit with the team's working style.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with leadership within University Relations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (digital, print, brand adherence, production readiness). Prioritize projects that align with university communications if possible.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your design process (sketches, iterations), the final solution, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Brand Application: Emphasize projects where you successfully applied or adapted existing brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of brand systems.

• Detail Production Readiness: For print projects, discuss file preparation, color management, and any specific production considerations. For digital assets, mention accessibility and platform optimization.

• Be Concise and Professional: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished. Prepare a brief, engaging narrative for each piece.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research the UMass Amherst brand guidelines before any potential design challenge. Familiarize yourself with their visual identity, tone of voice, and approved imagery.

• Focus on Constraints: If given a challenge, pay close attention to the brief, any specified constraints (e.g., target audience, medium, brand elements), and the time limit.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Show your thinking process. Even if the final design isn't perfect, demonstrating how you approach a problem, brainstorm solutions, and justify your design choices is key.

• Prioritize Clarity and Brand Adherence: For a university setting, clear communication and strict brand adherence are often prioritized over radical creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses the job requirements, coupled with thoughtful preparation for potential design challenges, will be crucial for success in this application process. Demonstrating an understanding of higher education marketing needs will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in InDesign (layout and publishing), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and Photoshop (image editing, web graphics).

• Canva: Required for creating clean, on-brand presentation-ready materials and potentially for simpler digital asset creation, indicating a need for versatility beyond advanced professional tools.

• PowerPoint: Necessary for developing and updating presentation templates, a common requirement in corporate and academic environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary function, understanding how design assets perform on digital platforms (web, email, social media) is implied. Familiarity with basic analytics related to engagement metrics for digital content would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency or familiarity with tools like Asana is required for tracking assignments, deadlines, and progress.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Preferred familiarity with systems like Drupal, suggesting an understanding of how designs are implemented on the university's website.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Preferred experience with platforms like Bynder, indicating an ability to manage and organize large volumes of digital assets efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a blend of industry-standard professional design software and more accessible platforms like Canva and PowerPoint, reflecting the need for both high-quality output and efficient template-driven content creation for a broad range of university users.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A paramount value is the unwavering commitment to maintaining and enhancing the UMass Amherst brand identity through consistent and high-quality visual application.

• Collaboration: The role emphasizes working effectively with internal teams and campus partners, suggesting a culture that values teamwork, open communication, and mutual support.

• Efficiency & Accuracy: With a high volume of deliverables and a need for production-ready files, a value placed on accuracy, attention to detail, and efficient workflow management is implied.

• Service Orientation: As part of a university's marketing and communications arm, there's an underlying value of serving the university's mission by supporting its various departments and initiatives through effective design.

• Continuous Learning: The inclusion of preferred qualifications like HTML/CSS, motion graphics, and CMS familiarity suggests a culture that encourages skill development and adaptation to evolving design technologies and practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The hybrid work arrangement and reporting structure indicate that collaboration is key, with regular interaction with senior designers and project managers, as well as broader engagement with campus partners.

• Feedback-Driven: The role requires taking direction and incorporating feedback efficiently, suggesting a culture where constructive criticism is part of the design process for continuous improvement.

• Process-Aware: The use of project management tools and the emphasis on organized file management point to a culture that values structured workflows and clear communication channels to ensure projects run smoothly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances creative output with the systematic requirements of a large institution, emphasizing professionalism, brand stewardship, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Diverse Needs: Effectively applying UMass Amherst's brand guidelines across a wide array of departments and initiatives, each with potentially unique communication goals, can be challenging.

• High Volume and Tight Deadlines: Managing multiple concurrent requests and delivering polished work on deadline requires strong organizational skills, efficient time management, and the ability to perform under pressure.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Keeping pace with the latest digital design best practices, accessibility standards, and platform requirements for web, email, and social media.

• Navigating Stakeholder Feedback: Incorporating feedback from various campus partners, who may have differing opinions or priorities, while maintaining design integrity and brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Design Expertise: Opportunities to refine skills in core design software and explore specialized areas like digital design, accessibility, or motion graphics.

• Brand System Mastery: Become an expert in the UMass Amherst brand, understanding its nuances and applications across diverse contexts.

• Higher Education Marketing Insights: Gain valuable experience in marketing and communications within the higher education sector, understanding its unique challenges and opportunities.

• Project Management and Workflow Efficiency: Develop stronger project management skills through the use of tools like Asana and by navigating complex university workflows.

• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance and learning opportunities from senior designers and the Creative Director, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are standard for designers in large organizations, particularly universities. The growth opportunities are directly tied to mastering the role's core functions and leveraging the unique environment of higher education marketing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design asset under a tight deadline. How did you manage your time and ensure quality?" (Assesses time management, efficiency, and quality control.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple design projects, especially when working with different stakeholders?" (Evaluates understanding of brand systems and collaborative communication.)

• "Walk us through your process for preparing a design file for print production. What are the key considerations?" (Tests technical knowledge of print production and attention to detail.)

• "Imagine you receive conflicting feedback from two different stakeholders on a design project. How would you navigate this situation?" (Probes problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for UMass Amherst specifically, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our university's mission?" (Assesses research on the institution and alignment with its goals.)

• "Our team works in a hybrid environment. How do you manage your productivity and collaboration when working remotely versus on campus?" (Gauges adaptability to hybrid work and self-management capabilities.)

• "Describe your experience working with brand guidelines. How do you balance creative expression with adherence to established standards?" (Focuses on brand stewardship and creative problem-solving within constraints.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, start with the objective, your role, the challenge, your solution (design process), and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how each project demonstrates your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, brand application, digital asset creation, or print production readiness.

• Explain Your Choices: Be ready to justify design decisions, color palettes, typography choices, and layout compositions, linking them back to the project brief and target audience.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If applicable, mention how you incorporated feedback or collaborated with others on the project.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also the professionalism, adaptability, and collaborative spirit required to succeed within a large university marketing department. Emphasize your understanding of higher education and your ability to work within established frameworks.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at UMass Amherst:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the careers page.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 2-4 years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing skills in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, PowerPoint, brand management, and print/digital production. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Produced X number of assets per week").

• Curate your portfolio: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that showcase your versatility across digital and print mediums, your ability to adhere to brand guidelines, and your technical file preparation skills. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a professional website or PDF).

• Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your specific interest in UMass Amherst and the University Relations department. Clearly articulate how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements and mention any specific projects or aspects of the university that resonate with you.

• Prepare for potential challenges: Research UMass Amherst's brand guidelines thoroughly. Be ready to discuss your design process, how you handle feedback, and your experience within a hybrid work environment. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely.

⚠️ 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.